Enemy at the gates

 Director Jean-Jacques Annaud is a half-brilliant director! Unfortunately, he’s half “bad” as well.  From the opening battle segment, Annaud manages to draw the viewer into the gritty world he’s created, reminiscent in tone of “SAVING PRIVATE RYAN”, but only much darker. 

 The insanity and harshness for the average Russian soldier is depicted in the opening sequence mentioned quite brilliantly.  As German planes riddle the boats transporting Russian troops to shreds, and soldiers begin jumping for their lives, they’re being shot at by their commanding officers for jumping!  It’s a harrowing scene, and there are many more like it throughout the film.  The story, concerns a Russian sharpshooter, whom higher ups believe they can use to boost morale.  After creating propaganda flyers, Nazis obtain them and determine they must bring in their best sniper to eliminate the Russian sniper, to save face and win a war or propaganda.  The story is based on fact, and it’s an interesting and stirring one on its own, so it’s disappointing that the “true” tale became so fictionalized, having a “love” story created for an intended larger audience.  The love story doesn’t work!  It actually drags the film down significantly, and it never feels right!  However, the tension existing due to the rival snipers, is thoroughly engrossing, and makes the film ultimately worthwhile, and overcome its narrative flaws.

 PARAMOUNT has given this dvd an outstanding transfer! The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact, with 16:9 enhancement. There is great detail in every scene, and while the level of grain varies, it appears intentional for a “gritty”, documentary-like feel. Color values are also impressive. While numerous scenes call for subdued levels, colors are intense and vibrant when needed.  The contrast is outstanding, creating depth and clarity in even the darkest scenes, of which there are many.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is also impressive.  There are directional and rear speaker effects for every battle scene, but even the subtle atmospheric effects are quite impressive.  All speakers are utilized in creating the harsh environment these soldiers are part of, and there are layers of effects used to assist in this effort.  Dialogue is always clear and intelligible in spite of a complex and “big” mix!  There are a lot of bass and LFE effects, certain to push any subwoofer to the limit!

PARAMOUNT has packaged a lot of supplements with this release, including

“DELETED SCENES”:  Nine scenes are offered in 2.35:1, without 16:9 enhancement.  Only two of them are really interesting enough to make one ponder why they were cut, but there’s no commentary to offer any explanation.

“INSIDE ENEMY AT THE GATES”:  Basically consists of interviews with Annaud and the major cast players.  Less “promotional” than many studio documentaries.

 

“THROUGH THE CROSSHAIRS”- Although some of the footage used here is needless, some of the “Behind-the scenes” footage is really entertaining to watch, especially in regards to the massive set construction required for such an “epic”-like endeavor.

The theatrical trailer is included, in Dolby 2.0.