OCEAN’S ELEVEN

Thankfully, the newest version of “OCEAN’S ELEVEN” bares no resemblance to the original.  The only thing taken from that rat-pack film, made with a cast of people nursing their hangovers, is the title and the “crime-caper” theme.

Director Steve Soderbergh loves to explore the criminal world, and he likes unusual, likeable characters.  George Clooney as as Danny Ocean is not at all dissimilar to the criminal he played in Soderbergh’s earlier film, “OUT OF SIGHT”.  Danny is on the “Wrong” side of the law, but it’s the only side he knows, and he’s a decent guy, when not stealing!  And, of course, he looks far better when compared to the really bad guys trying to thwart his plans.  When Danny’s paroled, he immediately plots his next big heist., robbing the underground vault of major hotels in Vegas, all controlled by Andy Garcia, whom also coincidentally, is dating Danny’s ex, Julia Roberts.  In order to pull off this heist,  Danny needs to find “eleven” other co-horts. These “others”  comprise of Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, Scot Caan and Casey Affleck, Carl Reiner, Elliot Gould, Eddie Jemison, and Shaobo Oin.  All of these characters are introduced in vintage “Soderbergh” style, and it’s brilliant.  Soderbergh also handled the cinematography on this film under another name, and it’s easy to see why everyone jumps at the chance to work for him.  Every shot is brilliantly composed, complimenting not only who’s on-screen, but the overall atmosphere as well.  It’s a “slick” film in every manner!  Everything about it feels cool!  Even the music makes one want to snap their fingers with a laid-back, self-assured confidence, resembling Ocean’s devil-may-care style!

WARNER BROS has presented the film with its correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  Although there are some minor elements with grain, it’s sharper than it appeared in the theater.  There’s great depth and clarity to every scene.  Colors are bold and vibrant, but never over-saturated.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.  Blacks and grays are deep. 

The soundmix is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1.  Surprisingly, the soundmix isn’t as aggressive as we’d expected.  There are some surround moments, but overall, they’re confined to boosting the film’s terrific score.  The front soundstage offers numerous directional effects.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia are featured on a running commentary, offering loads of laughs, as well as background gossip relating to Clooney and the film’s production.  This is a “fun” commentary, and shouldn’t be missed!  Another commentary offers the film’s writer, Ted Griffin and Steven Soderberg.  While not as captivating as his previous commentaries on other dvds, it’s still a great chance to learn about filmmaking. He and Griffin compliment one another here, and there’s more discussion than typical about the writing process.  While there are some long passages of silence, it’s worth wading through. 

Two featurettes are also offered. 

 “MAKING OF” offers interviews and some “behind-the-scenes” stuff, entirely self-promotional. 

“LOOK OF THE CON” explores how the look of the film was created, offering  interviews with Soderberg and others.