Reindeer Games"

BUENA VISTA has released a "Special Edition" version of "REINDEER GAMES".  Director John Frankenheimer's preferred version of the film includes approximately 19 minutes of reinserted footage.  This new footage primarily lengthens certain scenes, adding more character development and logic to the plot.  Perhaps the best new footage, other than Ben Affleck' and Charlize Theron's extended sex scene, is when Affleck learns of her character while in prison. It actually makes the risk associated with his upcoming actions more understandable.  The film stars Ben Affleck as a prisoner whom assumes the identity of a fellow inmate killed in a brawl.  His intention is to meet the beautiful pen-pal of the prisoner for a romantic interlude.  Plot twist after plot twist unfolds, as his impersonation makes him an unwitting accomplice in a plot to rob an Indian casino at Christmas time.  The dark opening sets the pace and actually gives a little too much away about the robbery-to-be, for its own good.  Frankenheimer creates a fine pace and atmosphere to the film and the acting is great. Gary Sinese gives one of his better performances here as a real bad guy.  While the film's final minutes leave a lot to be desired, instilling more anger than satisfaction, the rest of the film makes it worthwhile viewing. 

 The film's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact with 16:9
enhancement.  Unfortunately, the color values are a little lacking in
depth here, even drab at times.  Fleshtones appear natural. 

The dolby digital 5.1 soundmix isn't as aggressive as we'd expected from the director of such incredible action films such as "RONIN", but it does have a fair share of surround and directional effects moments.  The musical score is wonderful and it's used effectively throughout the
film, adding to the film's intensity at the right moments, while the
speakers engulf the listener.

While there was a director's commentary on the previous disc,
Frankenheimer adds even more commentary here, explaining the differences between the theatrical version and his preferred version.  Most interesting are Frankenheimer's opinions about test-screenings.  It's in this part, wherein we learn a great deal about the process in relation to "scores" and other related information.  Frankenheimer is quite candid here, and it's one of the best commentaries we've heard.
BUENA VISTA has generously included a supplement offering scenes that have been altered for the director's cut as they were originally shown in the theatrical version, for comparison.

A featurette featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage is
included here.

The original theatrical trailer is also offered, but only in full-frame
and Dolby 2.0 sound.