Rules of Engagement
Director William Friedkin is unquestionably a great filmmaker!  What is at question is why his material isn't as top-notch as his works of the '70s!
That's not to say "Rule of Engagement" isn't entertaining, it is!  However,
one can't watch it without realizing that its story veers towards commercial predictability rather than boldly going down uncharted paths as "French Connection", and "The Exorcist" had. 
The film definitely has resonance today, as its basic conflict revolves
around a military trial for events taking place in "Yemen". 
The predictable structure of the film is set in the opening sequence, set
during the Vietnam War.  Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones are Marine officers.  While on a mission, Lee's men are ambushed, and while being cut-to-pieces with machine guns fire, Jackson's team saves the day. The set-up of this sequence, while technically brilliant, is far too
manufactured for its own good!  We know the rest of the film takes place years later, so when year later, Jackson is on trial for military orders he's made that result in the killing of Civilians, the entire sub-plot
involving Jones' concerns with taking the role of defense counsel at the
court martial, is not only predictable, it's annoying!
Director Friedkin has long sought to make a courtroom drama, and it's a
shame that his earlier attempt to bring a script, "The Sea Galley?" wasn't
successful, as it appears to be far superior to the material offered here.
Former Secretary of the Navy, James Webb, is responsible for the story, and while it offers the potential at exploring various ethical dilemmas, it
falls far short in its outcome.
The transfer from PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO is flawless!  The correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio is maintained with 16:9 enhancement!  There is incredible detail and resolution in every instance!  The opening sequence set in the jungles of Vietnam, perfectly demonstrates the unsurpassable quality of dvd, when done right!!!  There are no artifacts and colors are bold without ever succumbing to oversaturation.  Fleshtones appear natural.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundmix is also of DEMONSTRATION QUALITY!!! The film's opening battle sequence offers non-stop atmospheric "and" directional effects.  It's a spectacular opening, demonstrating just how staggering properly designed surround sound mixes can be.  While a good portion of the film has a more subdued sound presence, particularly in court sequences, there are still plenty of creatively designed sequences to make this an extremely active mix.  A fist-fight sequence actually takes on battlefield proportions due to the mix.  There are also some outstanding .1 LFE effects, certain to push a subwoofer to the limit! 
PARAMOUNT is offering some worthwhile supplements for this dvd.  "A LOOK INSIDE" is a better-than-average promotional featurette with cast/crew interviews.  There is also a more "in-depth" "Behind-the-scenes" featurette, exploring the development of the script and other production info.
Our favorite offering is the "Director's Commentary" in which Friedkin is
more candid about his work than ever before!  One of the things making it so compelling is his honestly in admitting that his perception of events may be entirely wrong, and the viewer should make his/her own mind up about the meaning behind certain things. The script actually does have its stellar moments, and overall, in spite of the film's predictability, this is one of the more entertaining films of the past year.  That, together with a
spectacular dvd presentation, makes "RULES OF ENGAGEMENT" one of the "Best" choices of dvds to add to a collection in the past year!