Crimson Tide (Extended Cut) (DVD)

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TITLE: Crimson Tide (Extended Cut)

RATING: ****½

CAST: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortenson, James Gandofinni, Rocky Carroll, Jaime P. Gomez, Danny Nucci, Rick Schroder, Steve Zahn, Ryan Phillippe, Lillo Brancato, Daniel Von Bargen, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Jason Robards.

DIRECTOR: Tony Scott

SCREENWRITERS: Michael Schiffer; Richard P. ...
...of the best, however, is CRIMSON TIDE, the underwater rouser from producers Don Simpson & Jerry Bruckheimer, and director Tony Scott. All of them had brought us the immensely popular TOP GUN, though CRIM SON TIDE makes the former look like a wuss by comparison. Both of them have macho characters in a military setting, though CRIMSON TIDE doesn't get bogged down in heavy-handed romance and egotistic nonsense. The last thing that CRIMSON TIDE needs ... more

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TITLE: Crimson Tide (Extended Cut)

RATING: ****½

CAST: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortenson, James Gandofinni, Rocky Carroll, Jaime P. Gomez, Danny Nucci, Rick Schroder, Steve Zahn, Ryan Phillippe, Lillo Brancato, Daniel Von Bargen, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Jason Robards.

DIRECTOR: Tony Scott

SCREENWRITERS: Michael Schiffer; Richard P. Henrick & Michael Schiffer (story)

ADDITIONAL DIALOGUE: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne & Steven Zaillian (uncredited)

STUDIO: Hollywood Pictures

RUNNING TIME: 115 Minutes (Theatrical), 122 Minutes (Extended Cut)

RATED: R (US) & 15 (UK); contains strong language and some violence.

DVD AVAILABILITY: 4 GBP from Amazon; ASIN# B000CDGVQ2

EXTENDED CUT DVD: 6 GBP from Amazon; ASIN# B000HWXQL6

BLU-RAY AVAILABILITY: 19 GBP from Amazon; ASIN# B000PI3UEU

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PART ONE: DANGER RUNS DEEP

Over the past 50 years, Hollywood has churned out their fair share of submarine thrillers. In the late 1950s, we had RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP and THE ENEMY BELOW. In 1981, director Wolfgang Peterson made what is probably the finest one of the genre, DAS BOAT, aka THE BOAT. In 1989, we had THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER with Sean Connery, which many people loved-not me, though. In 2000, there was U-571 which focused on a German U-boat from WW2. And, finally, in 2004, we had K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER, which was based on a true story and starred Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson. One of the best, however, is CRIMSON TIDE, the underwater rouser from producers Don Simpson & Jerry Bruckheimer, and director Tony Scott. All of them had brought us the immensely popular TOP GUN, though CRIM SON TIDE makes the former look like a wuss by comparison. Both of them have macho characters in a military setting, though CRIMSON TIDE doesn't get bogged down in heavy-handed romance and egotistic nonsense. The last thing that CRIMSON TIDE needs a romance when you are dealing with nuclear missiles being fueled! In the words of Gene Hackman's character, "They are fueling their missiles…we don't have time to f*ck around!"

With two giant, magnificent stars giving kick-ass performances, a supporting cast which features many stars-to-be, a thundering score, and even a screenplay with contributions by Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne, and Steven Zaillian (all Oscar winners, by the way), CRIMSON TIDE's credentials are indeed mighty with a capital M. I'm telling you all right now that seeing this film in a theater was a rollicking, earth-shaking experience…to say the least. Even 13 years later, it hasn't lost a bit of its impact. Unlike other submarine thrillers, this is one isn't afraid to include politics and racial irony. It's not afraid to skirt believability a bit. It even has the balls to show a Jack Russell pissing on a submarine. Add in some torpedo dogfights, developed characters, and a battle between morals vs. following orders, and you got yourself one hell of a ride. As most of you know, I served in the U.S. Navy for eight years. Sure, there are some unrealistic inconsistencies that annoy me to know end. However, it works extremely well for a civilian audience who are not aware of what's honest in terms of Navy rules and procedures. Uh, oh…red alert, red alert, time to reveal what CRIMSON TIDE is actually about.

The Cold War may be over, though the relations between U.S. and Russia are straining quickly. The Russian president is threatening war, and the U.S. is ready to answer by sending the U.S.S. Alabama into harm's way. Before the sub can deploy, however, Capt. Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman, UNFORGIVEN, RUNAWAY JURY) must get himself a new Executive Officer (or, XO in Navy terminology). Enter Lt. Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington, TRAINING DAY, AMERICAN GANGSTER). Graduate at the top of his class, Harvard alumni, served on several commands (including one as XO), he seems to be the ideal candidate. However, both have different perspectives when it comes to war. Capt. Ramsey is the one with over 20 years of experience, committed to following orders, and never allows emotions to affect his judgments. Lt. Cmdr Hunter, however, has limited combat experience, feels that war is the true enemy and shouldn't be initiated unless there is no other choice. The major conflict comes when the Alabama receives an EAM (read: emergency action message) stating that the Russians are fueling their nuclear missiles, triggering the start of World War III. As a result, Capt. Ramsey does his duty and prepares to launch his missiles at the Russian empire.

Two more challenges arise, though. First, a Russian Akula submarine is creeping up beside them, which pushes Ramsey more into firing his missiles. However, when a second EAM arrives incomplete, Hunter feels they should wait until they get a full verification before attacking Russia. As a result, the unthinkable happens when both officers verbally clash. The result: Hunter starts a mutiny and orders the arrest of Ramsey! The ship is now divided emotionally and confrontationally. Whose side should they take? If Ramsey is right, then they MUST launch the missiles. However, if Hunter is right, they COULD be saving the lives of millions. The power to gain control of the sub is now underway…

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PART TWO: SONAR THIS HOLLYWOOD!

Despite the fact that I love this movie, I think now is the right time to get out of the way my negative quibbles of CRIMSON TIDE-however big or small they may be. Those of you who have seen the film already should be made aware of a few things which are completely bogus. In the film, Capt. Ramsey has a Jack Russell named "Bear" who goes everywhere with him…including on a nuclear submarine during a war!? Even in peacetime, animals (domesticated or otherwise) are NEVER allowed onboard; that includes fish, and there are several shots of the sailors admiring fish in a tank. That being said, much of the naval procedures and jargon in the script are mostly-if not perfectly accurate-including the phone communications and drill exercises.

What are completely false are the sonar systems in the film. I was a Sonarman in the Navy myself, and we didn't have passive displays that looked like a blasted video game was being played. Furthermore, spots in the shape of subs or torpedoes don't move on the screens either. That's about as stupid as when the guy in HOT SHOTS sneezes on his sonar console and says, "I see a blimp, a big shiny blimp…and it's slowly moving south!" Yes, there are Russian submarines that we refer to as Akulas, but they are not displayed on a screen by name. They are identified by their propulsion and emissions…and revealing anymore may get me arrested. At least the dogfights play better in this than in TOP GUN however; in the latter film, they were borderline laughable!

Amazingly enough, the Navy did not support making the film. Why is that? Answer: this film depicts the worst case scenario that could ever arise. What I think is hilarious is that all the shots of the Alabama deploying and submerging were done without the Navy's permission. Director Tony Scott and his crew actually shot everything from a helicopter as the ship was moving! All of the interiors were obviously done on soundstages. Though, to give the production designers and set decorators credit, they did in fact make them look like areas on a real submarine for the most part. The phones, mikes, passageways, hatches, and galley all look remarkably authentic. Without the Navy's support, the filmmakers relied on retired military advisors to give the film the right look. Despite the obtrusive Hollywood elements such as Jack Russells, fish tanks, and Pac-Man-like sonar systems, the crew overall did a miraculous job. Oh, yes, and the uniforms are all dead-on, right down to the creases in the officer khakis and the medals/ribbons above the pockets. Believe me when I say that I actually wore those blue coveralls for years while being deployed out at sea.

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PART THREE: PRESERVING DEMOCRACY…NOT PRACTICING IT

With all those inaccuracies out of the way, CRIMSON TIDE remains incredibly entertaining. The filmmakers succeed in making you feel like you are exhibiting claustrophobia and anxiety on an actual submarine. The effect is so real that you can actually feel the sweat coming down the characters' faces. Director Scott is mostly known for his hyperkinetic stylistics, which are all present in his other films such as DAYS OF THUNDER, THE FAN and DOMINO. Quite frankly, I think most of Scott's films are pure crap, but CRIMSON TIDE is different. It's his best film because it embraces realism over excess. Wisely, he tells most of the story in angled close-ups and lets his actors carry the film. Never, not once, does Scott go over the top and rely on visual indulgences. As a matter of fact, CRIMSON TIDE is a relatively calm film when you compare it to others on the Simpson-Bruckheimer resume. These are the guys who are responsible for extremely violent action films like THE ROCK, CON AIR, and the BAD BOYS films. Unlike those other films however, CRIMSON TIDE is much more intelligently written and executed. Instead of relying on ridiculous action scenes, this one almost plays like a stage play…albeit one with waves upon waves of tension.

That brings us to the script by Michael Schiffer, whose primary contribution has been those "Call of Duty" video games. While he has written few scripts, this manages to have some strong dialogue; though, that is surely due to the uncredited contributions by Tarantino, Towne, and Zaillian. As you would expect, the number of profanities is rather high but, hey, that is really how military personnel talk. There are even few crude overtones, but I think they fit extremely well. For example, when several officer s are arguing over the validity of the orders, Lt. Zimmer says: "That's the whole f*cking point is that we don't have time to confirm messages while they are fueling missiles. Huh? You don't put on a condom unless you're going to f*ck!" Hey, you have to admit that is a striking metaphor for the situation playing out. However, the best dialogue is in the scenes where Hackman & Washington are verbally duking it out, and I would guess that Tarantino is the one responsible for them. I'm specifically referring to when they talk about horses, and hip words are being exchanged which actually parallel the action and/or characters. The most memorable line is when Hunter disagrees with Ramsey's action to run a drill after a real fire has been extinguished; in response, Ramsey just says: "We are here to preserve democracy, not to practice it."

One of the things which made my theater experience so exhilarating was the score, courtesy of Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer (THE LION KING). Instead of opting for patriotic resonance, Zimmer decides to churn out an intense melody full of pounding drums and violin strikes. However, he does employ the Navy Hymn several times, most recognizable over the closing credits. I love the soundtrack so much that I own it myself; those who own the film and have good audio systems, should agree that the score is extraordinary and-literally-pulse-pounding. While Zimmer didn't get nominated for an Academy Award nomination, there were nods for the Sound and Sound Effects Editing, which I feel were deserved. A third nomination was given to Chris Lebenzon for his editing work, and I will touch upon that even more later.

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PART FOUR: MEET THE CREW OF THE USS ALABAMA

For the record, while I did sympathize more with the actions of Washington's character, it was Hackman that I think stole the film. Sure, he is one of the great actors of our time, though this is one of his most compelling roles. Needless to say, I bought him 100% as a Navy submarine Captain. Every time he gets angry and yells at Washington ("I'm the commander of this f*cking ship…Give me the god-damn key!"), it always sends chills through my body. Somehow, he is able to suggest insanity without being really insane, and his withered facial expressions give the character just the right amount of veteran stress. As for Washington-who is really the newcomer here-he gives a performance that may not be as strong as Hackman's, but we still root for him every second. That's not to say his character is entirely right in his decisions but, personally, I would have stood behind him. The casting of both these excellent actors together should provide enough reason to watch the film, and it's primary reason why this film was such a hit in the summer of 1995. At the time, there were a number of individuals in the rest of the cast who were unknown, but are now quite recognizable.

To start, we have Viggo Mortenson, now better known to most of you as Aragon from the LORD OF THE RINGS films. Here, he plays the conflicted Weapons Officer (WEPS)…who also happens to be good friends with Hunter. The Supply Officer is performed by James Gandolfini, aka Tony Soprano. George Dzundza (THE DEER HUNTER) is riveting as the overweight Master Chief, and Matt Craven (Lt. Zimmer, COMMS) also played a Naval Officer in A FEW GOOD MEN. Rick Schroder, of "Silver Spoons" & "NYPD Blue" fame, plays Lt. Paul Hellerman, who pleads with his shipmates in the flooding compartment to get out. Steve Zahn pops up as the sailor with the big wrench that Hellerman is yelling at while the compartment is being flooded. The late Jason Robards appears briefly at the end of the film as an admiral. Finally, we have Ryan Phillippe-barely seen in his film debut-as one of the ship's electricians.

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PART FIVE: TWO VERSIONS ON DVD TO CHOOSE FROM

Going back to the editing of the film, I think that Lebenzon did an excellent job when he scaled CRIMSON TIDE down to 115 minutes. That's how it played in theaters, and the same cut appeared on the initial DVD which came out in 2002. Several years later, however, someone at Hollywood Pictures decided to release an "extended, unrated cut" of the film which has an additional seven minutes put back in. Personally, I don't think the extra footage really enhanced the film any more than it already was. One scene has a homosexual joke, and I thought that was particularly unnecessary because it has nothing to do with the story…even though I've heard sailors say far worse. There are some additional scenes involving the crew saying goodbye to their families which was nice but padded the film more. All we really needed was Hunter saying goodbye to his wife (the only female character in the film!) and children. So, I really only recommend the "extended cut" for die-hard fans of the film, even though its only a couple quid more than the regular DVD. The Blu-ray version of the film, which came out last year, is available for 19 GBP…but doesn't have the extended cut, only the theatrical cut.

Whatever DVD you get, however, the video quality is top-notch. The 2:35 anamorphic widescreen print retains the rich colors (there are blues, greens and reds everywhere) and darkness of the sub's corridors with clarity and sharpness. No edge enhancement was detected at all. Audio-wise, the Hans Zimmer score explodes in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. I'm telling you all right now that your sub-woofers are going to get a major workout while the film is playing! When it comes to extra features, the DVD sinks. They are only on the "extended cut" version, and consist of two promotional featurettes which have interviews of some of the cast and crew filmed in 1995. Both are mercifully short, though you get to learn a few things. Whether you go with the theatrical or extended cut, you are still going into a super-charged thriller with powerhouse performances across the board. While some women might be turned off at the lack of female characters (or a love story), I humbly believe that they will enjoy CRIMSON TIDE just as much as men; all women I know surely did. However, if you want to see Ryan Phillippe naked, you will unfortunately have to go elsewhere, lol. Thanks for reading, and have a great day! Chris :)

P.S. Part of the reason I wrote this review was because some male readers here at Ciao were complaining I was reviewing too many romantic flicks. As far as I'm concerned, they can shut up now….lol. 

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