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The Movie:
"Backdraft" isn't Ron Howard's best movie, but it certainly isn't his worst. Technically stunning with good effects and cinematography by "Abyss" cinematographer Mikael Salomon. The plot sometimes falters, but there are certainly good things about it. It shows firefighters as true heroes who are professionals at what they do - running into the middle of the chaos to save lives while risking their own.
The film starts off with Brian McCaffrey(played as an adult by William Baldwin) witnessing his father dying in a firefighting accident. Years later, he joins his brother Stephen (Kurt Russell), who has risen in the ranks of the department, and doesn't quite believe that his brother has what it takes to be a firefighter. As he sets out to prove his worth, he joins an investigation with the department, headed by a character played by Robert Deniro.
The film's fire sequences contain stunning special effects, and combined with Hans Zimmer's powerful score, these scenes are thrilling. Some of the sequences in-between though, do go a little bit slowly. Russell is perfect as the tough brother who storms into fires, but William Baldwin is a little too light as his brother. Deniro has a minor part and a few good moments. The fillm's two main female actresses also put in subtle, strong performances - Jennifer Jason Leigh and Rebecca DeMornay.
It's not Howard's best film, but it's close. Not perfect, but still good.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Backdraft" was both of one of the earliest titles that was released to the format, as well as one of the first titles to be released by Universal Studios. Unfortunately, being one of the first titles from the studio, it is also presented as non-anamorphic, and although it's pretty solid, there are some flaws that take away from what's otherwise a very good looking presentation.
Sharpness is good, although the picture looks a little unnaturally edgy at times, but this is a pretty minor problem. Detail is fine, and clarity is good with the exception of a few minor dimly lit interior scenes that seem a little on the hazy side. Smoky/fire sequences pretty much turn out fine, and seem passably smooth. The picture also occasionally has a slightly "grainy" look to it at times, with some pixelation and shimmering. Print flaws also appear at times, with some marks and speckles on the image at times. Colors are probably the most successful element of the image quality, with the oranges and reds of the fire looking stunning.
This isn't as good as it could be, and hopefully Universal will revisit this title in the future to improve the flaws that are shown here.
SOUND: The fire fighting sequences or the explosions in the film do sound pretty darn impressive. Although the film maybe isn't quite as solid an audio experience as if it had been made recently instead of 9 years ago, but I found the action sequences to be remarkably good at enveloping the viewer in the midst of the chaos.
Certainly not all of the movie involves fighting fire though, and even in the dialogue-driven or less intense sequences, the soundtrack remains fairly agressive, with surrounds detailing the city environment or offering Hans Zimmer's great score. During the fire sequences, they also come into play with sounds of the fire racing through the room.
The score sounds a bit thin at times, but this is a pretty minor complaint with how well the fire sequences are presented here, with sounds of the buildings collapsing and the thunderous fire racing through. There's some pretty solid power behind these sequences, and some highly effective and agressive surround use.
Scenes like chapter 4's firefight are mighty impressive, as the action fills the listening space and makes for one really intense scene. The audio on all of the fire sequences really do a good job at putting the viewer exactly in the middle of the fire. Dialogue is clear and generally easily understood. All in all, a really cool soundtrack that's highly enjoyable.
MENUS:: Basic, non-animated menus with film-themed images and easy navigation.
EXTRAS: Production notes.
Final Thoughts: When it comes down to the recommendation for this disc, it gets a little complicated. "Backdraft" is a good movie, and although the picture quality is so-so, the sound quality is really solid during the action sequences.
The other thing that effects this is the possibility of a re-release from Universal of "Backdraft" as a special edition. This is not confirmed and is pretty much just a rumor at this point, but it seems likely given Ron Howard's previous work with special editions. The film deserves a re-release. As of right now, this edition is unfortunately the only option for the film on DVD.
Film Grade
The Film B-
DVD Grades
Video 75/C = (300/400 possible points)
Audio: 92/A = (368/400 possible points)
Extras: 50/F = (150/300 possible points)
Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points)
Value: 79/C+ = (237/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1195/1600
DVD GRADE:C/74%
FILM GRADE: B-
DVD GRADE: C
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