![Straw Dogs [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/5/53/50x50px-ZC-53710e08_strawdogs.jpeg)
Sam Peckinpah's provocative exploration of aggression and violence won't appeal to everyone, but its solid presentation on Blu-ray should please those who consider themselves fans.
Straw Dogs
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Studio: MGM Studios / 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Packaging/Materials: Single-disc Blu-ray "ECO-BOX"
Year: 1971
Rating: NR
Running Time: 1:57:54
MSRP: $24.99
| FEATURE | EXTRAS | |
| Video | 1080p high definition 1.85:1 | Standard definition |
| Audio | DTS-HD Master Audio: English 5.1 | Stereo |
| Subtitles | English SDH, Spanish, French | None |
The Feature: 3.5/5
Having recently settled in the Cornish village where his wife Amy (Susan George) grew up, mild mannered mathematician David Sumner (Dustin Hoffman) wants nothing more than some peace and quiet to work on his studies. But the strain of a new marriage with differing expectations coming to the fore, as well as some not-so-subtle contempt from a group of blue collar locals, make for some significant distractions. Things turn decidedly ugly though when the locals' contempt turns toward hostility and then to aggression and violence, leading David to respond in kind. Nobody would have guessed he had it in him, much less his wife; least of all David.
Sam Peckinpah's "Straw Dogs" plays not unlike an exploitation film with its graphic violence and nudity, but where films from the grindhouse might display such things for mere titillation, Peckinpah does so in an effort to provoke more thoughtful reaction. Whether he's successful depends largely on one's ability to step back from the emotions his powerful imagery and editing style elicit. And even then, it seems he's only posing questions - about humanity's proclivity toward violence, our ability to transcend such behavior, and the line we must cross in order to get there...and back. For some the film will prove unsatisfying for its tendency to explore more than explain (or even take a position). But for the rest it should prove endlessly thought provoking.
The Blu-ray release of "Straw Dogs" features the unrated, uncensored cut that runs approximately five minutes longer than the "R" rated version that was originally released to theaters.
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 3/5
Special Features: 1/5
TV Spots and Trailer
- TV Spot 1 (:59, SD)
- TV Spot 2 (:30, SD)
- TV Spot 3 (:11, SD)
- Trailer (1:42, SD)
Recap
The Feature: 3.5/5
Video Quality: 4/5
Audio Quality: 3/5
Special Features: 1/5
Overall Score (not an average): 3.5/5
MGM Studios turns in a solid presentation to Sam Peckinpah's exploitation-flavored exploration of humanity's proclivity for violence. The extras are limited to a handful of promotional spots, but that's not inconsistent with past appearances of the film on DVD. Those looking to upgrade should find the Blu-ray worthwhile at the right price point. All others should look to a rental first, given the mature and controversial subject matter.
