- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,750
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
DRIVEN
V-R-O-O-O-M!
Who would have thought that I would have
enjoyed the last 117 minutes in front of
my Home Theater System with a popcorn movie
like this?
DRIVEN was supposed to be the big
return of Sylvester Stallone to the big screen
in a movie he not only stars in, but wrote
the screenplay for as well.
While not much can be said for the screenplay
of this film, it is the action sequences that
puts this DVD at the top of my favorite mindless
action flick list of DVD releases this Summer.
DRIVEN is a movie essentially about
high-impact race car driving with a sub-storyline
that is easily forgettable. But, just to amuse
you, I'll tell you a bit about the story. We
open the film with a rookie contender Jimmie
Bly (Kip Pardue) who is becoming very unfocused
in his races against veteran champ Beau Brandenburg
(Til Schweiger). Manager Carl Henry (Burt Reynolds)
calls talented veteran Joe Tanto (Sylvester Stallone)
out of retirement to mentor Jimmie Bly.
There's a little romance, a little girl-friend
stealing, and a little backstabbing along the
way -- but all's fair when it comes to car racing
ethics, eh?
But who cares about the story?
Fortunately most of this film takes place on
the track -- many tracks in fact -- from Miami to
Mexico to Tokyo and Germany. It is here that the film
exceeds in bringing you some of the most intensely
heart-pounding racing sequences that I have ever
witnessed. There is even a racing sequence through
the streets of Chicago that had me on the edge
of my seat.
What surprised me most after watching this film
and looking in the supplemental area, is how
much CGI there is in this film, yet, you are not
always aware that what you are watching isn't
entirely real.
I almost hate myself for liking this movie as
much as I did, but this is one of the best demo
quality discs I have played on my system. The
sound in this movie will leave you breathless.
Whether it be cars racing from front to back,
or the roar of the crowd enveloping the entire
soundfield or the pulsating music soundtrack
that produces thunderous booms from your subwoofer,
I have yet to hear a disc that sounds THIS GOOD.
I am also again amazed (as I was with Warner's
EXIT WOUNDS) at the drop-dead gorgeous transfer
of this disc. I never thought there was so much
vibrant color on the racetrack, but the transfer
brings out the deep colors of the cars, the flags
and the driver helmets. Even night shots, such
as those on the streets of Tokyo look crisp and
vibrant.
The disc has a few supplemental features added
on, including deleted scenes with Audio Commentary
by Stallone; Feature commentary by Director
Renny Harlin; Making of Documentaries on both the
film and visual effects; Theatrical trailer.
Take my word for it -- go into this movie
not expecting anything from the story, and let
yourself be blown away by intense racing sequences,
lots of over-the-top car crashes, and a sound
mix that will keep you pushing the volume level
of your receiver higher and higher.
Most websites are selling this for under $19.
Sounds like a purchase just for the demo quality.
Release Date: September 18th
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Ronald Epstein (pronounced like the English "Ronald Epstein")
Circa 2000
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