By Ryan Parsons | Image property of respective holders.
The Departed
I was a big fan of The Departed when it entered (and re-entered) theatres and have now placed the recent DVD release at the top of my growing collection. Though the Asian original still packs more punch, the DVD for Martin Scorsese's crime drama delivers with what we've come to expect plus extras.
DVD Review: The Departed
Get ready for the most explosive and action-packed mob film of the year when The Departed arrives on DVD this February 13th from Warner Home Video. Martin Scorsese directs this in-your-face crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The 2-Disc Special Edition includes more than two hours of bonus features including nine additional scenes with introductions by Martin Scorsese, Feature-Length TCM Career Profile: Scorsese on Scorsese, The Story of the Boston Mob: The Real-Life Gangster Behind Jack Nicholson's Character and Crossing Criminal Cultures: How Littly Italy's Crime and Violence Influence Scorsese's Work.
As a film, The Departed shines. The cast is brilliant and the story of being a rat is told with masterful elegance.
Though the 2-Disc Special Edition's nine additional scenes give you more insight into the film, they didn't add any real substance for me. If anything, you can understand why Scorsese didn't include them in the theatrical release in order to keep the film sharp and on target.
The story of a rat (or multiple rats for that matter) can be hit or miss. Scorsese, taking lessons learned from films like Casino and Goodfellas, has delivered a film that many will call a crowning achievement. I agree, but then what should we call Infernal Affairs?