Search - The Dogs of War on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1981 DVD Release: 11/20/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 59 mins Studio: MGM Members Wishing: 4 Genres: War, War Adventure

Christopher Walken stars in John Irvin's graphic adaptation of Frederick Forsythe's novel about a mercenary sent to overthrow the government of an African country. Walken is Shannon, an American soldier of fortune who has staged incidents in Central America and Africa that helped topple governments. Shannon decides to take on one more mission when American businessman Endean (Hugh Millais), working for a large mining company wanting to move into an African country, hires Shannon to scout out the terrain of the country and see if the government is weak enough to be overthrown. Shannon assumes the guise of a photographer for a nature magazine and travels through the country, meeting a wide-array of people. But the government becomes suspicious of Shannon and throws him in jail, where, between torture sessions, he meets an imprisoned dissident leader. Through his imprisonment, Shannon comes to understand more fully the struggles of the African country. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Christopher Walken - Jamie Shannon
Tom Berenger - Drew
Colin Blakely - North
Hugh Millais - Endean
Paul Freeman - Derek

Though there is no indication of it anywhere on the packaging, other than the length, MGM Home Entertainment's DVD of the war drama The Dogs of War is actually the longer and arguably better U.K. cut. Fifteen minutes have been included, mostly scenes involving mercenary Jamie Shannon (Christopher Walken) and his estranged wife, played by JoBeth Williams. But there are also added scenes of Shannon and a young black street kid (that was only touched upon in the previous U.S. version), more scenes of logistical planning between Shannon and his comrades, as well some other added stuff. What you end up with is a more cohesive whole and a film that is a lot more dramatically enriching than its previous cut. Too bad MGM has neglected to advertise the inclusion of the added material, since they may actually pull in some new viewers. But considering the subject matter, perhaps not. The disc's picture (letterboxed at 1.85:1) is sharp throughout (far better than previous VHS versions), though there is some instability during certain nighttime battle scenes. Overall, though, the image is excellent. The robust English language two-channel surround sound is also excellent, giving the film the proper boost. The disc has also been given French and Spanish subtitle options. The original theatrical trailer has also been included. This is a great disc and MGM should be commended for finally making this version of the film available in the U.S. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide