Search - Chopper on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Graphic Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Profanity, Drug Content Movie Release: 2000 DVD Release: 11/13/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 30 mins Studio: Image Entertainment Members Wishing: 5 Genres: Drama, Crime, Black Comedy, Biopic [feature]

This Australian drama is based on the life and times of Mark "Chopper" Read, a notorious Aussie criminal who went on to become a best-selling author, publishing nine books about his exploits outside the law. In 1978, Chopper (played by Eric Bana) is serving a 16-year sentence for abducting a judge who was overseeing the trial of his best friend Jimmy (Simon Lyndon). Jimmy and Chopper end up sharing a cell, along with Keithy George (David Field), a crime boss; when a disagreement between Keithy and Chopper escalates into violence, Chopper kills Keithy, leading to retribution from the gangster's mates, who hire Jimmy to do their dirty work. To escape, Chopper forces a friend to cut off one of his ears so he'll be transferred to another prison. Eight years later, Chopper is out of prison and looking for Jimmy in hopes of getting revenge; in the meantime, he's looking to get even with another of his enemies, Neville (Vince Colosimo), and trying to keep his eye on his girlfriend, Tanya (Kate Beahan), who supports herself as a call girl. While the real "Chopper" Read was not directly involved in the production, comic Eric Bana was cast in the lead at Read's suggestion. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Eric Bana - Mark "Chopper" Read
Vince Colosimo - Neville Bartos
Simon Lyndon - Jimmy Loughnan
David Field - Keithy George

Based upon the criminal life of Mark "Chopper" Read -- ex-con and author of such tomes as -How to Shoot Friends and Influence People -- Andrew Dominik's first feature film may not be for everyone, but it sure is unforgettable. And for fans of the film, this disc is a must-see. The film is offered in a letterboxed format (1.78:1 enhanced) and has been given both a 5.1 Dolby Digital track as well as a 5.1 DTS option. Picture and sound are both excellent. The disc also comes with two commentary tracks, one with Dominik and the other with Read. Both have their moments and should please fans of the film. Also included on the disc is a very bizarre video interview with Read at his farm before the film had actually started production. Like the film itself, this strange and sometimes hilariously uncomfortable segment is unforgettable. Just be sure not to watch it before you have actually seen the film. A few deleted scenes and the original theatrical trailer are also included. ~ Derek Hill, All Movie Guide