Search - Ronin on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Profanity Movie Release: 1998 DVD Release: 02/23/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 1 mins Studio: MGM Total Copies: 62 Genres: Spy Film, Action, Action Thriller, Chase Movie, Unglamorized Spy Film See Also: Ronin [UMD for PSP], Ronin [Collector's Edition], Ronin [Blu-ray]

John Frankenheimer directed this $20 million international action thriller from a screenplay by Richard Weisz (pseudonym for David Mamet) and J.D. Zeik. In Paris, Irish organizer Deidre (Natascha McElhone) assembles a team to grab a mysterious briefcase from criminals. They are never told who hired them or the true identity of their targets. The hired specialists: Former CIA officer Sam (Robert De Niro), former Euro intelligence agent Vincent (Jean Reno), German electronics expert Gregor (Stellan Skarsgard), driver Larry (Skip Sudduth), and British weapons wrangler Spence (Sean Bean). After a Seine shootout, the action moves to the South of France, with a recon mission in Cannes, and a chase that brings everyone to Nice. Inevitable betrayals ensue, along with more pursuits. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Robert De Niro - Sam
Jean Reno - Vincent
Natascha McElhone - Deirdre
Stellan Skarsgård - Gregor
Sean Bean - Spence

Those who found this film mildly entertaining and are looking for a reason to check out the DVD are in for a big treat. The DVD features one of the best director commentary tracks ever. John Frankenheimer (The Manchurian Candidate) is a man who understands his craft and isn't afraid to share his knowledge. He details everything about this movie and himself, from pet peeves to happy accidents that happened during production. Also included is the film's alternate ending. Though it's only two minutes long, it offers a terribly different fate for one of the lead characters. Transferred from the work print with timecode numbers still on it, it's brave of the filmmakers to show alternate options considered in making the film. The film is available in two formats, a brilliant anamorphic widescreen transfer and standard full screen. The English and French languages are both 5:1 Dolby Digital Surround. There's an eight-page booklet featuring insights on the making of the film, but is not nearly as informative as the commentary. DVD-ROMs can access more info on the web with PC-friendly software. ~ Arthur Borman, All Movie Guide