Search - The Base on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children, Profanity Movie Release: 1998 DVD Release: 06/01/1999 Format: DVD Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 37 mins Studio: Lions Gate Members Wishing: 0 Genres: Action, Action Thriller

An Army intelligence officer's undercover assignment as a border guard reveals an extensive web of corruption spun by vicious Mexican drug czars and high-ranking members of the border patrol. This fast-paced actioner follows the officer's attempt to destroy them before they can get to him. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Mark Dacascos
Tim Abell
Paula Trickey

One rarely expects a lot from straight-to-video movies like The Base when they go to DVD, but Sterling (now Studio) makes an exception on a regular basis, as they have with this title. The picture quality on this disc is very good. There are no visible artifacts and the colors all seem very true to life. The only issue might be the black level, which at times seems a bit off. The darks aren't always that dark, and show a bit of shimmering. Not a major complaint, but something that should have been addressed when the disc was in its formation stages. The film is not presented in a widescreen format and is shown full frame. This disc has a four-channel surround soundtrack. Viewers of this disc, if using Dolby Digital, need to turn off the digital tuner and change it to Dolby Pro-Logic to get anything beyond a two-channel track. There is some surround material, but it's minimal. It's a good soundtrack with the dialogue squarely in the middle, but it lacks imagination. This is not a special edition, but it's nice to see Sterling going the extra mile on supplemental material. While it has the standard extras that have become a welcome tradition from this company, they've gone out of their way with an audio commentary from director Mark Lester. It's not the best commentary, as he often leaves large gaps with no information, but it's still a welcome addition. Though nothing more than an average movie, this disc could certainly be considered above average. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide