Search - Assassination Tango on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Language Movie Release: 2002 DVD Release: 12/09/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English, Spanish Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 54 mins Studio: MGM Total Copies: 9 Genres: Thriller, Crime Drama, Crime Thriller

Leading man Robert Duvall writes and directs his third feature, the romantic thriller Assassination Tango. John J. (Duvall) is an aging hit man who has settled down into family life in New York with teacher Maggie (Kathy Baker). After he is offered a good sum of money, he accepts a job to kill an Argentinean General in Buenos Aires. When he gets there, he finds out he has to wait three weeks to finish the job, so he stays in Argentina and studies the tango. He meets young dancer Manuela (real-life girlfriend Luciana Pedraza making her film debut) and the two become dance partners and begin to flirt with one another. Meanwhile, the assignment lingers. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

Robert Duvall - John J. Anderson
Rubén Blades - Miguel
Kathy Baker - Maggie
Luciana Pedraza - Manuela
Julio Oscar Mechoso - Orlando

Though it doesn't have the fervent power of The Apostle, this is another fine film from writer/director/star Robert Duvall. And for a film that was seen by few, MGM has put together a fine DVD. While the audio, a Dolby Digital 5.1 English track (with Spanish subtitles in specific parts), which is centered up front with no specific use of the surrounds, isn't the highlight of the film, the picture, which is framed at 1.85:1 and anamorphic, fares far better. Despite the fact that the transfer is often very dark, detail is never sacrificed. In addition, the unique colors of Argentina, photographed by cinematographer Felix Monti, are captured exquisitely. A number of fine supplements have been included, particularly an interesting scene-specific commentary from Duvall and his co-star/real-life girlfriend, Luciana Pedraza. Both are very talkative, further adding not only to the film itself, but to their experiences. A handful of deleted scenes (including comments again from Duvall and Pedraza) are also included, but prove they would have been too much for the film. The same applies to the alternate ending (also with optional commentary from the same two) that is simply too much, but does show how things are pulled back for a film's final release. Finally, along with a very brief soundtrack, is the film's theatrical trailer and a behind-the-scenes photo gallery that, typically, doesn't amount to much. Duvall's fans -- and there are many -- most likely missed this small film. Now they will have their chance. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide