The Italian Job (HD DVD)

Reviewing The Italian Job is a bit nostalgic since it was one of the first reviews I did for RopeofSilicon. I don't really enjoy revisiting some of my earlier reviews as they always prove to be ever so unimpressive, but that's the deal, I live with it.

As for this HD DVD release it is the first Paramount HD title I have reviewed and while the video and audio are just as good as with other studios there are is a little bit of a difference between the Paramount HD DVDs and those from Universal and Warner. The difference I am talking about is the inability to watch special features during playback. Is this a big deal? Not really, but considering it is one of the selling features of HD DVDs I consider its absence as a nuisance, especially considering Uni and Warner both provide the feature. Instead, all special features are available via the main menu. However you can still access the scene selection feature, change audio and subtitle options and switch between commentaries and the movie audio, however The Italian Job doesn't have a commentary. Go figure.

As for the movie this is one I enjoy, but nowhere near the amount I enjoyed it the first I saw it. The film centers on a group of thieves that steal a ton of gold out of Italy only to be double-crossed by one of their own. This remake of the 1969 Michael Caine classic follows an ensemble cast as they set to steal back their prize and give their former associate the come-uppin's he deserves. You may feel weird rooting for a group of thieves, but in this case you have to choose between the lesser of two evils, and considering the band is made up of such players as Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Seth Green and Mos Def it is hard not to like them.

As for the HD presentation this one is a bit different than the others I have reviewed considering it isn't as dark. One of the easiest ways to judge the quality of an HD DVD is by its ability to handle black levels, but with this one it is more of how it handles colors and I must say it passes the test. As the crew drive their Mini's through downtown L.A. the colors pop off the screen as it is becoming near impossible to find an HD presentation I don't like.

That said, if you already own The Italian Job on DVD I see no reason to upgrade. There are no special features that aren't on the DVD release and it isn't exactly a movie I would want to watch on a consistent basis. However, if you like the movie, don't own it yet and want a copy for yourself than HD is certainly the way to go.