Blu-ray Specs
Video: 1080p High Definition
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD/ French & Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Jude Law and Ed Harris star in this suspense / thriller base on true events during a major turning point in World War II. Supporting cast is very impressive as well and includes Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz and Bob Hoskins. Although the film is set in Russia, the filming took place in Germany, which I found interesting considering Germany was the opposing force against Russia. Enemy at the Gates is based on a true story.
Set in the fall of 1942, a young Vassili Zaitzev (Law) is sent into one of the bloodiest battles of the eastern front of WWII as Germany was pushing deep into Russia on its way to China and world domination. The Russians were at a Stalingrad and were losing soldiers and hope quickly. Zaitzev is sent into battle with only a magazine of ammo and when the band of soldiers he is a part of is sent into the town center they are gunned down by the Germans and those who retreated were shot as traitors. By chance, he meets political officer Danilov (Fiennes) and in an intense moment shots 5 Germans with 5 rounds spurring propaganda to give the common Russian soldier hope to fight the Germans off. When Germany learns of this young Sheppard turned military sniper, Hitler makes a personal effort to send his top sniper, Major Konig (Harris) to the region to snuff out Zaitzev and crush the spirits of the Russians. During what is a huge battle in history, the outcome of the war is ultimately being fought by a set of snipers in a cat and mouse game of wits and skill.
The extras section is well worth watching as it gives background info on the film and actual history of the region for the time period. It was interesting to find out that Russia had destroyed most of the records for the period or hid the events that transpired. Also there are a host of deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer and cast and director interviews/ comments on the film.
Being that this is one of my all time favorite movies, seeing it on Blu-ray was an eye catching experience. It gave a feel of realism and depth to an already gripping story. Audio is set up nicely for the owners of a great surround system with the massive sounds of bombs and machine gun fire, but the drawback is the dialogue which is low and almost has a whispering tone.
This is one of the great war movies that takes something of a large scale concept of war and reduces it to an epic battle between two snipers. The sniper creed of “One shot one kill” is definitely put into action. This should appeal to the avid war movie watcher as well as history buffs and the casual viewer.
Reviewed by Michael Albaugh
