This remake of the classic cat and mouse game made by Caine and Laurence Olivier in the 70's is like a lot of remakes; why do it? While the set and some themes are updated, and the performances are outstanding, there is little else here that improves on the original. The original was an acting tour-de-force for Olivier and Caine in their two man show and topping that is a big challenge. Enter director/actor Kenneth Branagh to take the reins to give this film more credibility.

The story involves Jude Law coming to Caine's house to ask him to divorce his wife, with whom he is having an affair. Act one involves Caine cleverly manipulating Law into a ridiculous plot to steal some jewels but he has more sinister motives. This battle of wits escalates in act two, where Law sets up his revenge. One plot udate not in the original involves a hint of a homo sexual relationshi between the two men, which was entirely unnecessary and falls flat.

The blu-ray disc has a stunningingly beautiful p icture, showing off the elaborate home of Caine, with every kind of electronic gadget imaginable. It empahsizes the eccentricity of Caine's character and is a main attraction in the film. What will pop up next from that Apple remote? This film is dialog driven and the soundtrack is well mixed to empahasize this, with small effects sent to the surround speakers. The disc has a lossless 5.1Dolby TrueHD soundtrack in English, and Dolby digital 5.1 in Spanish and Portuguese.

Extras include two seperate soundtrack commentaries, one from Branagh and Caine, and another by producer/star Jude Law. A 20 minute featurette with behind the scenes footage and an interview with the chief make up artist are also included.

This remake is interesting and the performances are worth giving it a view. Some elements of the story that are updated by screenplay writer Harold Pinter were unncessary and tarnished the spirit of the original, making the characters just plain mean spirited, instead of keeping the audience questioning what would happen next. Those familiar with the original will want to see this to see how Caine does in the other role, made famous by Olivier. I slight recommendation; a good rent for fans of the original to settle their curiosity.

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