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Salvador-Special Edition  Hot
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Written by Staff Writer   
Friday, 28 January 2005


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Salvador-Special Edition

Grade

Content Grade: A
Sound Grade: A
Picture Grade: A

Specs

Directed by Oliver Stone MGM Home Video-MSRP$24.95 Anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1), French and Spanish Subtitles Dolby digital surround 5.1 123 minutes, color, 1985

Review

A powerful film, Salvador was an early Oliver Stone masterpiece, garnering two Academy Award nominations; one for James Woods and one for the screenplay, written by Stone and the subject of the film , Richard Boyle. Stone took great risks in making the film, including trying to fool the right wing El Salvador government into thinking he was supporting them. When their military contact for the film was murdered by rebels, Stone pulled out and filmed in Mexico.
Photographer Richard Boyle wrote the story that inspired Stone to make this film. It's about his own exploits in El Salvador in 1980, when a civil war ripped through the small Latin American country. Right wing political leaders employed death squads to usurp power and Boyle was there to witness some horrific consequences of the strife. The film chronicles some major news events, including the murder of Archbishop Romero, and the very hard to watch rape-murder of Catholic nuns and workers, which made headlines here in America, and as of now, the killers are still free. But the real story centers on Boyle (Woods) and his sidekick, Dr. Rock, a San Francisco DJ, played by Jim Belushi, They both travel to El Salvador for some fast money and a quick photo opportunity, but get caught up personally in the political strive of the country. Also starring in the film are Elpedia Carrillo, as Boyle's girl friend, and John Savage, who plays a fictional version of a real photographer John Hoglund. The scenes of death they photograph are not soon forgotten, and it makes for very powerful film making.

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Picture and Sound

Picture-A beautiful anamorphic transfer(16x9) is provided by MGM, without a hint of dust or scratches. The film is pristine throughout, with rich colors. The print looks brand new. Sound-Dolby digital 5.1 sound is provided, along with soundtrack music from Georges Delerue. It is a complete surround experience, especially in some of the battle scenes. MGM did this one right!

Extras

This special edition includes a one hour documentary with grisly actual footage from El Salvador and raw talk from the director and stars. 25 minutes of extra footage is included from cut or deleted scenes, including some very raunchy sex scenes. There is also full audio commentary on the DVD with Stone. A photo gallery and four page booklet, plus the theatrical trailer round out the extras on this disc. It's a very nice package and worthy of the film.

Summary

This remarkable and unforgettable film is a highlight of Oliver Stone's body of film work. Woods turns in a remarkable performance, showing emotion and energy. The film was very educational to me, as I knew little of the conflict before seeing this film. Stone's choice to tell the story through the Boyle character makes the story even more powerful. Technically perfect and loaded with extras, this disc is sure to please. A must see film for Stone fans and a gripping story from start to finish.

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