BLU-RAY/DVD REVIEWS

A recently released convict gets tangled up in a world of crime thanks to his best friend.

THE YARDS is the ultimate looked over movie. It’s one you see in the video store, or you read about from critics, but because it didn’t get much attention at the box office, people tend to forget about it. It’s a shame too, because this is a nice little flick that features some power performances from some of today’s stars. And maybe that’s the problem. The top three stars in the film were on their way up when this movie came out. Since then, Mark has some blockbusters under his belt, Joaquin has played Johnny Cash and Charlize has an Oscar. If this had been released today, I think it would have done much better financially.

As good as the movie was, it did have some problems. I found it to drag on at times and there were a lot of shots that just lasted too long. The performances were great, but at times I felt the camera kept rolling after they were done acting.

Overall though, the movie works. With all the talent involved, how couldn’t it? It’s a very interesting story with good visuals and good direction. It’s also a movie that many of us can relate to. The characters are real and that really comes through on film.

This is yet another double-dip, but at least this time they’ve managed to make it worthy. This is technically the director’s cut, but I have to admit, without the commentary telling me, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you what was new.

Commentary with James Gray and Steven Soderbergh: This commentary wasn’t featured on the original release. Steven acts almost as an interviewer here and keeps the track rolling. He doesn’t really serve any other purpose because he doesn’t really have much to do with the film.

Commentary with James Gray: This track is more detailed and film-specific than the previous one. I enjoyed it and James Gray does a really good job on his own.

Deleted Scenes (6:28): I felt the movie had many slow parts as is and these deleted scenes were worthy of being left out. However, they were pretty good by themselves.

Roundtable discussion with Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, James Caan and James Gray: (30:49): The gang gets together and talks about the movie. It’s been about five or six years since the movie came out, but it’s nice to hear them reminisce about the movie. I also enjoyed James Caan talking smack on everyone.

Visualizing The Yards (12:03): James Gray and others talk about the movie and various pieces of concept art that inspired them.

Behind the Scenes Featurette (12:04): This is a fluff piece about the film. It features interviews with various cast members. Not a whole lot of behind the scenes stuff, but it’s decent.

There is also Original Concept Art and Previews.

I enjoyed the movie and somehow I feel like I’m in on a secret that not too many people know about. If you dig the actors involved and like well-done dramas, then go ahead and pick this one up.