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VERTICAL LIMIT
Review by Alex Haberstroh
Stars: Chris ODonnell, Bill Paxton, Robin Tunney,
Scott Glenn, Izabella Scorupco
Director: Martin Campbell
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Surround (English and French)
Video: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Studio: Columbia Tri-Star
Features: See Review
Length: 124 Minutes
Release Date: May 22, 2001
Its not just gonna be snow up there
its gonna be
ice
and ROCK!
Film ***
As
the film is often thought of as the Showgirls of mountain climbing
movies, I was expecting a lot less out of my experience with Vertical Limit. To my surprise, from thrilling opening to
adrenaline-pounding conclusion, Vertical Limit serves up an intense action-driven
climbing story.
The
story centers around a team of mountain climbers led by billionaire mogul Elliot Vaughn
(Paxton), who, for a warped publicity scheme (and the movies whole story), attempt
to climb K2, one of the worlds largest mountains.
But faster then you can say avalanche, only Vaughn and two other survivors
remain, and its up to Peter Garrett (ODonnell) to rescue his estranged sister
(Tunney), before its too late.
The
plot is somewhat weak, and there are points in the film that are so obvious that the
writer is doing color by number. For example,
in one scene, Garret, and those volunteering with him, are offered nitro glycerin by the
local Pakistani Colonel to blow up the snow that covers the survivors. But before they can even get out of the hut that
its stored in, one character gets his foot in some of it, resulting in a scene
watching him try to wiggle his foot out of the shoe before it explodes. One is left to wonder the point of using such an
extremely volatile substance when climbing, if its so unstable it detonates not just
from being jostled, but also from any exposure to sunlight.
I immediately divined that this would be a great way to kill off half the
cast when they became boring.
Besides
an obvious and somewhat silly plot, some of the characters are unintentionally hysterical
to watch, with ODonnell saying some of the silliest things Ive heard him say
since his role in the atrocious Batman series.
Moreover, Paxton is amusing as billionaire Elliot Vaughn who responds to
every possible warning of danger with a Texas style YEEEEEEEHAW!
So
why the three star rating? While the story
has plenty of holes in it, the plot completely transparent, and the characters somewhat
ridiculous (a mountain man with no toes for one), this isnt the point of the film. The intention of the film is to justify getting
plenty of people up on a dangerous mountain so were able to watch them fall off it. On that level, Vertical Limit is a knockout
success, and worth a watch, with some breathtaking cinematography and incredibly thrilling
action sequences (especially the opener
wow!).
As
long as youre just in the mood for setting your brain on idle and watching a film
that isnt made to make you think (which many people honestly dont like to
anyway, judging by the huge success of The Mummy Returns), this is a perfect disc. So pull out the popcorn, pop in the disc, and hold
your breath.
Video ****
The films beautiful locations help make the film and Columbia has provided another stellar transfer. The dusty reddish brown of the canyons in the opening are clear and totally free of distortion. The snow of K2 is blindingly white. Flesh tones are done well the entire film. Overall, this is a winning transfer, nuff said.
Audio ****
Having seen this movie in theaters, I couldnt wait to see just how good the sound really is. Thankfully, Columbia has provided another high quality reference track.
Speakers are constantly at play with the score,
screams, snapping cables, and snowy gusts blow by, bringing the listener into the snowy
maelstrom on K2. Dialogue is clear through
the center channel and there are some great moments of directionality.
Finally, the .1 LFE track is punchy and deep,
capturing everything from avalanches, wind gusts, explosions, and turrets firing.
Supplements ****
Columbia has done a terrific job providing a
great assortment of supplements and fantastic looking menus in the past. Vertical Limit is no exception. First up is a commentary by director Martin
Campbell and Lloyd Phillips. Included as
well is Surviving the Limit, which is a typical HBO featurette with the
cast and crew. After that is Search
and Rescue Tales, a feature broken down into seven different spots, each a few
minutes in length, which discuss pulmonary edema, how the actors trained, how the F/X was
done, and much more. Also included is National
Geographic Channels Quest for K2, an engrossing tale of the first Americans to
summit K2 and live. Finally, the package
included the usual filmographies, as well as the films trailer and
trailers for Cliffhanger, Charlies Angels, and Crouching
Tiger Hidden Dragon.
Summary:
In conclusion, this is a disc appropriate for a weekend night with friends (especially if they like to talk a lot during films). With great audio, video, and an array of supplements, this is one action film thatll entertain and excite you.