It’s time for the Snake Eyes blu-ray review. This is part of my look into Nicolas Cage films that are available on blu-ray.
I’ve has run into a few problems as several titles are yet to be released in the UK meaning I’ve had to look for versions released in other countries and are either region free or region B and have an English language option.
That brings me to the Brian De Palma thriller Snake Eyes (1998) that stars Nicolas Cage and Gary Sinise. I’ve had to find an US import from Warner Bros that is region free and also comes with Face/Off which is available in the UK.
- Snake Eyes (1998)
- Genre: Thriller
- Directed by Brian De Palma
- UK Rating N/A
- Discs: 2 (Face/Off & Snake Eyes)
- Released By Warner Bros
- Blu-ray Import (USA)
Plot
Detective Rick Santoro (Nicolas Cage) likes to bend and break the rules by taking bribes and the like. He loves his job but when he meets up with his best friend US Naval Commander Kevin Dunne (Gary Sinise) at a boxing match his world is turned upside-down.
Dunne is at the boxing match protecting the Defence Secretary however when he fails to do so it results in his death. Rick offers to help put a positive spin on things therefore covering up Commander Dunne’s failings. What Rick is about to discover is that there is far more to the assassination that it initially seems.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Brian De Palma with the cinematography side of things that’s taken care of by Stephen H. Burum. De Palma is often compared to Hitchcock for using similar techniques; Snake Eyes could also be considered a little Hitchcockian with the use of overhead cameras tracking shots passing over several internal rooms.
This works exceptionally well and fits the thriller genre like a glove. It really is a great way to give a glimpse into the lives of everyone around, some we are interested in others are not story related.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Acting / Characters
Nicolas Cage is on top form as a cop on the take that leaves himself open to being compromised.
Acting opposite Cage is Gary Sinise as Naval Commander Kevin Dunne, a proud and by the book kind of guy and apparently the complete opposite of Cage’s character. He plays this well and the two actors work extremely well together making for a hugely entertaining and intriguing watch.
Carla Gugino plays a Department of Defence employee, Julia Costello. She is at the scene of the assassination and seems to know things that might endanger her life. Her character is hindered by the loss of her glasses meaning she is even more vulnerable. Gugino plays the role well and is a likeable enough figure.
Keep an eye out for Luis Guzmán as Cyrus playing a small role but delivering typical Guzmán performance and one I personally enjoyed.
Cast
- Nicolas Cage as Detective Richard “Rick” Santoro
- Gary Sinise as Commander Kevin Dunne
- Carla Gugino as Julia Costello
- Joel Fabiani as Charles Kirkland
- John Heard as Gilbert Powell
- Stan Shaw as Lincoln Tyler
- Kevin Dunn as Lou Logan
- Luis Guzmán as Cyrus
- Michael Rispoli as Jimmy George
- David Anthony Higgins as Ned Campbell
- Mike Starr as Walt McGahn
- Peter McRobbie as Gordon Pritzker
- Tamara Tunie as Anthea
- Chip Zien as Mickey Alter
- Jayne Heitmeyer as Serena
- Chip Chuipka as Zietz/Drunk
Conclusion: Snake Eyes (1998) Film Review
Snake Eyes is yet another excellent thriller from director Brian De Palma, Nicolas Cage is on top form as a cop on the take that and finds himself placed in an impossible situation that tests a friendship until breaking point.
Add this one to your must see list of thriller films.
If you like my Snake Eyes blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: Snake Eyes Blu-ray Review
The film’s from 1998 but the picture quality is simply excellent with the image being sharp and clear from any dirt marks whilst the colours are vibrant.
The Blu-ray I’m looking at here is a USA import released region free by Warner Bros. The only extra is the original film trailer.
Extras
- Trailer
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Snake Eyes (1998)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: BASIC
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Snake Eyes (1998) Blu-ray
Snake Eyes (1998) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.co.uk
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Snake Eyes (1998) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s the Snake Eyes blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them in the over on our Twitter or Facebook pages
Summary: Snake Eyes (1998) Blu-ray Review - Import
Movie title: Snake Eyes (1998)
Duration: 98 mins
Director(s): Brian De Palma
Actor(s): Nicolas Cage, Gary Sinise, Carla Gugino, Joel Fabiani, Luis Guzmán
Genre: Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
An excellent thriller from director Brian De Palma that sees Nicolas Cage on top form.
Pros
- Nicolas Cage
- Brian De Palma
Cons
- Not Available On Blu-ray In The UK
