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SYNOPSIS

Based on Anthony Swofford's novel, director Mendes' (American Beauty) story of Gulf War soldiers in the Middle East is seen through the eyes of young recruit "Swoff" (Gyllenhaal), whose first-person account relates the sometimes frustrating lives of land grunts in a mostly air war.

REVIEW
The "War is hell" battle cry of most antiwar films takes a back seat to "Are we ever going to get to kill anyone?" in this forceful, effective adaptation of Anthony Swofford's autobiographical account of fighting -- or at least waiting to fight -- in the Persian Gulf War in 1989. Directed by American Beauty's Mendes with a keen eye towards detail and procedure, Jarhead is seen through the eyes of a young recruit, "Swoff" (Gyllenhaal), who arrives in the Arab desert fresh from basic training with his fellow grunts ready for combat. However, most of this war is being fought in the air, leaving Swoff and his platoon with little else to do but party, play football, masturbate and only dream of military glory. When war does come, it's not what anyone expects; are soldiers ever prepared for death? Those expecting a Deer Hunter or Apocalypse Now (two films that are used to rally these troops) will be let down by Jarhead's lack of action and battle scenes. But that's not what the film's about. And Gyllenhaal, as the sniper waiting to be put to the test, is terrific in underscoring the ennui and frustration of soldiers itching to do something. In nearly every scene of Jarhead, the young actor capably carries the film, demonstrating a maturity and passion that should be beyond him. A solid supporting cast, superb cinematography and editing, and an absorbing story of camaraderie make this not a grueling wartime experience, but one that is thoughtful and quite compelling.

-- David Bleiler

PRODUCT FORMAT INFORMATION

DVD Widescreen: $9.99

Availability: In stock and ready to ship

Close Caption: Yes

Region Code: 1

UPC: 025192784224

Catalog #: DL2224603

Studio: Universal

Languages: English Dolby Digital 5.1 (Primary), French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, English SDH Subtitles, French Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic 2.35

Extras: Deleted Scenes

Features:

Audio commentary: with Sam Mendes
Audio commentary: with screenwriter William Broyles, Jr. and author Anthony Swofford
Bonus footage: Deleted scenes with optional commentary by Mendes and editor Walter Murch
Bonus footage: Swoff's Fantasies with optional commentary by Mendes and Murch
Interview(s): with optional commentary by Mendes and Murch

Blu-ray : $26.99

Availability: ON ORDER Ships when stock arrives

Region Code: 1

Catalog #: DB2224607

Studio: Universal