Grosse Pointe Blank [DVD] [1997]

Grosse Pointe Blank never got the attention it deserved, but it is one of John Cusack's better films. While the DVD, like most early releases, lacks supplemental features, it is nonetheless a great opportunity to see the movie's successful blend of neurotic humor and well-choreographed action with an impressive 1.85:1 non-anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Sound. While it is an early transfer, the print looks good and is clear of dirt or grain. The sound outshines that of the video release and actually makes the disc an impressive sample of the audio and visual potential of DVD, at least for the early years of the format. The audio transfer also upholds the film's quirky comic interplay in its quieter moments while waiting to really deliver the goods during the action scenes. The theatrical trailer is the only special feature on the disc. While it would have been nice to hear a John Cusack and George Armitage commentary track, the disc is still worth hunting down for Cusack fans or lovers of dark comedy and gunplay.