Serpico DVD Review:


The Movie

Based on a true story of a New York policeman, Serpico begins with the unexpected news that dedicated policeman Frank Serpico (Pacino) has been shot. He receives medical treatment at the hospital, but his condition and wounds are unknown. From this introduction, Serpico shifts its gears in reverse and tells the story from the beginning.

Sidney Lumet's poignant and staggering portrayal of police corruption is even an issue in today's world, except now it's more sophisticated. Frank Serpico is an honest man who takes his job seriously and believes in justice, but he's different from the other police officers. He dresses in plainclothes, but looks more like a hippie to everyone else, and doesn't take petty cash from other cops who make money off the record. Serpico is easily singled out, which begins his ongoing struggle, both internally and externally, to rid the police department of corruption.

Serpico deals with a serious issue and it handles the subject matter very well. This film is well directed, written, produced, and acted. Al Pacino has Frank Serpico down to all corners and angles. We don't see Al, we see Frank, because of the tremendous dedication and range we have come to know Pacino to possess.

Serpico deserves all the praise it received and will receive in the future. Serpico has been an influence to many films after its time. Come to think of it, Training Day was the most recent film to address similar issues and themes expressed in this film.

10 out of 10

The Video

Considering the age of this film and its print quality at the time, Paramount made sure to give this DVD the best picture quality that can be achieved. While it wasn't perfect, with some minor scratches and shades, the picture had a fresh and lively look. Serpico is presented in an optimal 1.85.1 widescreen transfer.

8 out of 10

The Audio

Even though Serpico is not the kind of film to make use of surround sound specifically, the audio levels and intensity nevertheless impressed. Car tires squealing, police sirens wailing, and guns blasting, the 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround sound delivered a great performance here. The DVD also offers English Restored Mono and French Mono, but don't bother them, because Dolby Digital is the best. Watch Serpico at night with your speakers turned up to get into the feel.

8 out of 10

The Extras

Serpico is not labeled as a special edition and doesn't necessarily have the caliber to prove it, but Paramount has nevertheless put together some really fine material in the extras department. Have a look:

- Serpico: From Real to Reel

- Inside Serpico

- Serpico: Favorite Moments

- Photo Gallery with commentary by Sidney Lumet

7 out of 10

Overall

There's nothing more to say than "watch Serpico and be part of well-executed filmmaking." This DVD comes highly recommended because of the film itself, but of course, the extras make the difference, too.

The DVD artwork, which you can see above, works well for this type of film, other than the fact that it's stars Al Pacino! Pacino is Serpico and the cover shows exactly that. Therefore, the artwork deserves an 8 out of 10.

Overall DVD Rating: 9 out of 10 (worth your cash!)

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