Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: Spike Lee
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Run Time: 104 minutes
Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
“Oldboy” is a remake of the Korean cult classic of the same name directed by Park Chan-wook, which was released in 2003. This version was directed by Spike Lee and stars Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen. It is hard to really fall in love with a movie personally when you read about how much the director hates the movie himself. Originally, Lee’s cut of this film was nearly three hours long and it was torn apart by the producers bringing it down to 104 minutes. I was a fan of the original Korean film, so I also had high expectations. This film isn’t terrible but it also doesn’t improve or surpass the original. Worth checking out for some fun shock and wow but I would prefer the original.
Official Premise: “Oldboy” is a provocative, visceral thriller that follows the story of an advertising executive (Brolin) who is abruptly kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement. When he is inexplicably released, he embarks on an obsessive mission to discover who orchestrated his bizarre and torturous punishment only to find he is still trapped in a web of conspiracy and torment.
Sony released this film on Blu-ray including also a HD Digital Ultraviolet copy. I would have loved to seen them take a chance and release the director’s cut of this film also but maybe they are holding out for a double dip to make more money to recoup how bad this film did in theaters. The 1080p transfer works well with the look and feel of the film, same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. In terms of special features, there are three featurettes including “The Making of Oldboy”, “Transformation” and “Talking Heads”. There are some alternate and extended scenes. Lastly there is a Workout Video Promo, which is quite funny.
