The Film

I didn’t always enjoy films as much as I do today so when I have a fond memory of a film from a while back it really must have been special. For whatever reason Face/Off struck a chord with me. I saw it three times in the theatre, bought the soundtrack, and immediately snatched up the barebones DVD. Needless to say, when a new 2-Disc Special Collectors Edition arrived at my doorstep I was elated. At last, ten years later, one of my favorite action films has gotten the DVD it rightfully deserves.

Directed by action guru John Woo, Face/Off stars John Travolta as FBI agent Sean Archer and Nicholas Cage as Castor Troy, the man Archer has been trying to bring down since Troy accidentally killed his son with a bullet meant for Archer. The death of Archer’s son put a strain on his marriage and distanced his daughter—in short, he wants revenge. Archer finally gets his chance to take down Troy but the operation leaves Troy in a coma which turns out to be bad thing when they find out a bomb is hidden somewhere in Los Angeles and only Troy can get his jailed brother to reveal the location. Seeing no other option, Archer agrees to undergo a very experimental procedure that literally has him becoming Castor Troy through a series of operations and gadgetry. Unfortunately, Troy wakes up from his coma and forces the surgeon perform the same procedure and turn him into Archer. Troy (in the guise of Archer) infiltrates both Archer’s job and family, and condemns Archer (now in Troy form) to rot in jail. In every essence, Castor Troy steals Sean Archer’s life from him. In a powerful position at the FBI, Troy is more dangerous than ever.

There’s so much to enjoy about Face/Off that you never question the plot. It’s a bit of a stretch, but it is played off with class and the two actors make you believe it. Travolta and Cage do an excellent job impersonating each other’s characters, so it all works. Likewise John Woo’s directing style is as flashy as ever, featuring dual-handed gun fights, an insane boat chase, and a game of chicken between a car and a jet. I am definitely biased, but I believe Face/Off is right up there with Die Hard and the other action greats.

The DVD

The video is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and is a definite improvement over the initial release. Colors and detail are phenomenal and the transfer is free of annoying elements like grain or compression artifacts. The new transfer alone would make this worth the purchase.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital 5.1 EX Surround Sound, English DTS 6.1 Surround, and French 2.0 Surround with English/Spanish/French subtitles. While I wouldn’t say it is a reference disc for your home system, the surround tracks are quite explosive. The action booms from all speakers, with deep lows and fantastic panning effects. It is certainly one to piss off the neighbors.

The Extras

Commentary is offered with Director John Woo and co-writers Michael Colleary and Mike Werb. Another commentary track is offered with just the writing pair. In the first track the writers serve more to drive the questions and get information out of Woo whereas in the second track they have more time to discuss their trade. Both tracks are worth a listen for fans though I’d have to recommend the Woo one if you have to choose.

Seven Deleted/Alternate scenes with optional commentary run 8 minutes. An alternate ending is available as well. None of the deleted scenes did anything for me, though the alternate ending was interesting to watch.

“The Light and the Dark: Making Face/Off” is an hour-long documentary split into five segments: “Science Fiction/Human Emotion,” “Cast/Characters,” “Woo/Hollywood,” “Practical/Visual Effects,” and “Future/Past.” There’s plenty to learn here, covering the story, effects, cast, and production. I’ve seen better documentaries, but coming from an initial release that featured no special features, this is a welcome addition.

“John Woo: A life in Pictures” is a 26-minute piece dedicated to Woo and his body of work. Longtime Woo fans won’t learn anything new but for the casual viewer this is an excellent chance to become more acquainted with one of the premiere action directors working today.

The special features are rounded out with the Theatrical Trailer.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, Face/Off is a modern action classic. With a new, vastly improved DVD set, I wholeheartedly recommend purchasing this one. – Jeff Ritchie