"Poseidon" was released this week in three different DVD formats. On Tuesday I picked up the two-disc special edition and found that it was well worth the extra three or four bucks. In addition to the film (my original review here), this set offers some additional goodies, including:-The first theatrical teaser trailer;
-"Ship On a Soundstage," a documentary on the complexities of making a sea adventure movie;
-And, "A Shipmate’s Diary," a rather fun look at a film school intern’s experience on the set.
But the best bonus on this two-disc set is the History Channel special called "Rogue Waves." With striking visuals this documentary presents dramatic tales of rogue wave disasters throughout history, and explores the astonishing scientific discoveries surrounding these deadly monsters. (Unexplained ship disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle are now being attributed to rogue waves.)
As for the movie itself...ok, ok...it tanked at the North American box office. But as an action/disaster flick, "Poseidon" works. From the stunning opening sequence - a 3 minute wrap around of the majestic ocean liner (accompanied by one of the best title scores ever written) - to the mind-blowing capsize sequence, to the claustrophobic escape, this movie delivers the goods. It's great, mindless, summertime fluff.
The special effects and action sequences save "Poseidon" from Mark Protosevich's sub-par screenplay. (Both Heath Ledger and Clive Owen agreed to star but then opted out after seeing the script.) Warner Bros. and Wolfgang Petersen could have produced a classic sea tale this summer - if only they had taken the time to do so. But they didn't and what we're left with is a mindless but visually stunning summertime action movie.
I can't help but feel sorry for author Paul Gallico's original vision - a tour-de-force of survival at sea (my review of the book is here). It SO deserves to be told properly on the big screen; but after two so-so attempts (three, if you include the horrid made for TV version from 2005) it's doubtful this story will be told on film again anytime soon.
But definately put this two-disc set in your rental queue. It's a great 90 minute rollercoaster ride!
