In a much needed re-release Universal gives us an incredible 15th Anniversary set for Backdraft. Backdraft is a movie that we see so often nowadays, but Ron Howard executed it in such a way that it remains as one of the best of the "real-life hero tribute" films. The script is filled with contrived dialogue and some incredibly lame and cliched plot turns, but it's the fire footage that makes this film exceed above the rest. The filmmakers initially wanted to go with CGI fire, but the tests done looked so fake that they turned to the real thing. Some amazing scenes are shot in this film that we'll probably never see in a film again due to the fact that CGI has advanced so much over the past decade. The characters are likable and relatable, but the acting is a bit overdone. This isn't the greatest film ever made, but the characters feel real enough to keep a strong emotional connection with the audience, and that's the essence of good filmmaking. Many see Backdraft as the ultimate tribute to firefighters across America, and while the ending of the film sends a tribute, the movie is actually very much centered around the two brothers. Heroism and courage are not central themes of this movie, but it's more about embracing the people around you (not teamwork). The film also features the first collaboration between Ron Howard and Hans Zimmer, in which Zimmer produces one of his best synthesizer based scores. A really good film that finally gets the DVD release it deserves.

Image & Sound:

Owners of the original Backdraft release will rejoice with this all-new digitally remastered transfer. The colors are solid, but I think they picture could have been sharper. There was no hazing or haloing during the fire scenes though, and that was my biggest fear. I didn't own the previous set of the Backdraft, but I'm guessing that this Dolby 5.1 mix is the same mix from the old set. If it is new, then it's a shame. The subwoofer get's a good workout and Zimmer's score is prominent but the dialogue and quality overall is not that rich or spread out. ---

The special features are really short, I went through them in one day. Even though they are short, they are great to watch and are informative. When you play the film you will see a short introduction from Ron in his scruffy beard mode. The best featurette was the "Igniting The Story" one in which we go through the script to screen process. We interview some key people about bringing the movie to life, and surprisingly Hans Zimmer gets his own section about the score. I was so happy to see Zimmer in there discussing his work because composers usually never get any screen time in the special features. The other featurettes cover the casting, stunt work, using fire as a character, and then real-life accounts from real firemen. A great set of features with new interviews mixed in with interviews from 1991. ---

Final Words: