American Gangster Extended Edition [2007]

See Larger Image	List Price: £19.99 Our Price: £5.38 Availability: Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin Directed By: Ridley Scott Average Customer Rating:


Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Audience Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over Binding: DVD EAN: 5050582550689 Format: PAL Label: Universal Pictures UK Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Universal Pictures UK Region Code: 2 Release Date: 2008-03-10 Running Time: 169 Studio: Universal Pictures UK
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Editorial Reviews: A slow burning, yet entirely gripping, mobster film, American Gangster pits Denzel Washington’s Frank Lucas against Russell Crowe’s law enforcer Richie Roberts. Spread over a necessarily prolonged running time, their story is then brutally, expertly, told. And while American Gangster isn’t in the league of prime Scorsese and Coppolla classics (such as Goodfellas and The Godfather), it’s the nearest we’ve come in quite some time to something of that ilk. It’s all based on a true story, which does mean you need to forgive it some of its obvious narrative conventions, yet this also lends it a gravitas that the film eagerly makes the most of. It’s great too to see British director Ridley Scott tackling meatier material again. This is the man, after all, who gave us Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator, and he duly delivers with American Gangster. His finest work it isn’t, but an engrossing, explosive and hard-as-nails drama it absolutely is. What’s more, American Gangster is powered by two of the finest leading man working in Hollywood right now, and it’s terrific to see Washington and Crowe on top form here. And while in cinematic terms it’s hardly a film that treads new ground, it’s nonetheless a proper, grown-up and engrossing movie, and a very good one at that. --Jon Foster
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: American Gangster Comment: Based on a true story 'American Gangster' takes us on another gangster style journey, but made refreshing as not based around the Mob or Italian stereotypes. As other reviewers here have noted, this film stands out by the great performances of both Washington and Crowe and they both add depth and flair to their respective roles. I was hooked in the first ten minutes and although Washington plays a flawed character, you can't help but like him. Excellently directed and with great supporting actors as well, this film managed to hold my attention for the duration. If you like crime and gangster films then this rates pretty highly and is well worth a look and even if you're not a fan of these films this has enough on offer to appeal to everyone else as well. A solid four star film. Customer Rating: Summary: A fine film with fine performances by the two lead actors Comment: I found the first 55 minutes a touch slow at times, but from there on I was glued to the film, based on the true story of Frank Lucas a drug lord in New York. Russell Crowe in particular is as usual in fine form, with a good performance from Denzel Washington too. I've been looking forwards to watching this film since I first heard about it and for me it does not disappoint, I've read on another review stating that the story is preditable, but this is after all a true story, how else are you supposed to portray a true story?, putting things in that did not happen?, after all with a film like this there's really only 2 or 3 ways that this could ever turn out anyway!! A good amount of action, but it's by no means full of it, Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington only come together toward the end of the film for a few scenes, it's not like De Niro and Pacino in Heat, but it's still a good watch all the same. On this DVD you have the option to watch 2 versions, the theatrical version which is 143 minutes long or an extended version at 161 minutes, I've only watched the extended cut thus far, it does warn you though that you may not be able to play the extended version, I have a Philips DVD player DVP3120 and this played with no problems at all. Overall well worth watching, I really enjoyed it. Customer Rating: Summary: One of the best gangster films ever Comment: This film tells the true story of Frank Lucas, an African-American gangster. After spending fifteen years as the driver for Harlem crime lord "Bumpy" Johnson, Lucas ascends to the leadership of a medium sized African-American gang. He is a big thinker, and plans to drive all other gangs out of business by offering the heroin addicts of New York pure grade heroin. He uses his contacts in the US military to smuggle purest grade heroin out of South East Asia into the US, by smuggling it in the coffins of dead US servicemen being flown back from the ongoing Vietnam war. It doesn't take long for Lucas to become one of New York's most feared underworld figures, and the authorities ability to deal with him is complicated by two things - firstly, they cannot find out exactly how he is getting such pure grade heroin into the US. Secondly, internal corruption is so rampant in the NYPD, that an investigation would be comprimised. This however draws the attention of a detective, played by Russell Crowe. The detective has many vices, chief amongst them womanising. However, he is "untouchable", and cannot be bribed or bought off, a 1960s Elliott Ness. Indeed, to counter the rampant corruption of the NYPD, Crowe sets up an unit of cops who are known to be incorruptible, and they lead an investigation into Lucas. However, crooked cops attempt to interfere, and Lucas' gang fight back hard. The film then becomes more and more tense. The film is excellent, easily comparable to films in the genre like "Goodfellas". Denzel Washington is masterful as Frank Lucas, and Lucas' character is a mixture of John Shaft, Gordon Gecko and Al Pacino. The plot is exciting and credible. One point of note is the very vivid portrayals of heroin needle use. Indeed, there are frequent close ups of injections, so if you are squeamish, watch out. This film is definitely one of the best I have seen. It also has a great soundtrack of 1960s music, and its signature track Bobby Womack's "Across110th Street" is a perfect mood setter for this film. Must see! Customer Rating: Summary: Harlem Globetrotter Comment: "American Gangster" is an entertaining film based on a true story about how a black New York gangster,played by Denzil Washington, who controls a large drug empire is brought to justice by a determined, incorruptable cop played by Russell Crowe. Washington builds his trade upon exclusive access to a South East Asian source and links with the US military who assist with his shipments. His rise seemingly goes unnoticed until he falls under the attention of Crowe's team. It is refreshing to watch a non Italian mafia based gangster film and Crowe and Washington act their leading roles well, although at times Washington seems to lack the nastiness and menace one might expect to find in a ruthless drug lord.The film is gripping to watch and the plot develops well building to a dramatic climax. There are a few brutal scenes , but overall "American Gangster" is a good quality ,intelligent drama. Customer Rating: Summary: rubish Comment: this movie is so lie and wanted copy from scarface movie.the actor(washington) cant play the role of gangster,he dont like italian or latina.so rubishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,just nice soundtrack. More Reviews