U-571 (2000)

Taut and gripping, U-571 follows the exploits of a fictional team of World War II U.S. submariners who undertake a secret mission to capture a German Enigma machine to decode German documents. Writer-director Jonathan Mostow (Breakdown) tells an intense, economical tale, reminiscent of the best classic war films, while infusing it with modern sentiments.

Spring 1942: A crew of young submarine sailors are on a much-needed 48-hour liberty when they're suddenly called together and engaged in an expedition. At the helm are Lieutenant Commander Mike Dahlgren (Bill Paxton), Lieutenant Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey), and Chief Klough (Harvey Keitel). Other pivotal crew members include Tyler's Annapolis pal Lieutenant Pete Emmett (Jon Bon Jovi, proving his acting mettle) and Lieutenant Hirsch (Jake Weber), who, along with Marine Major Coonan (David Keith), organizes the mission. As much of the movie takes place in a submarine during WWII, there are inevitable comparisons with the technical masterpiece Das Boot, but Mostow's masterfully shot tale can hold its own.

McConaughey's Tyler is believably earnest as he comes to grips with the reality, tragedy, and consequence of being in command. While this explosion-filled film consistently maintains its tense pace (as did the underrated Breakdown), it also presents with surprising restraint a genuine human story--and the remarkable journey of an unexpected hero. --N.F. Mendoza Amazon.com

 Great flickb
This is a great movie. The HD doesn't add much to it because you're mostly in a submarine. The underwater shots look great but that is pretty much all of the improvements. May 2, 2008

 Killer Sound Track
My wife and I have built a really nice McIntosh theater system that can put you IN a film. We greatly appreciate audio scores and this one is special. A fantastic DTS track. God Bless the engineers who spend long hours in the studio providing sound like this. This is a great story with above average acting. Even the ponderous Bill Paxton turns in an OK and thankfully brief performance. The real star of this flick is the sound. When the depth charges go off, especially in multiples, you are exposed to the terror these guys endured on both sides. And to think I picked this up in the $5.00 bin at wally world. Run Silent Run Deep it ain't. Enjoy. March 7, 2008

 Great Movie
Not factual, but a great story even so. Lots of suspense and action, my son and I enjoyed this movie immensely. February 24, 2008

 Many improvements
Many improvements.
The side menu is faster compared to other HD DVD's. For the first time I can appreciate the ocean waves without pixels, the scenes under water are well transfered that barely can notice the faded colors between the clear and dark colors. Torpedos, deep charge bombs now has better details. January 14, 2008

 disrespectful rubbish
Hang on. The Americans hadn't entered the war by the time the Enigma Machines were recovered. I'm sure the British families of the Royal Navy sailors who did recover the machines might find this film a bit upsetting. January 12, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...