Kraftprobe in den Bergen (1999)

Kraftprobe in den Bergen: Directed by Victor Salva. With Jason Behr, Dean Stockwell, James Remar, Robert Glen Keith. An attorney decides to take a trip with his father to their isolated family cabin to talk things out but their ensuing family argument is suddenly interrupted by two escaped convicts.

“The advent of the DVD progressing from the VHS brings about a new opportunity for more information to be included in its format. Itu0026#39;s quite similar to the LP recordingu0026#39;s graduation from its 78 rpm predecessor, with the LPs providing greater space for including more material. Now the DVDs are offering most interesting u0026quot;extrasu0026quot; in its packaging.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003enOne such u0026quot;bonusu0026quot; is the Commentary Track, in which selected production members provide verbal comments as the film plays throughout its entire run. Some of these tracks are excellent, one example being Director Anthony Minghellau0026#39;s for his u0026quot;The Talented Mr. Ripley.u0026quot; The director there was downright eloquent, and his running remarks are most informative.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn the case of u0026quot;Rites of Passageu0026quot; Director Victor Salva joins leading player Jasan Behr for a full-length commentary. This track is almost almost as entertaining as the film itself, as it offers fascinating tidbits about the production–some completely surprising, which makes one appreciate the dedication and effort that it took to bring this indie thriller to the screen. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe commentary doesnu0026#39;t replace the movie, though, which is a fairly successful, if somewhat talky, enterprise. The cast is just fine, headed by the remarkable now-veteran Dean Stockwell, with James Remar and Rob Keith assisting Behr, who in turn offers a solid performance in the lead, difficult role of Cambell. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWatching the movie and then going to the Commentary, one really can appreciate the process behind realizing this final product, shot well under a three week schedule. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s great to have the advantage which the DVD format now affords. I for one, really appreciate being able to be u0026quot;let inu0026quot; on the behind-the-scenes productional details. Of course, it can take away some of the realistic effect the film conveys–rather like being informed of how a magician does his illusions. But itu0026#39;s just an option that one may or may not choose to take advantage of. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs a package deal, u0026quot;Rites of Passageu0026quot; is well worth the cost. As a singular film experience, itu0026#39;s a bit wordy effort in which the whole doesnu0026#39;t quite measure up to the sum of its parts. Yet thereu0026#39;s no denying the cast works at peak level of commitment and effort in attempting to purge the essence of their characters.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn the meantime, we can be thankful for the new opportunites the DVD format provides. Thereu0026#39;s great indication this format will eventually absorb the VHS technology — just like the CDs replaced the LPs in the recording industry. Time marches on. Like, rapidly.”