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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, February 26, 2010

Highly rated 'Damned United' tops releases


By Bob Bloom
(Lafayette, Ind.) Journal & Courier

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

From left: Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is central to "The September Issue," a documentary about producing an issue of the magazine; Matt Damon is splendid as a whistle-blower in the "The Informant"; and Michael Sheen stars as Brian Clough in "The Damned United."

Sony Pictures Classics, Warner Bros. Pictures,

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A dark comedy about corporate greed, a portrait of a controversial sports figure and an inside look at the making of a fashion magazine arrived this past Tuesday on Blu-ray and DVD.

"The Informant" R, language

The lowdown: Matt Damon is splendid as a whistleblower whose schemes begin to unravel around him even as he is taking down a giant corporation. Steven Soderbergh directed this humorous tale of intrigue, based on a true story.

The movie, produced for $22 million, was released on Sept. 18. It earned $33.3 million in the United States and $3.1 million overseas.

Critics seemed to have enjoyed it, awarding it a 77 percent positive rating at www.Rottentomatoes.com. The movie's digital transfer is excellent; sharp picture quality and clean sound.

Don't miss: Deleted scenes are the only extras.

"The Damned United" R, strong language

The lowdown: A sports biography that looks at soccer manager Brian Clough whose talent was overshadowed by his ego and demons. Michael Sheen gives a splendid performance as Clough.

The movie, which opened on Oct. 9, had limited play in the United States and took in just $449,865. Overseas, it earned $3.6 million.

Critics were impressed, giving the film a 94 percent positive rating on the tomatometer.

The Blu-ray's audio and visual transfers are excellent; the picture is very sharp and the sound of bodies crashing together jumps off the screen.

Don't miss: A featurette on the making of the movie, a profile of Clough, a featurette changes in the sport from the 1970s until today and a commentary track comprise the bulk of the extras.

Other options are available through the BD Live function.

"The September Issue" PG-13, strong language

The lowdown: A fascinating documentary that goes behind the scenes at Vogue and looks at its formidable editor, Anna Wintour.

If you ever wondered how this magazine was put together, this movie shows you the nuts and bolts — and personalities — responsible for it. Released on Aug. 28, the movie earned $3.8 million domestically and $1.7 million overseas. The film received an 84 percent positive rating from critics at Rottentomatoes.

The two-disc DVD set features a very clear and crisp digital transfer.

Don't miss: A commentary track, more than an hour of deleted scenes and additional footage, and behind-the-scenes photos.