THE ICE HARVEST (DVD Review) - 25/4/06

Only available on Region 1 (USA) DVD at the moment this is certainly a strange kettle of fish in what can only be described as a series of events spiralling out of control. I can't tell if it's aimed as a film noir or if it's a comedy albeit a black one or it could even be a thriller? Directed by Harold Ramis of "Ghostbusters" fame this has been rated R in the States and obviously you can imagine why with it's tale of sleazy strip bars and lowlifes consorting with the criminal fraternity in a story of people ripping each other off and general double-crossing in various unpleasant ways. It start's with Billy Bob Thornton and John Cusack (who lead the cast) involved in a robbery from the local mob with able support from Connie Nielsen (as a local Bar hostess) with cameos from Randy Quaid (as the mob leader) and Oliver Platt (playing Cusack's obnoxious friend). A heaping of one-liners and a twist of violence, plus a sprinkling of comedy (hard to tell?) and there you have it - quite what it is I don't know? If you fancy wasting an hour and a half of your life then this could be the one for you! SPECIAL FEATURES: Alternate Endings & Outtake with Billy Bob Thornton, Cracking The Story, Beneath The Harvest, Ice Cracking: Analysis Of A Scene & Audio Commentary with Director Harold Ramis. Language: English/French. Sound: English/French 5.1. Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (1.85:1) Enhanced for 16x9 TV. Subtitles: English, French & Spanish. ALLIANCE ATLANTIS/FOCUS FEATURES 22176/2005 ISBN # 065935221760.