SAHARA [2005 / 2008] [Blu-ray] [UK Release] Adventure Has A New Destination! Thumbs Up! This One is a Terrific Movie!
There is a legend of a treasure that claims all who seek it . . . Scouring the ocean depths for treasure-laden shipwrecks is business as usual for a thrill-seeking underwater adventurer Dirk Pitt [Matthew McConaughey] and his wisecracking buddy Al Giordino [Steve Zahn]. But when these two cross paths with a beautiful Dr. Eva Rojas [Penélope Cruz], they find themselves on the ultimate treasure hunt. Soon the three are in for the ride of a lifetime as they cross the blistering North African terrain pitting their skills against ruthless enemies bent on world destruction.
In a race against time this trio of unlikely heroes must unravel the clues solve the mystery and save the world in...a delirious escape into adventure-serial heaven the whole family can enjoy.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2005 Irish Film and Television Awards: Win: Best Cinematography for Seamus McGarvey. 2005 Teen Choice Awards: Nominated: Choice Movie Actor: Action Adventure/Thriller for Matthew McConaughey. Nominated: Choice Movie Actress: Action Adventure/Thriller for Penélope Cruz. Nominated: Choice Movie Liplock for Matthew McConaughey and Penélope Cruz. 2005 World Stunt Awards: Nominated: Best Work with a Vehicle for Efosa Otuomagie and Gaston Morrison. 2006 BMI Film & TV Awards: Win: BMI Film Music Award for Clint Mansell. 2006 International Film Music Critics Award: Nominated: Best Original Score for an Action/Adventure Film for Clint Mansell.
FILM FACT No.2: The film ‘SAHARA’ was shot primarily on location in Morocco, and portions were shot in Britain and Spain. To promote the film, actor Matthew McConaughey drove his own Airstream trailer across America and painted with a large Sahara movie poster on each side, stopping at military bases and many events such as the Daytona 500 to the Grand Marshal the race, and premiering the movie to fans, signing autographs, and doing interviews at each stop. The trip's highlights were shown on an E! Channel special to coincide with the film's release. Matthew McConaughey also kept a running blog of his trip on MTV's entertainment website. According to Matthew McConaughey, this film was intended to be the first in a franchise based on Clive Cussler's “Dirk Pitt” novels, much like the James Bond one, but the poor box-office performance has stalled any plans for a sequel.
Cast: Jude Akuwudike, Mark Aspinall, Rakie Ayola, Christopher Bello, Nicholas Beveney, Empotoe Bosage, Robert Cavanah, Penélope Cruz, Clint Dyer, Matthew Flynn, Paulin Fodouop, Ouahbou Houcinem, Emmanuel Ighodaro, Lennie James, Maurice Lee, Delroy Lindo, Daniel Njo Lobé, William H. Macy, Francis Magee, Patrick Malahide, Thierno Amath Mbaye, Matthew McConaughey, Femi Ogunbanjo, Eddie Osei, Nathan Osgood, Lahcen Ouezgane, Robert Paterson, Abdul Salis, Tosin Sanyalo, Christopher Saul, Billy Seymour, Mark Springer, Glynn Turman, Celestine Vita, Mark Wells, Lambert Wilson, Rainn Wilson, Steve Zahn, Gary Bunn (uncredited), Nina Aimer Fox (uncredited), Daniel Jude Gennis (uncredited) and Shane Pinson (Confederate Soldier) (uncredited)
Director: Breck Eisner
Producers: David Barron, Denise O'Dell, Henning Molfenter, Howard Baldwin, Mace Neufeld, Matthew McConaughey, Mark Albela, Mike Phillips, Nick Morton, Stephanie Austin, Thierry Potok and William H. Brown
Screenplay: Clive Cussler (novel), James V. Hart (screenplay), John C. Richards (screenplay), Joshua Oppenheimer (screenplay) and Thomas Dean Donnelly (screenplay)
Composer: Clint Mansell
Cinematography: Seamus McGarvey, B.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (CinemaScope)
Audio: English: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 5.1 DTS Master Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French and Spanish
Running Time: 124 minutes
Region: Region B/2
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘SAHARA’ follows the adventures of Dirk Pitt [Matthew McConaughey], is obsessed with tracking down a Civil War battleship that mysteriously disappeared. Along with Dirk Pitt, who has tagged along his friend and comic relief pal Al Giordino [Steve Zahn]. Dirk Pitt spends his days searching for lost artefacts for the “NUMA” [National Underwater and Marine Agency] and the desire to uncover the exact whereabouts of the missing ship.
‘SAHARA,’ is based on a novel by the prolific Clive Cussler, stars bongo enthusiast and Texan Matthew McConaughey as the improbably named Dirk Pitt, an ex-Navy SEALS turned marine adventurer. Working under the ever patient command of the stout Admiral Sandecker [William H. Macy], cashing in a big pay check, Dirk Pitt and long-time buddy Al Giordino [Steve Zahn], who is perfectly at home as the comedic sidekick and spends their time finding lost treasures from the ocean floor. But Dirk Pitt has more ambitious plans in mind, one that includes finding a fabled Confederate ironclad ship that was thought to have gone missing at the tail end of the Civil War over 150 years ago. Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino track the ship to West Africa where they encounter the lovely Dr. Eva Rojas [Penélope Cruz], a relief worker for the “WHO” [World Health Organisation] who’s on a hunt of her own. Dr. Eva Rojas needs to investigate a growing plague and try and find the source of the mysterious illness sweeping across Africa.
As luck would have it, the script is full of convenient plots and especially with lots of twists and turns, and Dirk Pitt’s search for the missing ship leads him to a war-torn African country, which also again happens to be where “WHO” [World Health Organisation] is. Now in Africa and hunted by a vicious warlord with his own personal army, Dirk Pitt, Al Giordino, and Dr. Eva Rojas crosses paths with a band of resistant fighters, a slimy Frenchman, and lots and lots of random desert. Then later Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino stumbles onto the wreckage of what looks like the plane from the Dennis Quad film ‘Flight of the Phoenix,’ but don’t quote me on it.
‘SAHARA’ is an unapologetic action-adventure film without any brains to hinder its brawn. The film is straightforward in its inability to be smart and true to its dedication to being loud, fast, and devoid of all levels of substance. One would have liked more chemistry between Penélope Cruz and Mathew McConaughey, but in a film where the “romance” is little more than perfunctory (if that), I guess you can’t really complain too much. Although it’s curious to note the general lack of chemistry between the two leads, as one has to wonder what that means in real-life when they can’t even fake credible interest in each other onscreen.
‘SAHARA’ is a surprisingly fun packed action comedy film with a cast that connects. As Dr. Eva Rojas [Penélope Cruz] races around on a camel and does as good a job saving the men around her. Mathew McConaughey’s who has a naughty sense of adventure in pulling off this daring exploration for the treasure. Steve Zahn’s is perfect for this type of role. He knows when to take it over the top and when to play it subtle, and he has pulled off just the right balance as Mathew McConaughey’s onscreen buddy. The satisfying aspect of this film is a moral one, where the nasty evil corrupt people get their ultimate comeuppance and that is what is so satisfying about the final outcome of this brilliant action packed film.
SAHARA MUSIC TRACK LIST
RIGHT PLACE, LONG TIME (Written by Dr. John) [Performed by Dr. John]
WE’RE AN AMERICAN BAND (Written by Don Brewer) [Performed by Grand Funk Railroad]
ASSIKO (Traditional) (Arranged by Orchestra Africa Djembé) [Performed by Orchestra Africa Djembé]
DJAA (Written by Mamady Keïta) [Performed by Mamady Keïta]
DJOLE (Written by Mamady Keïta) [Performed by Mamady Keïta]
NEVER BEEN ANY REASON (Written by Michael A. Somerville) [Performed by Head East]
WOMBO LOMBO (Written by Angélique Kidjo and Jean Hebrail) [Performed by Angélique Kidjo]
SWEET HOME ALABAMA (Written by Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Edward C. King) [Performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd]
HAIRA YO (Written by Afel Bocoum) [Performed by Afel Bocoum]
DJOROLEN (Written by Oumou Sangare) [Performed by Oumou Sangare]
SHIKHEBE SHAMAGO (Written by Selko Twala and Longwe Twala) [Performed by Brenda Fassie]
MAGIC CARPET RIDE (Written by Rushton Moreve and John Kay) [Performed by Steppenwolf]
STAY WITH ME (Written by Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart) [Faces]
Blu-ray Image Quality – ‘SAHARA’ has a presentation that is really excellent and satisfying with an excellent 1080p image. The source material is also pristine, with not a speckle of dirt or other blemishes noticeable, and the kind of smooth, grain-free that looks more like a digital photo than film. Colour reproduction is also totally impressive and hues are rich, vivid and free of colour noise and smearing. Blacks and contrast are also excellent, with even the film's few dark scenes, indeed; the vast majority of 'SAHARA' takes place in sunshine-soaked daytime exteriors, boasting above-average shadow delineation. At times the level of detail and depth to the image is up there with the best Blu-ray transfers I've seen, with the kind of three-dimensional appearance that really shows off the high-resolution capabilities of the format and especially three scenes, the opening credits, the first major action sequence, and a dinner party scene about two-thirds of the way through the film. So all in all it has a great image performance. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – The audio presentation for 'SAHARA' is really action packed and is presented with either a 5.1 DTS Master Audio or a 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio. And the film's sound design is a winner, delivering an aggressive, exciting experience that is sure to please. All channels are active, with noticeable uses of discrete pans across the entire sound field. Dynamic range also earns a solid "A," with a very full presence from lows to highs. Bass is delivered forcibly but tightly, and doesn't overwhelm the mix like some big-budget action soundtracks can. Balance is also well done, though I did have to adjust my volume control to compensate for the low dialogue levels at times.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary by Director Breck Eisner: The director is a pretty good speaker and sounds like a smart guy. The track is mostly technical in nature, explaining how various elaborate action scenes were accomplished. If you are into lots of technical jargon and information, then this audio commentary will be ideal for you and especially any nerd out there who would be more than interested into all aspect of the filming details by listening to this audio commentary.
Audio Commentary by Actor/Executive Producer Matthew McConaughey and Director Breck Eisner: The director returns for another audio commentary, this time joined by his star Executive Producer Mathew McConaughey. They all have a good rapport and focus on the story and the characters. As one would expect, both audio commentaries discuss the filmmakers' plans for the long-dormant project and the details of how it was realized. Honestly, this audio commentary hardly seem necessary, but I guess film-school students will probably get a kick out of Breck Eisner in the first audio commentary, while more casual movie buffs will get more enjoyment out of this audio commentary with the much looser Breck Eisner and Matthew McConaughey casual conversation and the film and especially their personal involvement with the film.
Special Feature: Across the Sands of Sahara [2005] [1080i] [1.37:1] [15:01] This is a making-of piece that talks about the production difficulties that focuses on the unique challenges of shooting in Morocco, especially with the heat, sandstorms, rain, flooding and locusts. Matthew McConaughey explains how he lobbied for the role; and we also get to see them preparing for the unique stunts, like the high-speed camel-train chase. Contributors include: Matthew McConaughey (Dirk Pitt), Breck Eisner (Director), Stephanie Austin (Producer), Seamus McGarvey (Director of Photography), Anna Sheppard (Costume Designer), Allan Cameron (Production Designer), Mace Neufeld (Producer), Karen Baldwin (Producer), James V. Hart (Screenwriter), William H. Macy (Admiral Sandecker), Steve Zahn (Al Giordino), Rainn Wilson (Rudi Gunn) and Penélope Cruz (Eva Rojas).
Special Feature: Visualizing ‘SAHARA’ [2005] [1080i] [1.37:1] [20:08] This special feature is a pleasant and thorough overview of the film's visual design. The covered topics include: wonderful illustrated storyboards, pre-visual planning, production design, photography and especially the director even mentions his choice of aspect ratio, costumes, sets, visual effects, animatics and B-roll footage in an exhaustive look at the film's look, stunts, and effects. We also learn the reasoning for the decision to use the wider 2:35:1 aspect ratio screen format. Breck Eisner explains the development of the "Sahara Gold Filter" to achieve the golden-hued desert photography, and the visual-effects artists break down the complex fistfight finale atop a mostly non-existent solar-energy plant. Contributors include: Breck Eisner (Director), Allan Cameron (Production Designer), Matthew McConaughey (Dirk Pitt), Seamus McGarvey (Director of Photography), Anna Sheppard (Costume Designer), Stephanie Austin (Producer), Ahmed Hatimi (Co-1st Assistant Director for Morocco location), Mara Bryan (Visual Effects Supervisor), David Sewell (2D Digital Supervisor), Giles Masters (Art Director), Mace Neufeld (Producer), Dominic Tuohy (Special-Effects Supervisor), Joshua Oppenheimer (Co-Screenwriter) and Steve Zahn (Al Giordino).
Special Feature: Cast and Crew Wrap Film [2005] [1080i] [1.37:1] [9:46] This is an assemblage of random behind-the-scenes footage, with an entertaining views of the crew who relive their experiences during the wrap party for the end of the location shoot of the making of the film ‘SAHARA.’ They talk about the large scale of the shoot and of the nightmare logistics of getting the film in the can, because for a start they had to hire 5,000 extras and they had a seven acre parking area for all the massive amounts of vehicles involved., and at the time of doing this documentary, for just one days shoot, there was 1,000 people working on the film. On top of all that, there were massive amount of water bottles brought into the desert, there was also seven cites to film in, three countries for location shoots, there are a 100 sets and locations, but most of all, is trying to keep the schedule on course and even more daunting, is the logistic of feeding everyone. It also acts as a highlighting of the shooting process and footage of the cast and crew goofing on the set. You also get to view lots of the fight scenes you see in the film. But the other big problem is how quickly the weather can change from nice sunny weather, to horrendous sand storms, torrential rain and rivers overflowing, which for the director is a total nightmare. But eventually we get to see a group photo of the wrap up party for the end of the location shoot. This documentary is dedicated to the loving memory of Malcolm Sheehan.
Special Feature: Deleted Scenes [2005] [1080p] [2.35:1] [4:47] Here we get to view four deleted scenes that include: "Kitty Mannock's Crash;" "Finding Kitty Mannock's Plane;" "The Long Kiss" and "Oceanographers Dying in the Desert." The scenes, which were nearly finished segments, and each has the option of an audio commentary by Breck Eisner and Matthew McConaughey about what they liked about the deleted scenes and why they were ultimately ended up on the cutting room floor. As usual, you can watch each deleted scene separately or Play All.
Special Feature: Camel Chase [2005] [1080p] [1.37:1] [5:08] Here we get to view Behind-the-Scenes of The Camel Case/Train Chase, especially looking at the filming of one particular action scene, which entailed 2 weeks of camping in tents, 5 miles from Algeria, and 3 principal actors doing a LOT of their own stunt work. We also get a lot of impute from director Breck Eisner about all the problems that happens when filming on location in the winter time including the problems faced due to bad weather. We get to also view some illustrated storyboards to work out the particular sequence of filming that requires almost a 100 shots. And, it was necessary for Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn and Penélope Cruz to gallop on Malian racing camels next to a moving train, which of course we see the process of setting up shoot, and the actors call it movie-magic-sauce, and also at the same time showing us the tricks of the trade. But once again the weather turned against them, so making the whole shoot totally frustrating, as they get to experience a horrendous sand storm, plus torrential rain, so because of the really bad weather persisting, the shooting schedule was rescheduled, and of course everyone was totally exhausted, but luckily the next day the weather was perfect, and everyone was pleased with the final camel race. The End.
Special Feature: Animatics: Here we get to view two Animatics, that consist of two very detailed animated storyboards, that also includes actors speaking, sound effects and composed film music in the back ground and what we get to view is the following: Opening Scene [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:21] and Train Jump [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:41].
Special Feature: Storyboard Comparisons: Here we get to see three different storyboards and what you get to view is at the top of the screen the actual storyboard illustrations and below it is the actual scene in the film, that way you get to compare the two items and they are as follows: Gun Fight at the Wall [2005] [1080p] [1.37:1] [2:08]; Finding the Iron Clad [2005] [1080p] [1.37:1] [1:51] and Dirk Rescues Eva on the Beach [2005] [1080p] [1.37:1] [1:55]
Theatrical Trailer [2005] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:32] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘SAHARA,’ and it is a brilliant trailer and gives you a great flavour of what you will get when viewing this action packed film.
Special Feature: Previews [2008] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:20] Here you get to view a promotional trailer for Paramount High Definition Blu-ray Releases and very dramatic it is.
Finally, ‘SAHARA’ is a film that really has a lot going for it and something that must not be taken too seriously, and then you will have a perfect fun time with the film. The cast seemed to really enjoy doing what they do best, and that made it easier for me to really get into the enjoyments of the film. It has all of the elements of a fantastic all action and adventure film with a solid plot, and definitely good chemistry between all of the characters, which is why I enjoy good character driven films and there is enough here that holds it all together very well to make this an interesting popcorn munching film. For those who are really into action and adventure films like I am, this film is really a definite blockbuster action fun film and I know the whole family will have a great time viewing this Blu-ray disc, which has been an all-time favourite film of mine, ever since I saw it in the cinema on its initial release and now I have it in the ultimate Blu-ray format, as it is a stunning fun rollercoaster ride from start to finish and the picture quality is definitely reference material and it will definitely make your friends jaw drop in what they view and now it has gone pride of place with my other fun packed Mathew McConaughey Blu-ray disc entitled ‘Fool’s Gold.’ Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
