Reviewer's Rating 4 out of 5
Proof of Life DVD (2001)

Who says that romance is dead? It would seem that the shoot for "Proof of Life" certainly sparked some, along with a series of interviews where Dennis Quaid gets to look doleful. Now released on DVD, has director Taylor Hackford revealed in his audio commentary what really went on?

Under the direction of Hackford and with a healthy budget, this film carries a glossy veneer that makes the most of the Ecuadorian locations. The DVD transfer is rich and warm and offers no room for any real complaints.

Danny Elfman's busy PanPipe topped music score gets a free run of all the speakers, courtesy of a 5.1 mix that's gutsy and powerful.

So, does Mr Hackford let us in on the rumoured hanky panky that took place on the set of the movie? Sadly, Hackford keeps it business-like for his DVD commentary and concentrates on the technical issues, the script changes and of how he used personal experiences in Bolivia back in the 60s for this film. Mildly interesting, it's not a patch on his excellent commentary for the "Dolores Claiborne" disc.

The other extra feature is a 'Making Of' featurette with extra cheese and a side serving of gushing star quotes. It does though offer behind-the-scenes footage of the often treacherous shoot, and reveals a little of the very real and deadly K and R (Kidnap and Ransom) business that this movie is inspired by.

Chapters: 37
Region: 2
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra features: Scene selection, audio commentary with director Taylor Hackford, 'The Making Of' featurette, trailer, animated menus, multiple language subtitles, and English for the hearing impaired.

End Credits

Director: Taylor Hackford

Writer: Tony Gilroy

Stars: Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe, David Morse, David Caruso, Pamela Reed, Gottfried John

Genre: Drama, Action, Thriller

Length: 130 minutes

Cinema: 2001

DVD: 27 August 2001

Country: USA