American Gangster (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) [HD DVD] | ![American Gangster (Combo HD DVD and Standard DVD) [HD DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qEGrT9FZL._SL160_.jpg) | Director: Ridley Scott
Actors: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $26.98
Buy Used: $3.37
as of 3/13/2010 15:08 CST details
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Rating:  229 reviews
Sales Rank: 40319
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), French (Dubbed)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: HD DVD
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 158 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 6.7 x 5.4 x 0.5
MPN: 61102687
UPC: 025195020879
EAN: 0025195020879
ASIN: B0011NVCO8
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: February 19, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Side a-high definition (r) 2hr 36min side b-standard definition (r 2hr 36min & ur 2hr 54min) Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 02/19/2008 Starring: Denzel Washington Rating: R Director: Ridley Scott
Amazon.com
Ridley Scott puts on his "sweeping saga" gameface again, this time not for the sci-fi vistas of Blade Runner or the ancient world of Gladiator but for an urban epic. American Gangster gives the story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a real-life Harlem crime lord who built an empire on Southeast Asian heroin in the 1970s. Running parallel to Lucas's somewhat standard story is the investigation led by a persistent New Jersey cop, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). Roberts is a more interesting character than Lucas--too honest for his own good, unlucky in his personal life--and this kind of character, easily patronized by others, fits Crowe like a polyester shirt. Scott's tendency to hit his points square on the noggin is much in evidence here, including the typecasting of the supporting roles and the predictable Serpico atmosphere of the whole thing. (And speaking of supporting actors, the film needs more Chiwetel Ejiofor, whose role as a Lucas sidekick feels cut down.) It succeeds as a kind of chewy entertainment, fueled by the presence of two big stars working their muscles. Both Washington and Crowe look pretty brawny here. --Robert Horton
Stills from American Gangster (Click for larger image)
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 229
 profanity and blood February 14, 2010
Betty the Baker (NC)
0 out of 4 found this review helpful
I did not like Denzel Washington in this type of movie. The movie was full of violence and vulgar language. If I had known this, I would not have purchased it from Amazon. I like Denzel Washington in family type movies or movies of other types, but not this one.
The Godfather meets The French Connection January 19, 2010
Rocco Dormarunno (Brooklyn, NY)
For the longest time, it has been argued that the godfather (from the movie of the same title) is not about Vito Corleone but about Michael Corleone because it is about his ascent/descent into the underworld. And, at the very end, he is the godfather to Connie's son while his rivals are being executed. In the same respect, I had to wonder about who the real gangster is here: Frank Lucas (Washington) or Special Detective Truppo (Brolin). While we do watch Lucas' burgeoning success as a drug dealer, it is Truppo who acts with the viciousness of a gangster. He and his flock of black-jacketed, vulture-like crooked cops are more terrifying and brazen than Lucas. Lucas acts with compassion at times--even while burning an enemy alive in the opening sequence, he mercifully blasts him away before the flames can prolong his agony. In fact, any time he resorts to violence seems forced. Truppo has no compunction about saying things like "Maybe next time I throw you and your brother in the river." In fact Truppo is a nemesis to both Lucas and Officer Roberts (Crowe). His malevolence is everywhere.
Then, like "The French Connection" it is about the complex world of drug-trafficking and the frustrations of law enforcement to understand it--especially in the wild and wooly days of the late-60s to late-70s. Crowe does an exceptional job of expressing this frustration and confusion (he cannot believe that a Black man could do what the Italian Mafia could not--monopolize the drug trade in all five boroughs and then the outer counties, including New Jersey). To make matters worse, Roberts has to contend with the corruption in his own department.
All this makes for a dark but engrossing film that leaves you impressed with director Scott's ability to recreate a world that has vanished a few decades ago, at least in appearance.
So why not a perfect score? Two things: First, the prolonged scenes concerning Roberts' divorce are way too distracting. While I love looking at Carla Gugino, her thankless role in thankless scenes detract from the film's pacing. Second, the second disc--with its self-congratulatory nods to the costume designers, set designers, fried egg designers--really aren't worth watching. The only thing on that disc worth watching is the discussion between the real Frank Lucas and the real Richie Roberts. And even that discussion is marginally interesting. Still, this is a set worth owning.
 American Gangster December 24, 2009
Arnita D. Brown (USA)
A story told smoothly and very well. A richly satisfying film and probably the best gangster crime drama of the year.
"They look at me like it's Christmas, and I'm Santa Claus." September 16, 2009
Eric S. Kim (Southern California)
This is yet another ultimate movie from Ridley Scott, Denzel Washington, and Russell Crowe. This is not just a gangster flick, but, like The Godfather & Heat, is also a psychological drama. It tells the story of Frank Lucas, an African-American man who becomes a #1 drug importer in 60's Harlem. Richie Roberts is the cop who's willing to bring Lucas and his tainted business down. Seems like a simple story, but the film itself is far more complex. There is more story than action (not to say it is bad, but it really stands out with other awe-inspiring motion pictures). Ridley Scott simply knows how to make a great film, and this is one of his greatest. The performances here are also memorable. Washington, Crowe, Brolin, Gooding Jr., Nadal, Dee, Common, and T.I. give their roles their all, and they do it almost flawlessly. I'm surprised Washington wasn't even nominated for an Oscar. And the costumes and sets are just ravishing! It really feels like you're back in the late 60's, where you're anticipating the most intense boxing night in history.
It's not as great as other gangster/cop flicks, but it's great on its own level. Grade: A
 dull most of the time July 20, 2009
B. E Jackson (Pennsylvania)
I didn't find a whole lot to like about this movie to be completely honest. American Gangster had a pace that was only sometimes interesting probably because there wasn't enough action segments to keep me satisfied- just spoken bits that were never really memorable, and every time Russell Crowe spoke in his character role the quality of the storytelling felt like it slipped a little. It's like the movie kept tricking you into thinking it would become more interesting with every new segment but never delivered.
I realize most people who've watched American Gangster really respect it, but I can't bring myself to call this film a classic or anything- just barely good enough to keep a story flowing, and nothing more.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 229
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