It's been told before and will likely be told again. Disney feeling good with the success of Pearl Harbor, took on the task of retelling the story of Texas greatest battle. The Alamo is a Texas tradition and being from Texas we are very critical of stories about our state. After viewing Disney's take on the tale, I must say that I enjoyed myself, though the film certainly has its share of "fiction".
Billy Bob Thorton does a wonderful take as Davy Crockett but it's Patrick Wilson as William Travis who steals the show. Equally impressive is Jason Patric as James Bowie, the man famous for wielding quite a knife. These three men form the trifecta of characters that defend Texas most famous icon. Dennis Quaid gets the best of the bunch as he portrays General Sam Houston, the man credited with winning the war once and for all and giving birth to the nation of Texas.
Possibly the biggest reason to watch the remake is for the contribution of the Tejano's which was sorely lacking in the previous films based on the event. The Tejanos contributed and gave up their lives just as much as the white americans who came to do battle with the Mexicans. Disney does an admirable job giving them a showcase in this update.
The battle of the Alamo on the fateful morning of March 6th 1836 is actually anticlimatic but the film does a good job of building to that fateful day with the few days before the massive Mexican army made its way through the fort slaughtering every man inside. While the violence is kept at bay, disappointing some, the film's look and set make it a worthy viewing. If anything just to see Billy Bob Thornton play the Three Stooges Theme makes it worth watching.
The Disc:
The Alamo is one of the most breathtaking cinematic films in recent memory and this disc is a testament. The transfer is presented in a widescreen anamorphic 2.35:1 transfer that shows off the cinematic depth. Sounds on the film are equally impressive with a 5.1 track that pumps out the action battles making this a surround sound showcase.
Extras on the disc begin with Return of the Legend: The Making of The Alamo which basically just expands upon what went on in producing this massive film. The movie actually got delayed a few months because of just how much went into making the film. There's plenty of stuff here for movie buffs who like this sort of thing.
Next up is a feature near and dear to my heart. Deep in the Heart of Texans shows how some of the actors Texan roots helped give them inspiration in making the movie. I was happy to learn that some of these guys actually were near and dear to the state I love so.
Next is Walking in the Footsteps of Heroes which explores a more historical take on the characters in the movie and how the actors approached these roles. Billy Bob certainly gave his own unique perspective making Davy Crockett a joy to watch in the film.
If the length of the film wasnt enough, viewers can also opt to view the Deleted Scenes that are comprised of the extra footage that the director took but never put into the final cut. Some of these are interesting while others needed to be cut.
Finally theres the trailers and other extra materials that are usually on these discs.
bottom line:
A quality update that wasn't quite the classic that some had hoped. Still The Alamo is a worthy film that history buffs should enjoy discussing and viewers should enjoy watching. Billy Bob Thornton continues to impress me and the Alamo is another shining example.
4 out of 5
By - Brian Gray
