Eastern Promises Gets Oscar Reminder DVD Release

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David Cronenberg’s latest picture, Eastern Promises hit it big with most critics (although not me) but the picture is having a surprisingly short turn around time from screen to DVD. The movie was in theaters in mid-September and has been announced for a December 26th DVD release.

For such a critically acclaimed film, I’m very surprised how the DVD release is being handled. First of all, the DVD is rather bare, with only two featurettes announced for the disc. No commentary track. No deleted material. Just two featurettes seems quite Spartan for a movie that’s DVD release seems poised for a end-of-season Oscar reminder.

Even more surprising is the headline for the press release: “Don’t miss the legendary scene that has audiences and critics raving!” No doubt they are referring to Viggo Mortensen’s naked steam bath combat scene. I expect fansites full of drooling women to point out that DVD means they can pause and freeze frame on shots of Viggo’s twig and berries, but for the studio to practically push that aspect of the release feels very strange.

Here’s a look at the few announced featurettes for the disc, hitting DVD on December 26th. Something tells me to expect this one to have a double-dip with more available a little later, especially if it winds up being a contender during awards season.

  • Bonus Features
  • SECRETS AND STORIES – Go behind the scenes as director David Cronenberg brings screenwriter Steven Knight’s brilliant script to life in the rainy dark streets of contemporary London.
  • MARKED FOR LIFE - Director David Cronenberg notes that in Russia, Georgia and other provinces, men are tattooed with their stories, there is no need for words. This feature will examine how the tattoos are used and what they mean for honor and code.
Rafe Telsch