De Niro and Pacino 10 years ago

What if Robert De Niro and Al Pacino got in a fight? The answer is Michael Mann's "Heat." The two master tough guys race to outfox each other as Neil McCauley (De Niro) tries to pull off the heist that will culminate his career as a professional thief, while Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino), a tenacious detective, hunts McCauley and his crew. You find yourself rooting for both sides at once, all the while stung by the knowledge that either can only triumph at the expense of the other.\nSuspenseful chase scenes and gunfights ensue, including a memorable showdown between cops and robbers in the daytime streets of L.A. What makes "Heat" special among crime movies is its study of McCauley and Hanna: how alike they are as they each live for action. Hanna's third marriage is troubled and his young stepdaughter (Natalie Portman) is an emotional wreck due to his refusal to engage in family life. McCauley advises his crew -- "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner." Of course, human nature threatens to undermine his formula for success. \nThe dialogue is sometimes a bit heavy-handed, but the actors make it work. De Niro and Pacino are both in their element. The multi-layered plot comes together over the course of the long and rather dark film with the help of a large, well-developed group of minor and supporting characters. Val Kilmer appears in one of his most endearing roles as a young thief motivated by the desire to please his wife (Ashley Judd). Unlike many films of this genre, "Heat" explores several interesting female characters as they relate to the men of the story and how it impacts them all. The many noteworthy cast members include Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Danny Trejo, Amy Brenneman and Mykelti Williamson. \nIn addition to the movie, disc one of the set includes a director commentary track (but no cast commentary) and theatrical trailers. Disc two contains 11 deleted scenes, which do not add a lot to the film, and five "making-of" featurettes which fans will definitely enjoy. These include interviews with cast, writer/director/producer Michael Mann and others who worked on the project. Insight into the characters and the filmmaking process is given, more than I have seen in many similar features on other DVDs. I recommend "Heat" as a solid addition to any DVD collection. If you have not seen it in the 10 years since it came out (or ever) give it a chance. It will engage you.