American History X (1998) [Blu-ray]
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close  American History X (1998) [Blu-ray]
Rated:  R 
Starring: Beverly D'Angelo, Fairuza Balk, Stacy Keach, Edward Norton, Avery Brooks, James Furlong.
Director: Tony Kaye
Genre: Crime | Drama
DVD Release Date: 04/07/2009

Part of the double feature Americam History X and A History of Violence
(A History of Violence is stored in its old DVD Case)

Derek Vinyardis dangerous, a coiled fury of hate who leads a neo-Nazi gang. But time and events start to change him. He reassesses his ways while doing time for manslaughter and emerges from prison eager to keep his younger brother (Edward Furlong) from falling victim to the thug cycle of violence and payback. It may be too late.

Weaving in and out of events past and present in Derek's life, American History X is revealing in its look at white-supremacist gangs and impassioned in its message that hatred and bigotry can be unlearned. Edward Norton (Fight Club. Pride And Glory) portrays Derek, giving a powerful, persuasive, Oscar-nominated performance.

Storyline: Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two thugs who tried to break into/steal his truck. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did. Written by Nitesh D.(nmxpa7@msn.com)

Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Kenneth Brown on April 13, 2009 --

As I sit here considering everything I want to express about American History X -- easily one of the most important, stirring, and powerful films to ever emerge from Hollywood's primordial cinematic ooze -- it occurs to me how much easier it is to flay a hideous, straight-to-video fiasco than to effectively express my adoration for an indisputable masterpiece; particularly one that means so much to so many people. To hear that the film almost fell apart in post-production may surprise you, but that's precisely what happened. When diva-director extraordinaire Tony Kaye (Snowblind, Lake of Fire) refused to make several changes to his initial cut, Edward Norton and the studio had to step in, wrestle away the reigns, and attempt to salvage the project. It's impossible to tell how much of the final cut retains Kaye's original vision and how much reflects Norton's efforts, but one thing is clear: American History X is an indomitable modern classic that will continue to stand the test of time for years to come.

Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) isn't the kind of guy you invite over to dinner with the fam. Filled with uncontrollable rage, burdened by his late father's deep-seated prejudices, and brimming with every racial slur a militant neo-nazi might possess, this tattooed monster is hatred incarnate. Yet despite his outward appearance and destructive behavior, he still has a soft spot in his heart for his mother (Beverly D'Angelo) and younger siblings. Tragically, after being arrested and imprisoned for his gleeful participation in an unspeakable crime, Derek's younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) falls in with the same skinhead group that helped transform Derek into a murderous thug. Under the watchful eye of a manipulative racist named Cameron Alexander (Stacy Keach), Danny begins to decorate his room with nazi paraphernalia, insult teachers, pick fights with other students, and rebel from his steady-handed principal (Avery Brooks). Thankfully, after an eye-opening stretch in prison, Derek returns home a changed man. No longer a slave to the bigotry, shortsightedness, and volatility that dominated his life, he sets about to impart his newfound wisdom to Danny and convince his younger brother to escape the dangerous lifestyle he once so proudly embraced.



American History X hits hard and refuses to relent, relying on nonlinear storytelling, heartbreaking tragedies, and disturbing encounters to submerge its audience in Derek and Danny's unsettling world. Norton's performance is nothing short of iconic -- crafting three entirely different versions of the same character, his every word and expression transforms him into the authentic human being we see on screen. Before Derek is escorted to prison, Norton fills his frame with shocking anger, terribly frightening rhetoric, and an untapped fire that seems to exude from the very depths of his soul. After he's released from prison, Norton uses Derek to completely contrast the man we saw disappear behind bars. There's a sudden sadness... a lull in spirit that comes as he witnesses the ongoing consequences of his actions. His overwhelming desire to save his family is immediate and believable; his need to set things right is so compelling that he ceases to be the film's antagonist and becomes its flawed and repentant everyman.



Of course, it would all be for nothing if Norton wasn't surrounded by an outstanding cast of supporting actors. Furlong manages to effortlessly parlay and parallel everything Derek doles out and experiences. He wields his character's adolescence as a boy whose salvation is still obtainable; someone who hasn't slipped so far that he can't come back. D'Angelo stands out as well, infusing Derek and Danny's mother with a desperation and exhaustion that marks the nuances of her vulnerable performance. I always find myself growing increasingly frustrated at her inability to properly influence her children, but I'm never able to put my finger on what she should actually be doing to pull her family out of such a self-sustaining predicament. And Brooks? Brooks anchors himself firmly in the center of screenwriter David McKenna's mesmerizing script as the one stable element in Derek and Danny's lives. His tough love and unabashed resolve reveal a character who's just as angry as the Vinyard boys, but funnels his emotions where they can serve a common good.



It all leads to one of the most stunning, thought-provoking, gut-punch third acts you'll ever endure. The consequences of each character's decisions lead to very real ramifications in a very real world. There's no Hollywood denouement, no convenient closer, no contrived answers... just more challenging questions about racism, hatred, and the quality and condition of our relationships with one another. Even so, my questions won't be your questions, my reaction won't be your reaction, my feelings won't be your feelings. In that regard, American History X proves itself to be an ever-evolving work of art; a film that produces a unique personal response in everyone who watches it.

American History X is a phenomenal, groundbreaking piece of filmmaking that unsettles the gut, engages the heart, and takes up permanent residence in the mind. To say that it belongs on every filmfan's shelves is a gross understatement. While Warner and Norton haven't conjured up the sort of supplemental attention it deserves, the Blu-ray edition nevertheless debuts with a thoroughly faithful video transfer and lossless audio track. Don't waste any more time reading my review -- this must-own release is an absolute steal.
Cast Notes: Edward Norton (Derek Vinyard), Edward Furlong (Danny Vinyard), Beverly D'Angelo (Doris Vinyard), Jennifer Lien (Davina Vinyard), Ethan Suplee (Seth Ryan), Fairuza Balk (Stacey), Avery Brooks (Dr. Bob Sweeney), Elliott Gould (Murray), Stacy Keach (Cameron Alexander), William Russ (Dennis Vinyard), Guy Torry (Lamont), Joseph Cortese (Rasmussen [as Joe Cortese]), Jason Bose Smith (Little Henry [as Jason Bose-Smith]), Antonio David Lyons (Lawrence), Alex Sol (Mitch McCormick).

IMDb Rating (07/24/14): 8.6/10 from 579,053 users Top 250: #31
IMDb Rating (12/14/11): 8.6/10 from 305,747 users Top 250: #36
IMDb Rating (10/15/07): 8.4/10 from 122,040 users Top 250: #41
IMDb Rating (02/24/07): 8.5/10 from 95,346 users Top 250: #44


Additional information
Copyright:  1998,  New Line Home Entertainment
Features:  • Deleted Scenes (SD, 7 minutes)
• Theatrical Trailer (HD, 3 minutes)
Subtitles:  English, Spanish
Video:  Widescreen 1.85:1 Color
Screen Resolution: 1080p
Audio:  ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1
ENGLISH: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Time:  1:59
DVD:  # Discs: 1 -- # Shows: 1
ASIN:  B001O7JHSE
UPC:  794043128172
Coding:  [V4.0-A3.5] VC-1
D-Box:  No
Other:  Producers: John Morrissey; Directors: Tony Kaye; Writers: David McKenna; running time of 119 minutes; Packaging: HD Case.
Rated R for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality and nudity.

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