Both the theatrical and extended version are on the same side of disc 1----disc 2 contains bonus footage Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/26/2008 Starring: Denzel Washington Run time: 158 minutes Director: Ridley Scott

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

Beyond American Gangster on DVD

Great Crime and Gangster Films

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Crowe and Washington really make a great movie in this one. There is a lot of action and it is based on a true story, which always makes movies more interesting, in my opinion. The movie is somewhat longer than normal, but that is ok because Im kind of tired of 85 minute movies anyways.

This is a great movie and is not very child friendly, but that should be obvious by the rating.

It was exactly what my son wanted! Great price! Great Communication! Speedy Delivery! Thanks ever so much!

This movie is great! The wait was worth it. It took so long for the Blu-ray release but everything about it is top notch!

The movie itself was amazing. I love most movies With Denzel Washington in them. For some reason though, the HD side of my disc would not play. It is almost like the manufacturer just did not put any data on the HD side. When you look at the HD side of the disc, there is no line where the data stops. The SD side works fine though. Unfortunately, I did not actually attempt to play the HD side on my HD DVD player until long after the return policy was up. This was probably just an isolated incident which is why I still gave it 4 stars. The movie itself is definitely 5 stars. Be sure you check both sides of the disc within the time limit of the return policy. Besides that, enjoy this great movie!

The positive reviews' already written says it all. The scene where Denzel's Lucas burns the $50,000 Chinchilla coat said it all for me. See what happen's when you show off? You draw unwanted attention to yourself! Lucas was on top of the world and still ended up in jail, his family in ruins. Great film (and object lesson) for the interested.

I rate this movie: 5 stars!