Stars: Tom Cruise, Jean Reno, Vanessa Redgrave, Ving Rhames, Jon Voight, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Emmanuelle Beart, Henry Czerny, Dougray Scott, Richard Roxburgh, Brendan Gleeson

Director: Brian De Palma

Summary: Two features. Tom Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt, leader of a crack squad of intelligence operatives, in this labyrinthine action-thriller based on the hit 1960s-'70s television series Mission Impossible. When a dangerous mission in Prague goes inexplicably wrong, Hunt finds himself out in the cold. A mole has infiltrated the CIA, and suspicions are that it's Hunt. His only chance: Find out who the real mole is and turn the tables. The plan takes him on an incredibly suspenseful infiltration of CIA security, leading to a spectacular chunnel climax that would make Hitchcock proud. Thanks to crisp, inventive direction from Brian De Palma and Danny Elfman's dynamite electronica score (including a catchy update of the original Lalo Schifrin theme), this mission is great fun. The talented roster of stars backing Cruise includes Ving Rhames, Vanessa Redgrave, John Voight, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Jean Reno. A witty script by Robert Towne (CHINATOWN, SHAMPOO) and David Koepp keeps the ball rolling in unexpected directions, with the paranoia always set to high. A box-office record-setter during its original release, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE led to a well-deserved sequel, also with Cruise and Rhames. Also includes 'Mission: Impossible 2'.

WIN DVDs by rating this DVD

Average User Rating:

WIN DVDS by being amongst the first to review this DVD. Reviewing DVDs earns you bonus entries and lets you WIN DVDs!Please login before reviewing this DVD. If you're a new user, register for free and enter to WIN FREE DVDs!

With the third, and potentially final, instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise clocking up money right across the globe, the by-now obligatory repacking of previous episodes gives those who’ve missed out to date a chance to bring their DVD collection up to date.

The original Mission: Impossible movie remains a terrific action-thriller. Led by Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, there’s a delicious mix of fine casting, cracking plot twists and momentous pace. Yet it’s director Brian De Palma who steals the show, delivering a handful of his superb trademark set pieces in a way that perfectly matches the source material. Sure, there’s the odd crack in it all, the odd ropey effect and a bit of unravelling to do, but this remains an excellent example of what a Hollywood blockbuster could and should be.

John Woo’s M:I:2 is less successful however, although you’d still be hard pressed not to enjoy it. Dougray Scott is drafted in as the nemesis this time, and for around an hour of the film, it hangs together well. But Woo’s movie is less focused and concentrated than De Palma’s, and it shows. Its flabby running time and more indulgent action sequences are both forgivable of course, as this is still good, routine, blockbuster entertainment, yet it’s far from the best work that either the director or star have put in.

Still, it’s a lively double pack you get here, and each movie does serve up the requisite levels of entertainment you’d be looking for. It’s just the original does it so much better.--Simon Brew

Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Mission Remarkable, Mission Explosive Exploits, Mission Spies Among Us, Mission Catching The Train, Mission International Spy Museum, Mission Agent Dossiers, Excellence In Film Cruise, Acceptance Speech For BAFTA LAs Stanley Kubrick Excellence In Film, Mission Im
Year:	1996
Release Date:	May 1, 2006
Runtime:	224 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	P H E 9023
Keywords:	Mission, Special, Action, General, Edition, Wide, Screen, Impossible, Adventure, Collector's
Genre:	Action/Adventure