American Sniper Arrives on Combo Pack
Category: Blu-ray's and DVD's
This Oscar-nominated film is now available on a DVD+Blu-ray+Digital HD Combo Pack. American Sniper is based on the autobiography of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and highlights the bravery of the military, Kyle, and the sacrifices everyone makes to protect freedom.
Clint Eastwood directs Bradley Cooper in this highly charged, sentimental, and heartening story. Chris Kyle was a rough and tough cowboy when he decided to enlist to protect and serve his country. The man became a “legend” in Iraq with a bounty on his head. He was responsible for killing more enemies than any other sniper. His responsibility was to protect the soldiers and he took his job seriously.
Kyle served four tours in Iraq, and they are highlighted in this film. His duty to his country and the freedoms it provides is what spurred him on. He was a protector at heart, even from the time he was a child.
The autobiography was a bestseller long before the screenplay was written, and the screenwriter as well as Bradley Cooper, spent countless hours with Chris Kyle to get the story right. Then the unthinkable happened. Kyle was killed by a fellow vet while helping him on a local gun range. This changed the direction of the movie.
Taya Kyle, Chris’ widow, insisted the filmmakers continue with the movie, and was actively involved in making sure they captured the story of the real Chris. Her involvement, coupled by the death of Chris Kyle, took the film in another direction. The addition of the relationship between Chris and Taya played more of a part in the storyline, making this a film not only about Kyle’s bravery in battle, but also showcasing the sacrifices the war takes on families. As Clint Eastwood says in one of the bonus features, the movie “shows the toll war takes on you.”
When he was part of the process, the filmmakers said they had to work hard to get Chris to open up to them. He was, after all, a sniper and a sniper sat alone and quiet, just waiting for his target to emerge. They were patient, however, because they wanted to discover “the true character of Chris.” Bradley Cooper said he was always obsessed with the plight of soldiers, and jumped at the chance to play Kyle.
The movie is also described as a “modern day Achilles.”
The effect the war takes on families is a big part of the film. Taya (played by Sienna Miller) was left alone to raise her two children during the four tours her husband spent half way across the world, not knowing if he would return alive. The film also focuses on the difficulties returning soldiers have when trying to come back to the lives they led before combat.
There are two bonus features: “One Soldier’s Story: The Journey of American Sniper” which delves into the story of Chris Kyle and how the film evolved, and a ”Making of” feature which adds more content about the film for viewers.
American Sniper has been one of the most talked about films of the year. It shows the heroism not only of Chris Kyle, but all the men and women who put their lives on the line for their country and for freedom.
American Sniper is rated R for strong and disturbing war violence and language throughout, including some sexual references.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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