Dark crime comedy with some drama and comedy.

Rating: 9/10 (3 November 2010)

Two friends, Sonny (Oscar-Winner:Al Pacino) and Sal (The late John Cazale) are planning to rob the bank on a hot Brooklyn afternoon. Sonny is the mastermind of the robbery. But sooner than later, Sonny and Sal finds themselves surround by the Police and the FBI. Sonny thinks that he and Sal can escape by using the hostages by taking them to the Airport. But there is a reason, why Sonny robbed the bank and it is for his lover/wife (Chris Sarandon) to have the sex change operation. Amazingly enough, this is based on a true story.
Directed by Sidney Lumet (Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Network, Serpico) made an highly entertaining, dark crime comedy with some drama and amusing sense of humour. Pacino is terrific is his Oscar nominated performance, he brings life to this movie. The late Cazale is also very good as the simple-minded criminal. In fact, this feature has an strong cast including Charles Durning, James Broderick, Carol Kane, Chris Sarandon (Who is nominated for his wonderful supporting performance) and Lance Henriksen. Lumet directed this feature is a fast-paced matter. He keeps things moving and the film is often very funny and dramatic.
This DVD is from the 2-Disc "Special Edition". The First DVD (The Film) has an clean anamorphic (1.78:1) Widescreen transfer and an good Dolby 2.0 Mono Sound. DVD also includes an fine running commentary track by the director and the original theatrical trailer. Disc 2 includes an four-part featurette with interviews with the cast & crew and the disc also includes an vintage featurette with the director. "Dog Day Afternoon" is remember for its strong performances, rich storytelling, terrific directing, often dramatic funny film but in the end, it shows the audiences that Crime doesn't pay. Frank Pierson, who wrote the original screenplay won an Oscar for his excellent work. The movie was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Al Pacino, Best Supporting Actor for Chris Sarandon and Best Film Editing.
"Dog Day Afternoon" manages to be an classic, since it's original release in 1975. The Picture still plays well today, Based on a Magazine Article by P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore. One of the most entertaining features of the 1970's. (**** ½/*****).