26 men has been chosen to join the roles of Prison Guards and Prisoners for the experiment for two long weeks. The prize is $14,000 a person if they can last two weeks for this experiment. Travis (Oscar-Winner:Ardien Brody) is hoping to get the money for a long deserved vacation and Travis is called Prisoner 77 for the study. Barris (Oscar-Winner:Forest Whitaker) is seemingly normal man, who never had power in his life. Barris is one of the prison guards. This experiment is in a isolated area. At first, the experiment goes well until the prisoners slowly starts acting like real prisoners. It seems that Travis is the lead of the group. While the Prison Guards are getting more sadistic and powerful. Travis would never expected this strange experiment to be deadly real.
Written and Directed by Paul Scheuring made an effective thriller, based on the original German 2001 film titled "Das Experiment". Oscar-Winners:Brody and Whitaker are terrific in the movie. While Cam Gigandet and Travis Fimmel offers scene-stealing performances as the brutal guards. Originally made for theatrical release, somehow this feature went Direct-to-DVD instead. Which it is too bad, because the movie is powerful and brutal at times. Despite some silly dialogue, especially coming from the worst Prison Guards in the movie.
The Canadian DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Unlike the American DVD and Blu-ray. The Canadian DVD offers some special features like interviews, B-Roll footage and behind the scenes featurette. "The Experiment" has an few flaws. The first, i wish the movie was much longer. Especially getting to know some of the Prison Guards and Prisoners better in supporting roles. The feature also lacks an satisfying conclusion. But still, strong performances by Oscar-Winner:Brody, Oscar-Winner:Whitaker (His role shows shades of "The Last King of Scotland"), Gignadet and Fimmel makes this picture worth watching. Usually talented character actor:Clifton Collins Jr. is sadly wasted in a underwritten role as one of the prisoners. Super 35. (****/*****).
Written and Directed by Paul Scheuring made an effective thriller, based on the original German 2001 film titled "Das Experiment". Oscar-Winners:Brody and Whitaker are terrific in the movie. While Cam Gigandet and Travis Fimmel offers scene-stealing performances as the brutal guards. Originally made for theatrical release, somehow this feature went Direct-to-DVD instead. Which it is too bad, because the movie is powerful and brutal at times. Despite some silly dialogue, especially coming from the worst Prison Guards in the movie.
The Canadian DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Unlike the American DVD and Blu-ray. The Canadian DVD offers some special features like interviews, B-Roll footage and behind the scenes featurette. "The Experiment" has an few flaws. The first, i wish the movie was much longer. Especially getting to know some of the Prison Guards and Prisoners better in supporting roles. The feature also lacks an satisfying conclusion. But still, strong performances by Oscar-Winner:Brody, Oscar-Winner:Whitaker (His role shows shades of "The Last King of Scotland"), Gignadet and Fimmel makes this picture worth watching. Usually talented character actor:Clifton Collins Jr. is sadly wasted in a underwritten role as one of the prisoners. Super 35. (****/*****).