Taps: 25th Anniversary Special Edition

This 1981 drama featuring George C. Scott as the commander of a military academy about to be razed for the building of condos, was seen at the time as a vehicle for up-and-coming young star Timothy Hutton, here playing a cadet major who mobilizes his fellow students—all lovers of the venerable institution—into an army of resistance that will eventually find itself in a tragic standoff. But within a few short years, Hutton would be eclipsed by two of his contemporaries—supporting players Tom Cruise and Sean Penn—whose participation would truly have made this “special edition” of Taps special, but new footage of them is nowhere to be found in the rather meager extras. In addition to audio commentary by director Harold Becker, the disc features a half-hour retrospective documentary (with Becker, Hutton, and others) and a featurette on the origins of playing “Taps.” Boasting an excellent transfer, this solid Golden Globe-nominated drama is recommended. (E. Hulse)