In the valley of Elah
(DVD)

Title from container.

Originally released as a motion picture in 2007.

Special features: "In the valley of Elah: after Iraq" featurette; "In the valley of Elah: coming home" featurette; additional scenes.

Director of photography, Roger Deakins ; editor, Jo Francis ; music, Mark Isham ; costume designer, Lisa Jensen ; production designer, Laurence Bennett.

Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Jason Patric, Susan Sarandon, James Franco, Barry Corbin, Josh Brolin.

Hank is a retired Sergeant with the Military Police, now he spends his days hauling gravel and sharing a quiet life with his wife Joan. One day, he receives a call informing him that his youngest son, Mike, had gone AWOL. Hank thought his son was in Iraq, but is informed that Mike returned stateside four days ago with his platoon. Hank calls his son's cell phone and gets voice mail. He checks his e-mail, nothing. Something isn't right. His son would call him, let him know if something was wrong. He drives to Fort Rudd and begins to make inquiries. Hank meets some of Mike's buddies, including his Sergeant. He finds Mike's cell phone and decides to take it. Hank contacts a local telephone guy who offers to try to retrieve some of the video on it. With each inquiry, Hank comes to a dead end. He decides to ask for the help of the local police and meets Detective Emily Sanders. Hank and Emily meet with Head MP, Lt. Kirklander. Everyone is very sympathetic, but no one can help. Then a body is found, dismembered and burned beyond recognition. The body is identified as Mike. Hank tries to find out what happened, but continues to meet a number of hurdles. Hank is persistent and uncovers things no one wants to hear, including himself.

MPAA rating: R; for violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity.

DVD, region 1, widescreen (2.40:1) presentation; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround.

English, dubbed French or dubbed Spanish dialogue, English, French or Spanish subtitles; English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Venice Film Festival, 2007: SIGNIS Award (Paul Haggis)