Hitting DVD back in the infancy of the format, Breakdown's 1998 release shows the typical signs of early discs. The print is littered with damage at times, grain is overpowering in a late nighttime sequence, and compression is ridiculously prevalent. Edge enhancement also goes overboard and finer details are gone. The entire print looks faded too. At least it's in widescreen, which becomes about the only positive thing you can say for this discs video. 
Audio offers two options that are Dolby Surround and full 5.1. The differences are negligible. A few moments offer some time for the subwoofer to gain some work, and there's brief use of the surrounds where appropriate. Dialogue lacks the crispness DVD fans are used to. 
Extras are barren, which is disappointing. There's a trailer and nothing more. (No stars)
While you typically hear about Ronin's unforgettable car chase or Bullitt's incredible recognized piece, Breakdown offers up a stunning three-car, one-truck smash fest that's about as good as they come. That's not meant to take away from the other two classics, but the only flaw in Breakdown's big moment is how brief it is. It's a flawless cap to a nearly perfect movie.
Article comments
1 - Jonathan Scanlan
To be honest, I'd say the film was clever and pushed it's concept to all it can be. But in the end it failed to provide honest insights that elevate a film from popular entertainment, to classic status.