Set almost entirely in a dimly lit submarine, this is a hard film to transfer. Black levels are critical and remain consistent. Finer details are lost to the murky innards of the underwater vehicle, leaving the filmy with a muddy, soft look. Damage is evident to the print, some times to the point of being unacceptable for a film made in 2000. Film grain is also apparent in many scenes. 
Thankfully, the award winning audio has been captured flawlessly. The SD DVD featured a DTS mix that has remained a peak for the format. Likewise, this HD version is equally powerful. This is a demo disc for all aspects of home audio, from use of surround speakers for atmosphere, a big LFE punch from depth charges, and nicely crafted separation as the sub falls apart. There’s an extra layer of crispness over the standard DVD, and lower level dialogue is better mixed with the high end. 
Extras are generally short, although informative. Director Jonathan Mostow offers a nice, informative commentary that does overlap some information in other areas of the extras. Spotlight on Location is a decent behind-the-scenes affair with solid interviews with all of those involved. However, it has a ridiculously annoying sonar sound effect playing underneath it.
Creating and Constructing U-571 is a six minute piece on why and how the submarine needed to be built. Inside the Enigma features an expert interview on the German code machine and how it was utilized. Britain Captures the U-110 and A Submariner’s WWII Experience are interviews conducted by Mostow with veterans of the war on their experiences. Finally, short archive footage from the capture of the U-505 German sub is provided. 
The extras are a carry-over from the standard DVD edition. For first-time viewers, they’re an excellent intro to the film, especially the veteran interviews. It’s worth watching those first for the full experience as they don’t spoil anything, and add to the featured drama in the film when you hear of their struggles.
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