Brian De Palma films the legend, not the facts, in this sumptuous adaptation of the crimefighting TV series. Ditching everything from the small-screen original except its central clash between honourable flatfoot Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and evil mobster Al Capone (a powerhouse Robert De Niro), The Untouchables recreates the decadent allure of '30s Chicago with matchless verve.

Bare-knuckle dialogue from David Mamet and an insistent, tension-building score from Ennio Morricone set the tone. But it's Connery's battle-scarred old-timer who gives the film its untouchable dynamism. Altogether now: "He pulls a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue!"

DVD Extras:

With no commentaries and little face time with the stars, this Special Edition appears to be somewhat lacking in the "special" department. Fortunately, the five featurettes are more than ample filler."My image of The Untouchables is that corruption looks great... Like Nazi Germany," explains De Palma in Production Stories. He then spins off into a lengthy chat about the challenges of recreating the opulence of Capone's world in the modern-day Windy City, the difficulties of casting and his complete lack of interest in the original series. Unexpectedly fascinating.