Ordinary, nothing else... (Manhunter (DVD))

Member Name: Welshlad

Product:	Manhunter (DVD)
Date:	23/05/01 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: decent movie, spawned some great films

Disadvantages: poor sound, average extras

Background


Originally released in 1986, manhunter is a film that is not widely known to the 'masses' yet to die hard movie fans this film is a far more acknowledged film, and while opinions are split upon its impact and realism, it certainly is a landmark film, forming the first in a sequel of highly popular films, with the sequels going on to become infinitely more successful.


The film


Directed by the excellent Michael Mann (what a great name BTW), director perhaps more famously known for titles such as Heat and last of the Mohicans, and produced by Richard Roth (what is it with good names and this film?) Manhunter tells the story of a shocking individual by the name of Francis (played admirably by Tom Noonan), an obsessed and sick pervert who prays upon young women, kidnapping them and having his evil way with them. However, this trail has not gone unnoticed, and D.I. Will Graham is on the case, in a race to track this corrupt individual down and put him where he belongs.
In order to get into the mindset of the criminal, DI Graham pays a visit (or ten!) to see imprisoned serial killer Hannibal Lector (does the name ring a bell?), which unknowingly to Graham has more of an effect than first imagined.

With a strong cast featuring the likes of Dennis farina (Eddie, midnight Run), Brian Cox (Desperate measures, Chain reaction), Tom Noonan (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, A Star is Born), Bill Peterson and many others, this is certainly no fail point of the movie. The plot is intuitive and at times gripping, going on to spawn a couple of hugely successful movies.


The DVD


Picture wise, and this film is actually quite impressive. Bearing in mind the film is now 15 years old, the visual quality stands up well, and while artifacting and interference with picture clarity are present throughout the film, they are at times un-noticeable and certainly do not effect the enjoyment of this movie.

Presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, its strange that this film is not anamorphically enhanced, something of a shame, but not exactly the end of the world.
Audio wise, and there have been no digital remixes, with an ordinary Stereo mix being the only thing you will get. Each stereo speaker does a good job, sufficient for the film, if uninspired, and its hard to imagine the limits of the effect a good 5.1 mix could have on this film, making it an altogether more convincing and atmospheric movie with the intelligent use of surround effects, had they only have taken the time.


Extra features wise and we are again slightly uninspired. Extras are as follows:

* Thomas Harris Biography,
* The Great Red Dragon Film Facts,
* The Books of Thomas Harris,
* Trailer

And that's your lot. Hardly the greatest selection, which is quite in keeping with the rest of this DVD.


Overall


In reflection, this film is nowhere near the blockbuster its sequels undoubtedly went on to the become, with a pretty good movie that holds little in the way of longevity and repeat viewing appeal. Couple this with a very average DVD containing run-of-the-mill picture and sound quality, and you have yourself a very ordinary DVD that is best suited for an overnight rental rather than a purchase.

Summary: