Manhunter (Collector’s Edition): Blu-Ray Review
Arriving this week on Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is Michael Mann’s “Manhunter”. For those who are unaware, this happens to be the first film to feature the iconic character, Hannibal Lecktor (played by Brian Cox). “Manhunter” is based on the Thomas Harris novel “Red Dragon”, which also spawned a remake in 2002. I am torn between “Manhunter” and “Red Dragon”. They are both really good and as a filmmaker, there is no question that Mann is superior to Brett Ratner. However, there is no beating Anthony Hopkins as Leckter and cast in “Red Dragon” as a whole a better, even if the direction in “Manhunter” is superior. Another major difference is that “Red Dragon” feels more like part of a franchise and “Manhunter” stands on its own.
Leckter is a minor character in the film, as the real villain is the Tooth Fairy (Tom Noonan). Former FBI profiler Will Graham (William Peterson) comes out of retirement when his friend (Dennis Farina) insists on his help finding a serial killer. “Manhunter” also features Joan Allen and a nearly unrecognizable Stephen Lang.
Fans of “Manhunter” will definitely want to pick up this release. Scream Factory has packed it with tons of new bonus feature and a second disk that includes the Director’s Cut (in standard definition).
Bonus Features
DISC 1: Theatrical Version (HD)
- NEW The Mind Of Madness – An Interview With William Petersen
- NEW Courting A Killer – An interview With Actress Joan Allen
- NEW Francis Is Gone Forever – An Interview With Actor Tom Noonan
- NEW The First Lecktor – An Interview With Actor Brian Cox
- NEW The Eye Of The Storm – An Interview With Director Of Photography Dante Spinotti
- NEW The Music Of MANHUNTER – Including Interviews With Composer Michel Rubini, Barry Andrews (Shriekback), Gary Putman (The Prime Movers), Rick Shaffer (The Reds) And Gene Stashuk (Red 7)
- Theatrical Trailer
- Still Gallery
DISC 2: Director’s Cut (HD With Standard Definition Inserts)
- Audio Commentary By Writer/Director Michael Mann
- Director’s Cut (Standard Definition)
- The Manhunter Look – A Conversation With Cinematographer Dante Spinotti
- Inside Manhunter With Stars William Petersen, Joan Allen, Brian Cox And Tom Noonan
By: Marc Ferman