BluRay Review: Primal Fear

Primal Fear: Hard Evidence Edition
Written by: Steve Shagan and Ann Biderman, based on the novel by William Diehl
Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
Starring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton, Andre Braugher, Terry O'Quinn, Frances McDormand, Alfre Woodard, and John Mahoney

BluRay Specs:
1080p High Definition
English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD/French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Special Features: Commentary featuring Gregory Hoblit, Ann Biderman, Producer Gary Lucchesi, Executive Producer Hawk Koch, and Casting Director Deborah Aquila. Primal Fear: The Final Verdict, Primal Fear: Star Witness - Casting Edward Norton, The Psychology of Guilt, Theatrical Trailer

Primal Fear is one of my favorite legal thrillers and it finally hits BluRay tomorrow with the Hard Evidence Edition.

How does it measure up?

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Primal Fear is the story of hot shot defense attorney Martin Vail who takes on the defense of an alter boy accused of murdering a prominent arch bishop. As the case progresses, Vail learns a troubling truth about his client and about the man he's accused of killing.

This is the movie that launched Edward Norton to stardom and his first Oscar nomination. It's perfectly crafted, tense, and beautifully acted from the entire cast. It holds up rather well 12 years later and I found myself just as riveted now as I was when I first saw it.

The BluRay release isn't exactly perfect however. The picture has a grain to it and certainly isn't as clear as more recent releases. That said, it is still an improvement over previous releases. The special features are a little light. We have some featurettes and commentary. There are no deleted scenes or alternate takes and I would have liked to see something on the illness at the center of the story as well.

All in all it's a decent release for a great film. The picture isn't as clear as it could (or should) be and it could use some padding in the features aspect, especially with the capabilities of BluRay, but it's still worth a buy, certainly for those who've never seen the film.

Primal Fear: Hard Evidence Edition will hit DVD and BluRay tomorrow, March 10.