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?

Click Read More to well...



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.

RAWR(for more)

The Incredible Hulk - Review

The Incredible Hulk. The first time they tried to make this movie it was pretty much a miserable failure.

Does it work the second time?

The movie is a complete reboot of the series. There is nothing taken or held in common with its predecessor.

It is a new universe for this round a new take a new direction.

I have to say I was weary of this movie. I'm not the biggest fan of Hulk as a character to begin with. It is certainly difficult to turn a rampaging rage machine and turn it into someone relatable. That was always the job of Bruce Banner. We're supposed to sympathize with him, not with his monstrous alter ego. Right?

With The Incredible Hulk we get the best of both worlds. This time around the Hulk isn't a one dimensional wrecking ball. He has emotion. Emotion we can see and feel. He is layered.

Bruce Banner is on the run desperately trying to keep himself under control. To keep the Hulk from escaping. So much so that he is determined to find a way to purge it from his body entirely.

Regular readers no I don't like to give a lot of plot away. This review will be no exception. The Incredible Hulk is a comic book movie for sure, but it does have a pretty good story behind it filled with characters you grow to care for and enjoy. Sure there is some over the top stuff but it does nothing to detract from the enjoyability of the movie.

I was ready for a let down. I really didn't expect this to be any good, which of course, might be exactly why I did enjoy it so much. I really feel they did a good job with this one though. Edward Norton is perfect for Bruce Banner. He really pulls off the part well. He has always been a great actor and clearly wanted to bring Bruce and Hulk to life in a believable way. It seems Marvel may be on the right track with their movies, at least casting wise, first with Robert Downey Jr. and now with Edward Norton. They're creating a nice sandbox for people to play in for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, these great actors will stick around with these parts.

The cast is rounded out by Tim Roth, Liv Tyler, and William Hurt. Each giving great performances, albeit not exactly large. Tim Roth certainly seemed to relish the playing a soldier who ultimately becomes a monster himself.

The action scenes were spot on with incredible, pardon the pun, effects. The CGI was perfect and the climatic battle at the end was intense and brutal. Great stuff.

I won't give away certain things that happen that the brilliant PR folks have already spoiled. What happened to surprises in movies anymore? Sheesh.

Nothing happens after the credits by the way. You don't need to wait.

Overall we have a great movie with a great script, despite the rumoured issues, and great directing. All in all a fun summer movie well worth the price of admission.

When I saw the first Hulk movie I absolutely dreaded the sequel. Now? I can't wait for it.

2 for 2 so far Marvel. Keep up the good work and I can maybe give you a pass for the new Punisher movie coming out this winter.

The Incredible Hulk
Written By: Zack Penn
Directed By: Louis Leterrier
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, and Tim Roth

RAWR(for more)