Manhunter

Rating:
Summary: Where it began...
Review: The Movie: Some have dared to call 'Manhunter' better than 'Lambs'....And in some ways, it actually is. For the uninitiated, Manhunter was based on Thomas Harris' novel Red Dragon (which was the precursor to The Silence of the Lambs). The novel, and ultimately the film, deal with Will Graham's (William L. Petersen: The Skulls, To Live and Die in LA) attempts to catch a vicious serial killer dubbed "The Tooth Fairy". Graham is a young retired cop living in south Florida after suffering near fatal wounds in the capture of Dr. Hannibal Lektor (who would become Hannibal Lecter in Lambs). He's got an uncanny knack for getting inside the heads of the killers-a gift that sometimes becomes more like a curse, as he occasionally finds himself lost in the madness. The presence of evil haunts Manhunter, intangibly. The graphic forensics reports Graham prepares, outlining the macabre crime scenes in vivid detail, allow the imagination to fill in what happened within the silent houses and rooms he explores. Graham flatly describes blood on the wall from arterial spray as the victim tried to fight, knowing that the killer was headed for the children's room. All of which translates into a vague unease that is arguably more disturbing than anything in Lambs. Silence Of The Lambs is violently passionate. Manhunter takes the opposite tack, showing the murder scenes-complete with blood stains and tape outlines-after the bodies have been carted away, allowing the viewer to fill in his own images. It's a fine example of how less can sometimes actually be more in film.

Manhunter's performances are all very good, but the real standout is Cox's 'Lektor'. The fact is, Hopkins hammed it up big time in his portrayal of Hannibal. Cox plays the role with an understated sense of menace. It's clear from the early going that Lektor is brilliant, yet Cox also makes it apparent that he's a complete predator. Lektor sits staring, jaw slightly open, beady eyes sizing up everything around him-this is essence of the predator. Lektor's a genius, but he's an animal too, and Cox brings this side of the character to life in a brilliant way. That Cox wasn't brought back for 'Lambs' was unfortunate. Mann's direction is as inspired as always. The film has that engaged style used so well in Mann's masterpiece 'Heat' -- long, steady shots that add a terrifying stillness. This is a flashy film, but in a dark, nihilistic way. If you, like so many, were let-down by 'Hannibal', check out Manhunter to see the formula that made 'Lambs' such a hit.

The DVD: Anchor Bay is releasing this film on DVD in 2 versions - a 2-disc limited edition (which contains the theatrical cut as well as a new director's cut) and a single-disc (of just the theatrical version). The theatrical version of Manhunter is presented in anamorphic widescreen (framed at 2.35:1), and thankfully looks better than I was anticipating. The overall presentation is a bit on the hazy side, but the transfer is damn good given the age and relative obscurity of the film. On the other hand, the Director's Cut of Manhunter (found on the second disc of the limited edition) is just terrible. The anamorphic transfer is pervasively soft, with no detail or clarity, and colors have an obvious red push. It's hazy, dull and looks no better than a discarded Beta master that Mann might have found in his office. The picture is virtually unwatchable, which is a real shame - especially considering that the Director's Cut is the preferred version of the film. So did Anchor Bay live up to expectations with their DVD handling of Manhunter? Pretty much. Dampening my enthusiasm somewhat is the lousy transfer of the Director's Cut on the 2-disc set, but I'm sure that Anchor Bay did the best they could to make a lousy source look as good as possible. I might have liked to see the deleted scenes simply pulled and isolated as a supplement, but I can't really complain considering.

Rating:
Summary: Manhunter
Review: Stylish crime thriller about a gifted FBI agent brought out of retirement to capture an elusive serial killer. "Manhunter" is most well known as the prequel to "Silence of the Lambs," with the infamous character "Hannibal Lector" appearing in both films. The stories are linked and similar in that Agent Graham, portrayed by William Peterson, is the FBI agent who captured Hannibal and now decides to consult with the deranged doctor to gain insight on the new killer nicknamed "The Tooth Fairy." The story has a darker twist in that Agent Graham has the ability to place himself near the mental state of that of the killer, enabling him to solve the investigation, but the after effects are brutal; Graham was sent to a mental ward after apprehending Hannibal.

Graham visiting Hannibal in prison is much like what was portrayed by Jodie Foster in "Silence of the Lambs." Actor Brian Cox is Hannibal in this feature and provides a sinister performance as the doctor who enjoys fencing mentally with Agent Graham during the consultations. Cox was not recognized as highly as Anthony Hopkins since his performance is more subdued and there was no sequence to demonstrate Hannibal's violent nature, but Cox's performance is worth watching and an interesting comparison to Hopkins' work.

The high point of this film is Tom Noonan who portrays the serial killer pursued by the FBI. His performance as the mentally unbalanced killer who thirsts after women is remarkable and arguably makes this feature just as good as "Silence of the Lambs."

The film has that "Miami Vice" look, since Michael Mann directed it, but the cinematography is impressive and Mann has an excellent knack for blending scenes and music. The story is intelligent as viewers watch Agent Graham piece together clues for tracking down the killer. The story has interesting developments and overall it's a slick feature.

The twin disk set is not what it appears to be. Disc One is the theatrical version, nicely transferred to digital and contains extra features with interviews of the main actors. Disc Two is the director's cut, but it's not worth watching because of poor image quality. Customers can save themselves money by getting the one-disk package.

Rating:
Summary: Did you even know this movie existed?
Review: People call "The Silence of the Lambs" the "First One," and "Hannibal" its sequel. Although 'Silence' is more consistent and probably has a better ending, I like this movie better in some ways. William Peterson plays an intense but monotonous Wil Graham. Forced out of retirement to find the killer of two families, Wil seeks the help of Hannibal Lector, played by Brian Cox. The plot is basically the same as Silence, although Cox doesn't have nearly as much screen time as Hopkins.

Wil tells his son that Lector killed women "in bad ways." As opposed to good ways? Since it was directed by Miami Vice's Michael Mann, Dennis Farina plays Jack Crawford, with his midwestern accent intact. The role was taken over by Scott Glen in 'Silence.' The first forty-minutes are perfect; gruesome crime scenes, a strong plot, a wheelchair-bound body engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, I think the movie sags in places and eventually runs out of gas. It would be much better without the horrible 80's music. "In a Gadda da Vida" you can take or leave. Another thing that bothers me is that they always have to make psycho killers superhuman. You have to shoot them 27 times for them to fall down. And Graham's semi-descent back to near insanity is unconvincing, almost cheesy. Despite its flaws, it remains one of the best thrillers around. Most thrillers aren't very thrilling. I first saw it as an impressionable teenager, and it's impact hasn't diminished. I hear they are going to remake and update it. Should be interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Your kidding, right??
Review: I'm almost appalled by all the 5 star ratings I see this DVD has garnered. Maybe the VHS version was better, but how much better could it be? "Manhunter" was not a horrible film, but it was not anywhere near the same level as "Silence" or "Hannibal". And it was not because of the budget. I agree with an earlier review I read that those who deem this film better than "Silence" are people who really just didn't want to like the follow up. Maybe you prefer simple, banal, and cheesy movies. In that case, yes, "Manhunter" was better than "Silence". I bought this DVD because I ultimately want to collect all three of the films. But geez, my girlfriend fell asleep 30 minutes into it, and I almost did as well during the ending. The ENDING of all things!! The ending was sooo bad! It looked like Michael Mann had to get the camera back to it's owner, it was so abrupt. You tell a story for a couple of hours and then just end it like that?? They owe the viewer more. "Hannibal" was not great, but at least it was entertaining. "Silence" was not nearly as dated as "Manhunter". I watched "Silence" the other day, and you can't tell it was done over 10 years ago. This one however looked like cheap 80's porn. Thomas Harris is a great writer, and the story of "Manhunter" was great as well as the following two. I just wished they could have found someone to direct it that had a little more sense of entertaining the audience than just trying to be different.

Rating:
Summary: Different cut yes but still good
Review: Im tired of the negative reviews of this DVD. The film is still brilliant and Michael Mann through and through. The THX master of the (un?) theatrical version is excellent and surpases even the halloween one. with the changing of scenes, this film now has a different tone because Will Graham seems a bit more humane and not so distant. My opinion is that this might have been a european version, im not sure but im still happy with the cut. I think that the restored love scene helps show this as well. As someone else mentioned this film definately has a brain behind it and also the soundtrack is brilliant and rates alongside Heat's soundtrack. Why do so many people say that its got cheesy music, I mean it did come out in the 1980's and that was the type of music that was out. Ever heard the soundtrack for 'To live and die in LA'. The second disk is very interesting to me. They should have called it the TV version because thats what it is. The quality is not so great but adequate. Some of the swear words are missing and a few of the shots of photos are also removed. There are also some different takes. This version should definately be anamorphic though. It looks like a 4:3 version thats been cropped at the top and bottom. My overall opinion is that the set is very good and im happy with it. The film is superior to Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal is not even worth mentioning. Its amazing that Ridley Scott to this day still makes dodgy films. Ive got good news for people who are unhappy with this DVD. Theres a new region 2 version of Manhunter coming out in may being released by Momentum pictures under (directors chair). They did a brilliant job on Angel Heart and they are basically the UK version of Criterion.

Rating:
Summary: What kind of edit is this ????
Review: Im lost for words.....i had the Region 2 disc for about a year before this one came out, and i really expected it to be the definitive product...

Well the packaging is nice, and the Directors Cut sure looks like it could be the best version yet...but....

Instead, what do we get ??? A hacked up job that Anchor bay should be ashamed of !! The "theatrical" release edits out two MASSIVELY important scenes (one where Graham tells what happened to the two surviving victims of Hannibal Lecktor, and the other where he sympathizes with the killer and explains how 'his heart bleeds for him as a child'. I mean that scene was brilliant and necessary !!). But hey you might say, at least theres the directors cut with every scene included, right ? Well no.....the scene where Will sympathizes with the killer is STILL missing !!! What the ????

Thank you very much but ill stick to my region 2 DVD.....until someone decides to make a good job with the editing that is...

Stay away from this awful DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Terrible Treatment of an Outstanding Movie
Review: For big fans of Manhunter, I would advise you to steer clear of this DVD if you plan to own - rent instead. In fact, I'm going to see if they will take this DVD back since it is a case of blatant mis-adverstising. What has been billed as the "Theatrical" version is in fact a poorly spliced rendition that awkwardly edits two scenes that had been in the theatrical release, including one of the most pivotal scenes, and yet has within it some of most banal footage restored from the cutting room floor. These cuts are both poorly done and have no sense to them, given how they do not represent the theatrical release and destroy the momentum of what had been a finely edited movie. I don't know if it was ignorance or arrogance, but this is the worst hack job I've ever seen trying to pass itself off as product. Whoever was in charge of this at Anchor Bay was an idiot and if I were Michael Mann, I'd be calling my lawyers.

The "Director's Cut" is even worse in that it includes the "Un-theatrical" release AND the so-called "Director's Cut" - a compilation of some interesting and not so interesting out-takes. As a companion to a true theatrical release, this would have been a fascinating addition; BUT here again, Anchor Bay finds a way to ruin what should be a good product. The entire disc has not been put through video post-production, is smudged and blurry, as if transferred from a VHS tape - and a worn one at that. - Just incredible that anyone could have the audacity to offer this kind of cheapness for hard earned money.

I saw this movie when it first came out in the theatre and considered it one of the best of that year; and I rushed to buy the LaserDisc version when it came out.

When the Director's Cut DVD was released by Anchor Bay this year, I'd been on the waiting list - ready to welcome the widescreen THX enhanced version. Being intimately aware of the movie, imagine my disappointment. Don't waste your time. Wait for a better version to come out.

As for those folks who want to compare Silence of the Lambs to Manhunter, usually they favor one over the other and their minds are pretty much made up at this point. I'm squarely in the Manhunter camp. For myself, I enjoyed Silence, but I could never take it seriously since I found the portayal of Lector both cartoonishly superhuman and therefore unrealistic and unsuspensful. However, Manhunter's Lector is a chilling but more realistic portrayal that awes me every time I see it in how one evil genius manages to manipulate events outside of his cell through the simple device of a telephone. This Lector is safely behind sterilized bars - and yet still manages to be a forceful presence to be reckoned with.

I hope every fan and future fan of Manhunter gets to see it the way it first came out, a fine piece of craft that was lean and edgey, and yet which flowed stylishly. Siskel and Ebert rated it one of the best movies ever, years after it came out. But for now, I'll be holding onto my LaserDisc.

Rating:
Summary: Completely horrible movie
Review: The fact that Hannibal is out in the theatres right now can be the only thing that explains why this is top seller at Amazon. This movie is horribly dated.

Since it was made by Miami Vice produce Michael Mann, rest assured that the entire movie (including Soundtrack) looks like a Miami Vice episode. Unfortunately this dates the movie horribly, and may make it unwatchable for some. Mann's stylistic fetishes just don't belong in this story.

The acting is horrible. Don't pay attention to the cover that says the story of Hannibal Lecter starts here, it doesn't. It's the story of his patient that gets mentioned in Silence of the Lambs. Checkout the Internet Movie Database, there's no Hannibal in this movie at all!

Why does it get 2 stars? Chris Elliot is in this movie for a handful of seconds. Otherwise it would get 1 start. The people who claim this movie is great or fascinating don't know what they're talking about. I have yet to meet one person who actually likes this movie.

Fortunately the book is excellent. Skip the movie, buy the book. You'll be glad.

Rating:
Summary: Don't bother...
Review: Others have commented on the low budget and cheesy soundtrack, so I won't bother beating them to death, but this movie fails in so many more ways. Michael Mann stuffs the film to the gills with cliches: Will Graham running frantically away from his first meeting with Lektor, Will banging his fist on things cursing the evil killer, and so on. It's distracting. The acting is equally choppy. William Peterson never managed to convey to me that thinking like a killer was draining. Oh sure, he dramatically pounds tables and broods over family photos of the victims, but he never looks like he lost even an hours' sleep during the whole film. The pathetic finale doesn't fit in logically with the rest of the movie, and looks like it's been chiefly designed to end the film in under 2 hours. The one good thing about the film was seeing "Mr. T" cereal in the background of a supermarket shot.

Rating:
Summary: Terrible Rendition of a Great Movie
Review: For big fans of Manhunter, I would advise you to steer clear ofthis DVD if you plan to own... What has been billed as the "Theatrical" version is in fact a poorly spliced rendition that awkwardly edits two scenes that had been in the theatrical release, including one of the most pivotal scenes, and yet has within it some of most banal footage restored from the cutting room floor. These cuts are both poorly done and have no sense to them, given how they do not represent the theatrical release and destroy the momentum of what had been a finely edited movie. I don't know if it was ignorance or arrogance, but this is the worst hack job I've ever seen trying to pass itself off as product. Whoever was in charge of this at Anchor Bay was an idiot and if I were Michael Mann, I'd be calling my lawyers.

The "Director's Cut" is even worse in that it includes the "Un-theatrical" release AND the so-called "Director's Cut" - a compilation of some interesting and not so interesting out-takes. As a companion to a true theatrical release, this would have been a fascinating addition; BUT here again, Anchor Bay finds a way to ruin what should be a good product. The entire movie that has not been put through video post-production, is smudged and blurry, as if transferred from a VHS tape - and a worn one at that. - Just incredible that anyone could have the audacity to offer this kind of cheapness for hard earned money.

I saw this movie when it first came out in the theatre and considered it one of the best of that year; and I rushed to buy the LaserDisc version when it came out.

When the Director's Cut DVD was released by Anchor Bay this year, I'd been on the waiting list - ready to welcome the widescreen THX enhanced version. Being intimately aware of the movie, imagine my disappointment. Don't waste your time. Wait for a better version to come out.

As for those folks to want to compare Silence of the Lambs to Manhunter, usually they favor one over the other and their minds are pretty much made up at this point. I'm squarely in the Manhunter camp. For myself, I enjoyed Silence, but I could never take it seriously since I found the portayal of Lector both cartoonishly superhuman and therefore unrealistic and unsuspensful. However, Manhunter's Lector is a chilling but more realistic portrayal that awes me every time I see it in how one evil genius manages to manipulate events outside of his cell through the simple device of a telephone. This Lector is safely behind steralized bars - and yet still manages to be a forceful presence to tbe reckoned with.

I hope every fan and future fan of Manhunter gets to see it the way it first came out, a fine piece of craft that was lean and edgey, and yet which flowed stylishly. Siskel and Ebert rated it one of the best movies ever, years after it came out. But for now, I'll be holding onto my LaserDisc.