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From Amazon.co.uk
Released to box-office indifference in 1986, Manhunter introduced Hannibal Lecter and established the rules of the modern race to find serial killer thriller five years before The Silence of the Lambs packed cinemas everywhere. This was Michael Mann's third feature, reuniting William L Petersen and Dennis Farina from his debut Thief (1981) as FBI agents hunting the killer dubbed "The Tooth Fairy". Petersen's Will Graham is the man who put Lecktor (as it is spelt here) behind bars, and as in Lambs consults with the Doctor, played with understated malevolence by Brian Cox. Manhunter is an exceptionally well-photographed film: Mann's regular cinematographer Dante Spinotti created sparse, elegantly framed, often mono-chromatically lit compositions which are essential to the shifting psychological moods. The performances are very good, and the typically 1980s, Vangelis-esque electronic score effectively sustains tension. Once the killer is introduced the scenes with Joan Allen have a genuinely unsettling, almost surreal quality. There is at least one serious plot flaw--how does "The Red Dragon" get his letter to Lecktor? Manhunter never packs the sheer excitement of Lambs, nevertheless, it is a powerful and compelling thriller which remains far superior to the third instalment in the series, Hannibal (2001).
On the DVD: In addition to the trailer there is a revealing 10-minute conversation with Dante Spinotti in which he explains how he created the very distinctive look of Manhunter. Also included is a more general 17-minute retrospective "making-of" documentary. This is good but too short, the extras failing to live up to the wealth of material on the Lambs and Hannibal DVDs. The anamorphically enhanced 2.35:1 image is generally very good, being just a little soft in one or two early scenes. The sound is listed as Dolby Digital 5.1, but appears to replicate the main stereo signal in the rear channels. Audio is none the less powerful and clear, though lacks the sheer edge and atmospherics of some more recent thrillers. --Gary S Dalkin
Product Description
Based on the Thomas Harris novel Red Dragon and directed by Michael Mann (Heat, Miami Vice), Manhunter is a gripping psycho-thriller, and the on screen debut of the infamous character Hannibal
Lecktor.
Will Graham (William Petersen) retired from the FBI after capturing the murderous Dr. Lecktor (Brian cox). He is persuaded to return from retirement by his colleague Jack Crawford, who convinces him his ability to understand the thoughts of a murderer can help them to capture elusive serial killer, ‘The Tooth-Fairy’. Facing the desperate and grisly task, Graham employs the help of Hannibal Lecktor and thus puts himself at the mercy of a ruthless and sinister genius. Soon, with the caressing help of the murderous doctor, Graham finds himself courting danger as he opens himself up to the mind of a killer.
Special Features:
Lecktor.
Will Graham (William Petersen) retired from the FBI after capturing the murderous Dr. Lecktor (Brian cox). He is persuaded to return from retirement by his colleague Jack Crawford, who convinces him his ability to understand the thoughts of a murderer can help them to capture elusive serial killer, ‘The Tooth-Fairy’. Facing the desperate and grisly task, Graham employs the help of Hannibal Lecktor and thus puts himself at the mercy of a ruthless and sinister genius. Soon, with the caressing help of the murderous doctor, Graham finds himself courting danger as he opens himself up to the mind of a killer.
Special Features:
- Director’s Cut
- Director’s Cut Commentary
- Inside Manhunter
- The Manhunter Look
- Theatrical Trailer
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
The opening sequence keeps me awake at night, years on from watching this film from Michael Mann. Understated, and very, very believable, it taps into our worst fears about our home being invade by a psycopathic killer in the dead of night.
What was that creaking noise? Was it the wind, or - should I get up and go and have a look? If you are of a nervous disposition, best get something else as this is about the creepiest cop hunts killer film ever, in my humble opinion.
Of course, Mr Mann is a genius, so what do you expect.
My advice, 1. watch the film, and 2. never read reviews, it only spoils the experience by prejudging it.
So why write one? Well I have not mentioned the plot, the acting or the other films of Thomas Harris's books. This one is easily the best in my view, although the Silence of the Lambs was a bit good too.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Grev
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
Manhunter is an absolutely fantastic film full stop - the only niggle is that every time it's released (in the UK at least) it always turns out to be a slightly different version of the film. The video was a different cut to the first DVD which is a different cut to the two on here, although at least one of these now claims to be the definitive director's cut. Strangely in these later cuts Michael Mann has removed once and for all a 30 second sequence where Will Graham expresses a great sympathy for the Tooth Fairy on one level before declaring that the Tooth Fairy should be executed as soon as possible. It's a strange cut because the rest of that scene is left completely intact - he's just removed 3 lines of dialogue from the middle. As an aside, for fans of the soundtrack 2 of the 3 previously hard to find Shriekback songs used in the film are now readily available on the CD Oil & Gold.
39 of 41 people found the following review helpful
By John Mounsey
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
First of all: Accept no imitations - Manhunter will always be the definitive Hannibal Lecter movie, even if they do decide to 're-make' the film under the original title of 'Red Dragon', which has been widely rumoured for many months now.
After the disappointing original UK DVD release of Manhunter from BMG, and the ambitious, but ultimately flawed Region 1 editions from Anchor Bay, this new release is the definitive edition of the film to own.
Momentum have wisely decided to avoid using the obscure Director's Cut of the film and have stuck with what appears to be the original theatrical cut, which is a great start. Whilst some of the extras included here are identical to those found on the USA release, as a bonus you also get a 53 page book about Manhunter and the other Lecter films called 'Michael Mann's Head Games.' Although the book is far from being a 100% definitive guide to the film, it is still the finest companion to this excellent film which has been written to date.
Overall then, this is another highly impressive release from Momentum and one which will satisfy all fans of the work of Michael Mann, Thomas Harris and Hannibal himself! Don't miss it.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Gareth Rice
Format:DVD
'Manhunter'is by far the best screen adaption of the 'Red Dragon' novel by Thomas Harris. Titan film director Michael Mann has created a tour de force with visually stunning sets that help to establish an intense atmosphere from the outset. In sticking close to the novel the movie takes us into a terrifying world where whole families are butchered to pursue trival fantasies. As with 'Silence of the Lambs' an apprehensive FBI agent must consult the brilliant mind of Hannibal 'the Cannibal' Lecter to catch a compulsive killer and save the next family from a horrible ordeal at the hands of Francis Dollarhyde ('The Tooth Fairy'). Of course Lecter toys with the FBI agent sending him on a psychological goose chase that only serves to work against the next innocent family on the hitlist. Great stuff!
This two disk version of 'Manhunter' has been a long time coming for fans of the movie which has now achieved cult status. Those of you who have already seen the theatrical cut will appreciate that the director's cut on the second disk has been digitally remastered from a new colour corrected definition master. Restored extra footage is also included but this is not so noticable unless you know the film frame by frame. Also there are two documentarys and the one foccusing on the 'look of Manhunter' is a real delight. Worth buying and Brett Ratner's remake of 'Red Dragon' doesn't come close.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By J. Cooper
Format:DVD
Forget if anyone tells you different, the remake of this, Red Dragon, however close to the book it was, is no match for this original version of Tom Harris' book.
Allthough the actors in this might not be as well known as RD's cast, the performances are spot on. Mainly thanks to the fantastic direction from Michael Mann.
Brian Cox is especially brilliant in a small role as the original Hannibal Lecktor and William Petersen is suprisingly good as Will Graham, capturing the emotional vulnerability of the character, again this is thanks to a super script from Mann.
The plot in case you didn't know it is Will Graham (Petersen) is brought back from retirement by FBI boss Jack Crawford (Dennis Farina, another wonderful performance) to hunt down a brutal serial killer known as the "Tooth Fairy" (played with exceptional chillingness by Tom Noonan) however, he is not the man he once was and is forced to consult imprisoned Hannibal Lecktor (Cox) for help in the case.
This disc has been released twice before, but never as good as this, a two-disc version with two cuts of the film, a couple of documentaries and an insightful commentary from Michael Mann.
If you haven't seen this before, I couldn't recommend it enough.
Allthough the actors in this might not be as well known as RD's cast, the performances are spot on. Mainly thanks to the fantastic direction from Michael Mann.
Brian Cox is especially brilliant in a small role as the original Hannibal Lecktor and William Petersen is suprisingly good as Will Graham, capturing the emotional vulnerability of the character, again this is thanks to a super script from Mann.
The plot in case you didn't know it is Will Graham (Petersen) is brought back from retirement by FBI boss Jack Crawford (Dennis Farina, another wonderful performance) to hunt down a brutal serial killer known as the "Tooth Fairy" (played with exceptional chillingness by Tom Noonan) however, he is not the man he once was and is forced to consult imprisoned Hannibal Lecktor (Cox) for help in the case.
This disc has been released twice before, but never as good as this, a two-disc version with two cuts of the film, a couple of documentaries and an insightful commentary from Michael Mann.
If you haven't seen this before, I couldn't recommend it enough.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
no adverts, watch all of film
tried to watch on tv but adverts spoilt film, so had to buy to watch propelly, lot better, and its mine to keep, excellent quality dvd.
Published 13 days ago by nigel w
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
This is a amazing dvd. It was very thrilling and exciting and had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole movie.
Published 2 months ago by RC Trading
5.0 out of 5 stars
Go Grisham!!!
Lovers of Grishom CSI will love this film and a younger version of him. They both re-met one another in CSI where the criminal played a Magician. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. L. J. Hawkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic to be savoured
This is Michael Mann at his eighties best. An absolute classic in every way. The start of Hannibal lecter character. A must see
Published 2 months ago by LAMBOLOVER
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very satisfied
A brilliant film, delivered at breakneck speed. This dealer really is the tops. I advise anyone to give this chap a look at, he is well worth it believe me.
Published 3 months ago by Harvey Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow
Just watched this on tv. I have fallen in love with this movie. How William Petersen isn`t talked about in the same light as some of the other great actors of the 80s is beyond... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Louis Lalande
4.0 out of 5 stars
Came quick
Was what I wanted and worked well arrived quicker than I thought it would . Good quality picture no probs
Published 4 months ago by Mary Baldwin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Manhunter
I bought it to replace my video are already familiar with the film and have recenty been bought a blu ray player
Published 4 months ago by Angela Christine Horsley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Manhunter
The story is not so amazing but there is something truly captivating in this DVD and story
and two the most beautiful moments of cinema - caressing the tiger and the moment... Read more
and two the most beautiful moments of cinema - caressing the tiger and the moment... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Kaisli Roos
4.0 out of 5 stars
Slick, Stylish And (Perhaps Surprisingly) Effective
This 1986 film by Michael Mann (of TV's Starsky & Hutch/Miami Vice fame) was one of his earliest big screen efforts and remains, for me, the best thing he has yet done for the... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Keith M
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