Barnes & Noble

Predating The Silence of the Lambs by five years, Michael Mann's madhouse of a serial killer flick is equal parts high-gloss visuals and offbeat, creepy acting. Three performances dominate the landscape: Brian Cox as the inimitable Hannibal Lecktor (as spelled in the credits), who adds a whiff more goony humor to the role than the later Anthony Hopkins interpretation; William Petersen as William Graham, the psychologically rich and morally corrupt FBI burnout; and Tom Noonan (What Happened Was...), who defines once and for all how to imbue a length of pantyhose with utter terror. Noonan's soft, boyish voice makes his Tooth Fairy character far more threatening than The Silence of the Lambs's Buffalo Bill. Manhunter is largely about how the investigation of a crime can turn from discovery to shocking empathy. Two versions of the film appear on the limited edition, two-DVD set: a pristine transfer of the theatrical release, running 121 minutes, and the 124-minute director's cut that has made the cable-network rounds. There are substantial differences in both films, particularly in soundtrack cues, and the way "Ina-gadda-da-vida" fits into the final confrontation scene. While not exactly a crowd-pleaser, Manhunter is more mournful and witty than The Silence of the Lambs and its latest successor, Hannibal. Chas Turner

All Movie Guide

Red Dragon, the Thomas Harris novel that introduced serial killer Hannibal Lecter to the world, was adapted for the screen by Michael Mann as Manhunter. Ace criminal profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) is very good at his job because he has the ability to make himself think like the killers he tracks. Will has been in retirement since catching Hannibal "the Cannibal" Lecter (Brian Cox), as being inside that particular deranged mind caused Will to have a breakdown. Will's boss Jack Crawford (Dennis Farina visits Will at his home, showing him pictures from a murder scene and asking for his help in catching a new killer they have dubbed "the Tooth Fairy" (Tom Noonan). In order to test his mental strength, Will visits Hannibal in his prison cell. Adding to the already substantial mental stress Will experiences when he returns to the job are nosy tabloid reporter Freddy Lounds (Stephen Lang), as well as Hannibal's attempts at seeking revenge through the Tooth Fairy. After two additional films that featured Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal) became box-office blockbusters, Manhunter was re-made as Red Dragon starring Hopkins and Edward Norton as Will Graham. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

New York Times

...The director most suited for Mr. Harris's work is Michael Mann, who handled his "Red Dragon," retitled "Manhunter" (1986). Mr. Mann showed a restraint that eludes "Silence" and "Hannibal." He never stated what Lecter did, which made the caged mastermind capable of anything. As portrayed by the powerfully talented Brian Cox, Lecter was brisk and businesslike -- even the dimple in his chin was fearsome -- and spoke as if his curiosity were engaged by a lower order. Elvis Mitchell

Product Details

• UPC: 027616085597
• Source: MGM (VIDEO & DVD)
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Cinemascope (2.35:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital Mono, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Español, Français
• Subtitles: English, Español
• Time: 2:00:00
• Sales Rank: 9,810

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Hannibal Lecter Collection
• Hannibal Lecter Anthology

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