Primal Fear Blu-ray Review
Score: 56
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
High-end home theater setup reviews 'Primal Fear' Blu-ray; praises Norton, audio & extras, notes video flaws.
Disc Release Date
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 50
Paramount's Blu-ray releases enhance visuals over DVD with solid colors and detail, though inconsistency and minor issues like noise and softness prevent reference quality.
Audio: 60
The Dolby TrueHD tracks deliver clear, immersive audio with precise dialogue, effective ambient details, and notable use of surround sound to enhance storytelling, without major flaws.
Extra: 47
The Blu-ray release of 'Primal Fear' features a mix of in-depth and surface-level extras, including commentaries and featurettes that explore casting, production, and the psychology behind the film, all in high definition.
Movie: 77
Primal Fear shines as a gripping legal thriller, elevating Edward Norton's debut and showcasing the courtroom drama genre's power with its skilled cast and twisty plot.
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Video: 50
The Blu-ray release of "Primal Fear," courtesy of Paramount, offers a commendable 1080p transfer that discernibly surpasses its DVD predecessor in both clarity and depth, notwithstanding it doesn't quite achieve the reference quality some might hope for from a movie of its era. Throughout, the video presentation benefits from enhanced detail in close-ups revealing subtle textures and an improved level of refinement. While colors are stronger and more stable, exhibiting no signs of over-saturation or smearing, there exists a consistent softness in certain scenes, likely a byproduct of the original cinematography rather than a transfer flaw. Grain remains visible yet unobtrusive, contributing to the film’s cinematic feel without detracting from the overall viewing experience. However, the video occasionally suffers from minor digital noise and uses digital noise reduction and edge sharpening sparingly, which might bother purists but generally doesn't mar the presentation.
Blacks and shadows, on the other hand, show an above-average depth that, despite not being as profound as one might desire, still manages to convey a fair level of detail in darker sequences. Skin tones vary from lightly rosy to somewhat pale but generally stay true to a natural appearance. The transfer handles the director's intentionally subdued color palette and straightforward cinematography with respect, although this means that the visual presentation, while solidly upgraded, lacks the vibrancy and density found in more recent or visually dynamic films. Certain scenes demonstrate a remarkable improvement in dimensionality and texture detail over the DVD release, showcasing what Blu-ray can offer even for films that don't visually pop.
Overall, this Blu-ray edition of "Primal Fear" does justice to the original film print, offering a clear upgrade despite inheriting some of the feature's inherent visual limitations. While it might display inconsistency in visual fidelity, with some scenes significantly outpacing others in terms of clarity and depth, it represents a thoughtful balance between preserving the film's original aesthetic and ensuring a quality viewing experience. Paramount's effort culminates in an above-average release that, despite its few drawbacks—like occasional softness and some scenes lacking in detail—will please fans and collectors alike by providing a version that respects the source material while leveraging the capabilities of the Blu-ray format.
Audio: 60
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track accompanying the Blu-ray release of "Primal Fear" exceeds expectations with its remarkable clarity and attention to detail, especially for a film that is heavily dialogue-driven. Dialogue is crisp and intelligible across the board, allowing for every word to be clearly understood, which is crucial given the film's narrative complexity and dramatic intensity. The fidelity of sound extends to the subtler aspects of the soundtrack, such as the distinct low-level details and ambient background noises, ensuring a fully immersive experience. The front-heavy soundstage is enriched with occasional but effective use of rear channels for ambient details and specific sound effects, like the circling helicopter, enhancing the realism and depth of the audio presentation.
Paramount's efforts to craft an unexpectedly immersive audio experience pay off with sequences that boast impressive bass-pounding revelations and cross-cuts, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic soundscape. While the film's courtroom drama disposition might not suggest an engaging auditory experience, the TrueHD track delivers with weighty and realistic sound that captivates the listener. Noteworthy is the natural and minimalist LFE support that balances violent outbursts and vocal tones alike, alongside the precision in directionality and seamless pans that simulate realistic environments, from the echoing courthouse halls to the dampened acoustics of a holding cell.
Although "Primal Fear" may not set a new benchmark for catalog lossless tracks, it presents a solid and immersive listening experience. The blend of well-prioritized dialogue, detailed ambient sound, and strategic use of the full sound system culminates in a track that significantly enhances the viewing experience. Occasional muddiness in an actor's voice does little to detract from this achievement, making this TrueHD offering a satisfying treat for both fans of the film and audiophiles seeking depth and clarity in their audio experiences.
Extras: 47
The Blu-ray release of "Primal Fear" brings a satisfactory assortment of extras to fans, offering insightful content in high definition despite the packaging's misleading claim of standard definition. The commentary features key creators like Director Gregory Hoblit and Writer Ann Biderman discussing the movie's production, though it's noted for its lack of focus and substance. Significant is the detailed look into Edward Norton's casting in "Star Witness," highlighting an extensive search and Norton's creative contributions, including the memorable stutter. "The Final Verdict" and "Psychology of Guilt" provide additional depth, covering aspects of the production process and the portrayal of mental illness in legal defense. However, the overall presentation is undercut by poor Blu-ray cover art, a departure from the movie's original marketing that does little to entice potential viewers. All video materials are surprisingly offered in 1080p, contradicting the external narrative yet enhancing the viewing experience.
Extras included in this disc:
- Filmmakers' Audio Commentary: Insights from Director Gregory Hoblit, Writer Ann Biderman, and others.
- Primal Fear: The Final Verdict: A making-of featurette with cast and crew interviews.
- Primal Fear: Star Witness: Focuses on Edward Norton's casting and performance.
- Psychology of Guilt: Documentary exploring the insanity defense portrayed in the film.
- Original Theatrical Trailer: The film's promotional trailer in high definition.
Movie: 77
"Primal Fear," a film that encapsulates the riveting essence of legal thrillers, showcases an ambition-fueled narrative centered on Martin Vail (Richard Gere), a renowned defense attorney who seizes the chance to represent Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a teenager accused of a high-profile murder. The case, broadcasted live with the suspect drenched in blood, promises Vail heightened public visibility. However, the plot thickens as it delves into themes of corruption, manipulation, and psychological complexity. Edward Norton’s portrayal of Stampler is particularly noteworthy, marking a turning point in his career and setting a high standard for character depth and nuance in cinema. His embodiment of a character grappling with multiple personality disorder is both unsettling and captivating, earning him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The film operates on multiple levels, effectively critiquing the legal system while also immersing viewers in a meticulously plotted courtroom battle. Beyond the suspenseful twists and astute legal maneuverings, "Primal Fear" serves as a canvas for showcasing a formidable ensemble cast. Richard Gere and Laura Linney deliver compelling performances, with Linney's role as the prosecuting attorney adding layers of personal conflict and professional prowess. Yet, it’s Edward Norton who steals the spotlight, elevating the movie beyond its potential genre limitations. His performance not only anchors the film’s dramatic tension but also enhances its exploration of morality and truth.
Despite its conventional trappings, "Primal Fear" stands out for its execution and the sheer magnetism of its cast. The film adeptly balances the scales between being an entertaining thriller and a thought-provoking commentary on the justice system. Norton's breakthrough role, coupled with Gere's slick portrayal of a morally ambiguous lawyer, solidifies the film's place in the annals of legal drama. While it might adhere to certain genre conventions, its execution and the intensity brought by its cast, especially Norton, ensure that "Primal Fear" remains an engaging and memorable cinematic experience. The movie not only captivates but also provokes thought on the intricacies of human nature and justice, making it a standout feature that resonates well beyond its courtroom setting.
Total: 56
The Blu-ray release of "Primal Fear" presents a significant upgrade over its previous DVD incarnation, primarily due to Edward Norton's captivating debut performance, which remains the film's central attraction. Despite some criticisms of the movie being overly reliant on Norton's portrayal, the overall presentation here - including a distinguished supporting cast and an engrossing storyline - ensures its place among the notable courtroom dramas of its time. The technical aspects of this release, such as the lossless audio track and a package of supplemental material, provide fans and new viewers alike a deeper appreciation of the film's production nuances. However, it's important to note that while the audio quality receives high marks for clarity and immersion, the video transfer does show some inconsistencies, lessening the high definition experience's potential impact slightly.
Utilized on a variety of high-end home theater equipment including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and the Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-ray Disc Player, the Blu-ray’s technical capabilities were thoroughly evaluated. Audio dynamics benefitted from setups including the Denon AVR 5308CI Preamp/Video Processor and B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier, accentuating the lossless audio’s strengths. Despite these high points, enthusiasts with a keen eye might find fault with the video quality, expecting more from a Blu-ray release in terms of consistency and visual enhancement.
In conclusion, "Primal Fear" on Blu-ray stands as an essential addition for fans of the film and those looking to experience Edward Norton's breakthrough role in impressive high definition. While the video transfer may not meet the highest standards set by aficionados of the format, the superior sound quality and insightful bonus materials compensate, making this release a worthy consideration for purchase or rental. It serves not only as a testament to Norton's mesmerizing performance but also as a beacon for the revival of the courtroom drama genre in digital home entertainment collections.
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 70
Thankfully, artifacting is kept to a minimum, source noise only invades the image during a handful of shadowy scenes, and film grain is steady, faint, and unobtrusive....
Audio: 80
LFE support is minimalistic but natural, granting vocal tones and violent outbursts the same attention....
Extras: 50
The track is rarely burdened by lengthy technical dissections, but it also rarely feels like a cohesive examination of the themes presented in the story....
Movie: 80
Of the all the fresh Hollywood faces that emerged in the '90s and went on to earn box office attention and critical acclaim, Edward Norton is one of the only actors to establish himself as a true leading...
Total: 70
While some consider Primal Fear to be a one-trick pony -- the sort of flick that rests entirely on the impact of a single performance -- I find that it doesn't matter....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 60
There are a lot of areas to nitpick in this transfer, but on the whole, it's a good effort, especially when one takes into account the movie's straightforward, just-the-facts-ma'am directorial style....
Audio: 80
Bass is impressive, too, with low-end frequencies adding welcome warmth and depth to key moments, and even the subwoofer gets involved on occasion, supplying a few notable rumbles....
Extras: 40
Still, the dialogue, interaction, and reflection of this creative team 13 years after the film's premiere, and the passion they still feel for this project and moviemaking in general make this track worth...
Movie: 80
As both Martin's former girlfriend and the prosecuting attorney enduring pressure from a conviction-hungry D.A., she juggles a mix of emotions without ever seeming fragile or weak....
Total: 60
Though the middling video transfer is a bit of a letdown, the disc features excellent audio and some good supplemental material....
AVSForumRead review here
Video: 80
Wide angle shots were resolute but not definitively resolved which left fine object detail lacking delineation and images appearing less dimensional....
Audio: 78
By and large the majority of the soundtrack is dialogue but its use of the entire system to enhance presence as dictated by the story is notable....
Extras: 60
Primal fear: The final verdict - 18 minute making of featurette (HD) Primal fear: Star witness - 18 minute casting featurette (focus on Edward Norton) (HD) Psychology of guilt - 13 minute documentary on...
Movie: 80
Richard Gere stars as Martin Vail, a famed defense lawyer who volunteers his services to Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), a Kentucky teenager charged with the murder of a Chicago archbishop....
Total: 75
Marantz DV7001 Universal Disc Player Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 seven Channel amplifier Philips TSU9400 Pro Series Touch Panel Remote Control Canton...
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Actors: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton
PlotIn Chicago, a gruesome murder shakes the city as the Archbishop is found brutally killed. Martin Vail, a hotshot defense attorney with a talent for taking on high-profile cases, sees an opportunity to elevate his career and decides to represent the accused without charge. The defendant, Aaron Stampler, is a timid, stuttering altar boy from Kentucky, who was found fleeing the scene of the crime, covered in blood. Claiming innocence, Aaron's vulnerability and apparent dissociative identity disorder draw Vail into the complexities of his case, challenging his cynicism and igniting a spark of compassion. As Vail digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of corruption and secrets within the church, which may point to Aaron's innocence or reveal a deeper evil at play.
The prosecution, led by Vail's ex-lover and courtroom rival, Janet Venable, is equally determined to prove Aaron's guilt, creating a tense battle of wits in the courtroom. As the case progresses, Vail's investigation leads him to question the very foundations of the legal system and his role within it. The defense hinges on exposing the hidden layers of manipulation and deceit surrounding the case, while grappling with unexpected developments that threaten to unravel Vail's strategies. The trial becomes not only a quest for justice for the Archbishop's murder but also a journey of personal redemption for Vail, forcing him to confront his motives and ethics in the pursuit of the truth.
Writers: William Diehl, Steve Shagan, Ann Biderman
Release Date: 03 Apr 1996
Runtime: 129 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish