Search - Primal Fear on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Graphic Violence Movie Release: 1996 DVD Release: 10/21/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Studio: Paramount Total Copies: 12 Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Courtroom Drama, Psychological Thriller See Also: Primal Fear, Primal Fear [Hard Evidence Edition] [Blu-ray], Primal Fear [Hard Evidence Edition]

A high-profile slaying becomes the case of an ambitious attorney's career in this legal thriller based on the novel by William Diehl. 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. Covered with blood, Aaron was captured after a foot chase broadcast live on TV, making a gleeful Vail certain that he could raise his profile by defending the obviously guilty suspect. Assigned to prosecute is Assistant District Attorney Janet Venable (Laura Linney), who is Vail's ex-girlfriend. Vail's case becomes more complicated than he expected when a psychologist, Dr. Molly Arrington (Frances McDormand) concludes that Stampler suffers from multiple personality disorder. Vail also uncovers evidence that the archbishop was involved in a corrupt land scheme and may have molested young parishioners. Now the cynical, opportunistic attorney is faced with a daunting prospect, a client who may actually deserve his best defense. Its shocking, twist ending made Primal Fear (1996) a big box office hit and earned Norton, in his screen debut, an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Richard Gere - Martin Vail
Laura Linney - Janet Venable
John Mahoney - John Shaughnessy
Edward Norton - Aaron Stampler
Frances McDormand - Dr. Molly Arrington
Alfre Woodard - Judge Miriam Shoat

Richard Gere and Edward Norton star with Laura Linney in Paramount's thriller Primal Fear. This 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer looks surprisingly solid and even. Featuring only a few instances of edge enhancement, Primal Fear's transfer sports dark black levels and very vivid color patterns. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in English, as well as Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround in French and English. This is a very through soundtrack that is mainly focused through the front and center speakers. However, on certain occasions some well-placed directional effects pop up in the rear speakers. Also included on this disc are Spanish subtitles and English captions. Extra features are very limited -- the only supplement offered here is a theatrical trailer for the film. Maybe someday down the line Paramount will give this film the special edition it deserves. Until then, fans are stuck with this mediocre bare-bones edition. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide