Search - Blood Work [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Profanity Movie Release: 2002 DVD Release: 12/27/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 50 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Total Copies: 32 Genres: Crime, Thriller, Detective Film, Crime Thriller See Also: Blood Work [Fullscreen]

A retired detective must battle former colleagues and his own failing health in order to bring a murderer to justice in this action drama produced and directed by its star, Clint Eastwood. Terry McCaleb (Eastwood) was one of the best and most thorough detectives at the FBI's Southern California office, until a massive heart attack sidelined him from police work for good. Following a heart transplant which saved his life, McCaleb has resigned himself to living quietly on a houseboat for the rest of his days, observing a strict health regimen prescribed by his cardiologist, Dr. Bonnie Fox (Anjelica Huston). However, McCaleb is persuaded to take on one last case through the insistence of a woman named Graciela Rivers (Wanda De Jesus). Rivers's sister was murdered in cold blood by a mugger, and her heart was used for McCaleb's transplant; now, Rivers wants McCaleb to find her sister's killer. McCaleb agrees to take on the case, but he quickly discovers his weakened physical condition makes the rigors of handling an investigation far harder and more difficult than its ever been before; he also can no longer drive a car, and must persuade his oddball friend from the marina,Buddy Noone (Jeff Daniels), to ferry him around town. Before long, despite these drawbacks, McCaleb discovers evidence which suggests the murderer may be a serial who uses random street robberies as a cover, but he finds that Ronaldo Arrango (Paul Rodriguez) and John Waller (Dylan Walsh), the police detectives assigned to the case, are not especially interested in sharing the glory (or their legwork) with the former FBI point man. Blood Work was adapted from the novel by Michael Connelly; Brian Helgeland wrote the screenplay. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Clint Eastwood - Terry McCaleb
Jeff Daniels - Buddy Noone
Anjelica Huston - Dr. Bonnie Fox
Wanda De Jesus - Graciella Rivers

Warner receives high marks for the transfer on this DVD of Blood Work. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 (this is another title that has a separate chopped pan & scan transfer), the image is top notch. Colors are natural, while the blacks are solid and show no sign of break down. Detail is nearly perfect, giving the picture a realistic edge. The sound is also quite good, though not outstanding. The 5.1 English and French tracks don't utilize the back surrounds in any truly effective way, but the front speakers do show nice separation, while dialogue is clear up front. It's a nice mix that certainly won't impress, but also won't disappoint. Not up to those standards are the supplements offered here. They're rather weak. All that is included are two featurettes, one on making the film, while the other is a conversation (partly in Spanish, with subtitles) about characters with actors Wanda De Jesus, Paul Rodriguez, and Clint Eastwood. Be careful to watch the film first, as the brief "making of" featurette gives the ending away. Along with that is a teaser and theatrical trailer and some filmographies for a few cast and crew members. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide