Search - The Hunt for Red October [Special Collector's Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1990 DVD Release: 05/06/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 15 mins Studio: Paramount Total Copies: 2 Genres: Thriller, Action Thriller, Sea Adventure, Political Thriller See Also: The Hunt for Red October, The Hunt for Red October [Blu-ray], Hunt for Red October [Circuit City Exclusive] [Checkpoint], The Hunt for Red October [Blu-ray]

The first of several films based on Tom Clancy's "Jack Ryan" technothrillers, Hunt for Red October stars Alec Baldwin as eccentric CIA analyst Ryan and Sean Connery as Soviet submarine commander Marko Ramius. Ramius sets the plot in motion when he murders his political adviser, burns his orders, and steers his sub Red October towards American waters, hoping to defect. The CIA, aware that the Red October was about to embark on an evasive mission to demonstrate its ability to avoid detection and fire its nuclear missiles upon U.S. installations, believes that Ramius is insane, and that he plans to start World War III. To cover their own behinds, the Russians back up the CIA's suspicion. Only Jack Ryan believes that Ramius' mission is not as apocalyptic as it seems -- and it is Ryan who is assigned to infiltrate the Red October to prove his theory. The sort of film that in an earlier era would have been called a "thinking man's thriller," The Hunt for Red October ushered in a new series of Hollywood-produced post-Cold War adventure films, including 1995's Crimson Tide. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Sean Connery - Capt. Marko Ramius
Alec Baldwin - Jack Ryan
Scott Glenn - Capt. Bart Mancuso
James Earl Jones - Admiral James Greer
Sam Neill - Capt. Vasily Borodin

This reissue, a "Special Collector's Edition," of The Hunt for Red October is a vast improvement, in every way, over the initial release. For starters, the widescreen image (framed at 2.35:1) is anamorphic this time, and the transfer has never looked better. Granted, some grain is evident, especially early in the film, but it's never intrusive. The distinct color patterns are far more clear and the detail more exact. Equally, the blacks are very strong and solid. Also an upgrade is the sound. The earlier disc had a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, but this one includes that and a new DTS track. While the Dolby Digital track is good, the DTS version is noticeably stronger. Basses are deep, and surround effects are utilized in just the correct moment. As for supplements, while this disc is far from supplement heavy, it offers far more than the original disc. Along with the theatrical trailer, also on the first DVD, there is a fine half-hour documentary, covering many elements, from the story to the visual effects. As good as it is, it really begs for more. Also included is a commentary track from director John McTiernan. Despite significant gaps, he does offer some interesting insight into the production, but simply doesn't cover enough ground. Maybe not a perfect disc, this one is such a step up from what was offered initially that it's difficult to find anything to complain about. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide