Search - To Live and Die in L.A. [Special Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Graphic Violence, Nudity, Not For Children, Profanity Movie Release: 1985 DVD Release: 12/02/2003 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 56 mins Studio: MGM Total Copies: 6 Genres: Thriller, Action Thriller, Crime Thriller, Police Detective Film See Also: To Live and Die in L.A. [UMD for PSP], To Live and Die in L.A. [Blu-ray/DVD]

William Friedkin's crime thriller, based on a book by U.S. Secret Service agent Gerald Petievich, concerns an arrogant Secret Service official who wants to get his man at any price. Willem Dafoe plays Eric Masters, an ultra-smooth counterfeiter who has managed to sidestep the police for years. He is so up-front about his dealings, in fact, that when some undercover agents try to make a deal with him at his health club, Eric tells them, "I've been coming to this gym three times a week for five years. I'm an easy guy to find. People know they can trust me." But when young and eager Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen) finds out that his partner has been cold-bloodedly murdered by Eric, he trains his relentlessness upon capturing Eric -- whether it means robbery, murder, or exploiting his friends and associates. As Chance erases the dividing line between good and evil, he drags his new partner John Vukovich (John Pankow) and Ruth Lanier (Darlanne Fluegel), an ex-con, down into the maelstrom with him. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

William L. Petersen - Richard Chance
Willem Dafoe - Eric Masters
John Pankow - John Vukovich
Debra Feuer - Bianca Torres
John Turturro - Carl Cody

The films of director William Friedkin have gone from the highs of The French Connection to the lows of Cruising. Fortunately, To Live and Die in L.A. ranks as one of his better efforts, and this special edition DVD is a perfect accompaniment. The 1.85:1 transfer, enhanced for 16 x 9 televisions, is far better than expected. It's obvious that some restoration work has been done here, as is evident by the limited number of scratches and grain and the exceptional recreation of color and detail. The grime and glitter of Los Angeles are captured flawlessly on this disc. The sound is equally impressive. Using a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, the surrounds aren't as prevalent as would be hoped, but the overall audio scheme is full and clear, including the dialogue and sound effects. While possibly a bit dated, the music from '80s new wave group Wang Chung is also very powerful with strong bass lines. As mentioned, this is a special edition, so the supplements are far above average. Friedkin provides another commentary track, and while it's only partly scene-specific, he's always engaging to listen to, and provides plenty of anecdotal information. Though some details are repeated in the documentary "Counterfeit World: The Making of To Live and Die in L.A.," this piece is exceptional in every way. Friedkin, stars William Petersen, Willem Dafoe,John Pankow, and numerous other key personal, recall this fast-paced production, along with plenty of behind-the-scenes shots. Real finds are a deleted scene and an alternate ending, both which can be viewed with or without a brief introduction. The deleted scene is excellent and could easily have fit in the film, but the different ending is so out of place that the inclusion here is fine, but would have been horrible for the movie. To finish things off, a decent photo gallery has been included, in addition to a trailer and teaser for this film and trailers for La Femme Nikita, Fargo, and Dark Blue. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide