Search - Devil's Advocate on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Profanity, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 1997 DVD Release: 11/16/1998 Format: DVD SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Studio: Warner Home Video Total Copies: 3 Genres: Horror, Supernatural Horror See Also: Devil's Advocate [Widescreen], The Devil's Advocate [Widescreen] [With BBQ Book], The Devil's Advocate [Widescreen] [With Golf Book], The Devil's Advocate [Fullscreen]

Supernatural forces hover over the courtroom in this devilish drama adapted from the novel by Andrew Neiderman. Attorney Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves) doesn't heed the Bible-based warnings of his mother (Judith Ivey), who views New York City as "the dwelling place of demons." Instead, he leaves Gainesville, Florida, with his wife Mary Ann (Charlize Theron) to put his legalistic skills to the test at a leading Manhattan law firm run by John Milton (Al Pacino). It all goes smoothly -- with Milton urging them to stay, putting Kevin on a $400-per-hour salary, and moving the couple into a luxurious apartment in his own building on Fifth Avenue -- where Mary Ann falls under the influence of neighbor Jackie (Tamara Tunie). After Kevin defends a weird animal sacrificer (Delroy Lindo, uncredited), he moves up to an important case with an apparent murderer, real-estate tycoon Alexander Cullen (Craig T. Nelson). Ignored by Kevin, the troubled Mary Ann has some disturbing experiences, verging on the occult, while Kevin, at work, becomes attracted to redhead Christabella (Connie Neilsen). Dazzled by his entrance into paradise, Kevin doesn't grasp who handed him this Big-Apple success. Could it be...Satan? The film features demonic creatures by Rick Baker. Cameos (Senator Alfonse D'Amato, Don King, others) add to the ambiance of ambition and power in the canyons of Manhattan. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Keanu Reeves - Kevin Lomax
Al Pacino - John Milton
Charlize Theron - Mary Ann Lomax
Jeffrey Jones - Eddie Barzoon
Judith Ivey - Mrs. Lomax

Warner Brothers' reputation for mediocrity in its discs' special features goes largely unchallenged with this release of =The Devil's Advocate, although there are a few more supplements here than the usual trailers, cast and crew bios, and recommendations. In addition to those, there are some lengthy production notes (including background on the historical John Milton amongst others) and a commentary track with director Taylor Hackford. Additionally, there is a fairly nice selection of extended/deleted scenes, also with director's commentary, but this aspect is marred by the fact that the commentary is non-optional; Hackford has some very interesting things to say, but it also would have been nice to view the scenes as they would have played out in the context of the film itself. Another nice feature is that amongst the film recommendations there are four playable trailers from other films.
The video transfer, although not anamorphically enhanced, is still nicely presented, with no film grain or artifacting present. The film depends largely on some dark, moody scenes and these are handled well, with the blacks and dark tones mixed deeply and without grain. Even in the lighter scenes, the colors are well contained and do not bleed. Also, though the film is largely dialogue-driven, the soundtrack is a strong 5.1 mix that makes very good use of the split rear channels, as well as a strong bass track.
All in all, don't expect a great deal of behind-the-scenes information from this disc, but it is a very competent presentation of the film. ~ Andrew Hercock, All Movie Guide