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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: Paramount
Salesrank: 16276
Released: March 10, 2009 |
| Our Price: $7.82 |
| Used Price: $5.77 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
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.
Primal Fear Reviews:
Primal Fear [Hard Evidence Edition] 
2009-07-18 - Just a couple of clarification points for anyone thinking about purchasing.
Screen Aspect Ratio is NOT 2.35 as shown in the Amazon Product Details.
The Screen Aspect Ratio is 1.85 and is Anamorphic, NOT Letterbox as on the 10-21-1998 DVD release.
GREAT movie, one of my top 10 movies .... Glad I now have the WS (1.85:1) Anamorphic format.
Primal Fear
2009-04-04 - This is one of my very BEST dvd's !! Richard Gere and Ed Norton did and Magical job on their roles. Very well done ...... I would recommend this movie, GREAT CAST, and will keep you on the edge of your seat !!
5 STARS ALL THE WAY !!!
A solid collection of extras on this new Special Edition
2009-03-09 - Primal Fear is a classic example of a talented actor transcending his role, turning a character into something special and memorable. What was originally marketed as a vehicle for Richard Gere became a breakout role for then-up-and-coming Edward Norton, who would go on to earn an Academy Award nomination for his performance and all kinds of critical praise.
There is an audio commentary by director Gregory Hoblit, writer Ann Biderman, producer Gary Lucchesi, executive producer Hawk Koch, and casting director Deborah Aquila. Hoblit says that there was surprisingly little studio interference and that he hasn't enjoyed that kind of freedom since. Everyone talks about how the studio didn't want Laura Linney or Edward Norton cast because they were unknowns at the time and it wanted proven movie stars in those roles. They had seen over 2,000 actors for Norton's role and the studio wanted Leonardo DiCaprio but he passed. Norton screen-tested and the rest is history.
"Primal Fear: The Final Verdict" is a retrospective featurette that includes key cast and crew members reminiscing about the film. There is some definite overlap from the commentary however Linney and Norton contribute brand new interviews, speaking affectionately about the film.
"Primal Fear: Star Witness" takes a look at the casting of Norton. The filmmakers did an extensive casting search. Norton remembers that a fellow actor told him about the role and he read for it. We are taken through the casting process with Norton offering his impressions.
"Psychology of Guilt" examines the insanity defense and its success rate in court. Experts talk about how rare the multiple personality disorder is and how difficult it is to pull off. They take a look at several high profile examples were it was successful and where it failed.
Finally, there is the original theatrical trailer.
