The Bone Collector [DVD] [1999]

Although many critics regarded Phillip Noyce's gloomy serial killer movie as too formulaic, it was nevertheless an interesting post-Seven entry in the genre, and showcased the talents of two of Hollywood's most popular actors, Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. If anything, Universal's DVD edition is better than the actual film, offering high audio-visual quality and a good selection of extra features. Although it is easy to take anamorphic widescreen picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound for granted, with a film such as The Bone Collector the advantages are palpable. Noyce's stylishly grim visuals are given real depth and clarity, and the darkly atmospheric score is exquisitely delivered. The additional features, accessed via a truly disturbing menu selection screen, include the original theatrical trailer for the film. There are also filmographies of the main protagonists, DVD-ROM features, and the welcome addition of an isolated soundtrack. The 22-minute behind-the-scenes featurette is better than most, actually bothering to get some interesting and extensive contributions from the talent involved in The Bone Collector. Probably the best feature on this disc is Noyce's audio commentary. Although he modestly describes them as "rambling recollections," Noyce's observations are consistently well judged and informative. Whatever The Bone Collector's failures, this DVD edition is excellent, and perhaps even demands a positive reassessment of the film itself.