Actors: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Vanessa Hudgens, Dean Norris, Kevin Dunn
Directors: Scott Walker
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 105 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
I am a sucker for anything that Nicolas Cage does. The guy is so cool that he is featured not once but twice on the cover of this Blu-ray. He is joined with an impressive cast including John Cusack (playing the serial killer Robert Hansen) and Vanessa Hudgens (she is quite impressive). I have to admit, the film was really well done and drew me in from the moment it starts. It follows the true story behind the hunt for Robert C. Hansen, one of America’s most notorious serial killers who brutally murdered 17 young women over the course of 12 years in the town of Anchorage, Alaska. After watching the film, I did some more research on the true story and that is how I know when I really enjoyed a film that it leaves thinking afterwards. This film should have received more attention in theaters since it definitely deserves it.
Official Premise: Based on a shocking true story of Alaskan State Trooper Jack Halcombe (Nicolas Cage) as he sets out to end the murderous rampage of Robert Hansen (John Cusack), a serial killer who has gone unnoticed for 13 years. As the bodies of street girls start to pile up in Anchorage, fear strikes a chord with the public. Risking his life, Halcombe goes on a personal manhunt to find the killer before the next body surfaces. When a seventeen year old escapee (Vanessa Hudgens) reveals key information about the case, Halcombe is finally on the trail of the killer. But will he catch him in time to save the next victim?
Lions Gate delivered a solid Blu-ray presentation (as always). Included is a Blu-ray disc and also a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy as well. The 1080p transfer looks great and really captures the landscape of Alaska. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is solid as well and works with the crime-thriller. The special features are also impressive on this release. There is a solid commentary track with director/writer Scott Walker and producer Mark Ordesky and Jane Fleming. There are some
Deleted Scenes included along with additional ommentary by Director Scott Walker. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews from the cast/crew, along with a few extended interviews with cast and crew. Lastly there is a featurette looking into the “Anatomy of a Serial Killer”. Solid extras for a solid film.