Fatal Attraction

          Director Adrian Lyne has never crafted a better film than he did with “FATAL ATTRACTION”.  His flair for stunning visual compositions stand out in all of his work, but like Ridley Scott, style has typically ruled over substance.  However, “FATAL ATTRACTION” is his one film so far, where the characters and the plot have is as impressive as the imagery. 

           “FATAL ATTRACTION” is first and foremost a great “thriller”.  While the film’s been complimented as “Hitchcockian”, it is superior to even that director’s best work due to the bold directions the script takes and the memorable performances.  Michael Douglas stars as a successful lawyer with a beautiful wife and cute, if androgynous, daughter. Even while appearing to have it all(Anne Archer has never looked better) he decides to cheat on his wife with a woman he’s just met.  But, while he only intended to make it a one-time affair, the woman(Glenn Close) had different ideas.  “FATAL ATTRACTION” warns the viewer that there “are” consequences for our actions, and to take heed.  Well, at least that’s probably what most girls and wives were hoping as they watched this with their mates!  The acting is sensational, and Glenn Close really gives an Oscar-worthy performance.  She gives the depth to her role necessary for audiences to have true empathy for her character(before “the” rabbit sequence)and make the story more compelling.  A scene in which we and he find out that she’s made up a lie about her father has huge ramifications for everyone!  In an instant, we’re able to transfer our allegiance to the cheating husband, suddenly realizing this woman has psychotic tendencies.

 PARAMOUNT has presented the film with its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  The image is a little soft in spots, but colors are still impressive and the detail is impressive.  Contrast is good, although the blacks and grays aren’t as deep as they tend to be on most PARAMOUNT dvd releases.

 The soundmix has been remixed for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and while it has its moments of surround effects, there’s little difference from it and the Dolby 2.0 mix.  The bass is slightly more expanded in 5.1, but the wonderful Maurice Jarre score is complimented equally well in both.  Dialogue is free from distortion, but sounds a little restrained in the 2.0 mix.

 PARAMOUNT has added a lot of supplements for this special edition.  There are three featurettes.  “Forever Fatal:Remembering Fatal Attraction” offers newly produced interviews with cast and crew.  “Social Attraction” while far too short, offers some interesting reflections by producer Sherry Lansing, Michael Douglas and others.  “Visual Attraction” explores the production design, make-up, and general look of the film. 

“Rehearsal Footage” is self-explanatory.  Of course we also get the more disturbing “original” ending, presented in 1.85:1 without 16:9 enhancement.

 Director Adrian Lyne offers a running commentary, but it’s not overly entertaining.  While his reflections are at times interesting, there are long gaps of silence throughout it.  The theatrical trailer is also included in 1.85:1 with 16:9 enhancement.