WARNER BROS!

Fugitive:Special Edition

Director Andrew Davis hasn’t really made a great film since “UNDER SIEGE” but fans of “THE FUGITIVE” will delight in the new Special Edition awaiting them from WARNER BROS.   This film version of the hit tv series isn’t bad at all, but it’s still a disappointment when seeing what Davis was able to do for the action genre with “UNDER SIEGE”.  Harrison Ford starts as Dr. Richard Kimble, whose wife is brutally murdered shortly after the film opens.  Framed for the murder, he is arrested and sent to jail.  While en-route on a bus, a situation occurs resulting in a staggering escape scene.  Kimble is now on the run, trying to clear his name by catching the real killer.  Ford works to clear himself, while at the same time being chased by a dedicated detective, played wonderfully by Tommy Lee Jones.
The two lead actors are what make the film worth viewing, and we can’t wait for their characters to finally meet, which they do, albeit briefly, right before another great sequence involving a jump down a dam!

WARNER BROS. Has provided the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio for this release with 16:9 enhancement.  While the previous presentation was also enhanced for 16:9 screens, this time the presentation is on a dual layer disc rather than a single layer.  The transfer is far less grainy looking now, with superior detail as well. 
The color values are more solid now too!  Whereas colors were subdued in the previous release, they’re more vibrant now, similar looking to the bright look obtained in the sequel, “US MARSHALS”.   The contrast is also superior now, with deeper blacks and grays.

The dolby digital 5.1 soundmix appears to be the same mix utilized in the previous film.  While there are some excellent surround moments, especially the train wreck sequence, there are many more moments wherein the surround mix is underused.  Still, this may have more to due with the advancements made in the past few years relating to sound technology, as the film’s sound mix is “dated” by today’s standards!

An audio commentary with director Andrew Davis and Tommy Lee Jones is offered as part of the “Special Edition” supplements!  While it’s great to hear Jones discuss his work here, he’s less forthcoming than Davis is.  Jones’ comments at random about certain scenes, and there are lulls in-between.  Davis’ commentary is more impassioned and frequent, offering more insight into the film’s overall production and technical aspects. 

Adding to the “extras” available in this “Special Edition” are:

An “INTRODUCTION”.  This short introduction offers a small portion of the audio commentary and interview footage, but doesn’t really have enough to merit its inclusion as an extra here.

“ON THE RUN” is a new documentary offering insight from Harrison Ford, Davis and others, about the film’s production.  It offers some interesting information, but, even at over 20 minutes, offers too little to deem it worthwhile.

“DERAILED:ANATOMY OF A TRAIN WRECK” is an outstanding featurette.  It’s the one supplement we heartily recommend!  It examines the train wreck sequence in great detail, allowing fans to more thoroughly appreciate the special effects achievement created here!  The theatrical trailer and bios are also included.