Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman got into this production together based on their impression of the previous foreign film on which it was adapted.  I haven't seen the earlier film, but "UNDER SUSPICION" certainly makes me want to.  I'm interested in finding out if the ending to an otherwise compelling drama, is as bad as it is here!

Freeman plays a Police Captain suspecting a major attorney of committing brutal murders.  Director Stephen Hopkins does a tremendous job in terms of visual compositions and pacing.  We're caught up in the film from the opening minutes!  As Freeman's investigation continues, more and more information comes to surface, suggesting Hackman is the killer, but is he?  The best thing about the film is the manner in which Hopkins visually takes us into the investigation.  We're "there" from various perspectives and points-of view.  While Hackman describes what happened when he uncovers a body, not only do we see Hackman "there" at the scene, but Freeman as well!  He's placing himself and the audience there!  It's brilliant!

The transfer to this COLUMBIA TRISTAR release is quite sharp!  Presented in the theatrical ratio of 1.85:1 with 16:9 enhancement, there is some grain present.  Still, even with grain "and" some artifacts, the picture is generally good.  Fleshtones are perfect, and detail is sharp.  There's never any oversaturation in spite of a difficult color design!

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is excellent!  It features an extremely active mix with numerous LFE effects, particularly in terms of the musical score.  There are a number of atmospheric and directional effects that really assist in the film's overall tension. Dialogue is well focused and always intelligible in spite of numerous sound effect layers.

Director Stephen Hopkins and Morgan Freeman provide a running commentary. Hopkins provides a lot of insight into filmmaking, but also into his intentions in making this film, thereby allowing the listener to better appreciate where it comes up short.  Of course, Morgan Freeman is also outstanding, and like James Earl Jones, he could read the phone book and sound worthwhile listening to.

There is a "behind-the-scenes" featurette, but most of it's strictly indulgent advertising.  There are, however, some brief, interesting interviews.

The theatrical trailer is included, but it's not 16:9 enhanced, and only in 2.0 sound.