For those younger audiences, finally becoming aware of Liam Neeson’s powerful work with “TAKEN,” IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT has just provided much earlier evidence of his craftsmanship with “UNDER SUSPICION,” a terrific period-piece thriller from 1991.  Set in 1959 England, divorce was extremely hard to obtain at the time. One rare exception for allowance was for adultery. So, former cop turned private detective Tony Aaron(Neeson) works at “exposing” adulteries. Only, these aren’t actual adulteries, but otherwise faithful but unhappy spouses staging an adulterous episode, wherein the photographic evidence Tony obtains, can be submitted to court, allowing for the divorce to occur. 

This actual popular scheme to overcome the ridiculous laws of the time is masterfully presented in the film’s opening moments. But, everything about “UNDER SUSPICION” is masterfully presented! When Tony’s wife, utilized in one staging, is found murdered along with the other willing participant, Tony’s world is turned upside down, as he becomes a suspect. Nail biting tension, great drama, and a truly disturbing final surprise, ensure “UNDER SUSPICION” will be known as one of the best thrillers of the ‘90s, and in this reviewer’s opinion, a far cleverer film than “BASIC INSTINCT,” “JAGGED EDGE,” and many other more well known thrillers of the past 20 years.

IMAGE has provided the correct 2.40:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray release. Colors are rich in many scenes, but more typically restrained, though never dull. The color design fits the gritty atmosphere of the crime genre at hand. Detail is typically impressive, with the fine sheen of shoes, reflections and more flawlessly captured within the well conceived compositions. Seldom flat, grain is present, but it only enhances the gritty feel without becoming intrusive. Some minor artifacts occur on occasion.

IMAGE has provided a PCM 2.0 mix. This is a front center channel focused mix. Fidelity is impressive, and although more ambient effects would’ve been pleasing, what’s offered doesn’t diminish a terrific thriller. The score is terrific and one can’t help but wish it had been aided by a full 5.1 lossy mix. When a mere sentence can carry a substantial weight to the film’s masterful plot, it’s relieving to find dialogue is flawlessly rendered.