Red Dragon

Hannibal Lecter's mouth would water if he got a look at the recipe for Universal's two-disc edition of Red Dragon, which is a fine concoction that includes a tasty theatrical film and a healthy side order of bonus features (all served up via an appetizing menu by Mirage Prods.). Disc one delves into the celebrated serial killing cannibal's psyche with real-life FBI profiler John Douglas, author Thomas Harris' inspiration for the Jack Crawford character in Silence of the Lambs. He speculates as to how Lecter would think and what motivations he would have to eat his victims. As an appetizer, Lecter's FBI file and life history are included along with an interview with actor Anthony Hopkins on why his portrayal of the insane doctor has garnered so much appeal. The featurette Inside Red Dragon, produced by Mark Herzon and Mark Cowen and directed by Stephen J. Morrison, is standard making-of fare that doesn't really satisfy. Seven deleted scenes, four alternate scenes and three extended scenes with commentary from director Brett Ratner, writer Ted Tally and editor Mark Helfrich make up a nice after movie dessert, however. Rounding out the feast is commentary with Ratner and Tally and an isolated score with commentary by composer Danny Elfman. The second course--or disc--is where bonus feature appetites will be appeased. A Director's Journey, directed by Kevin Krakower, outlines the creation of the film from day one, showing everything from costume design to Lecter's cell sets to the Dolarhyde home (and how it was blown up) to screentests and costume/makeup designs. And for those hungry for something a bit more gruesome, the makeup application shows how shards of mirror were inserted into the eyes of Dolarhyde's victims and forensic expert Lt. Ray Peavy demonstrates the realistic way blood would spatter onto a wall. The storyboard-to-feature comparison finishes the meal, with Ratner's first student film as a digestive. Overall, it's a satisfying experience--bon appétit. --Jamie Clark