Manhunter

The iconic character of Hannibal Lector didn't make his movie debut in "Silence of the Lambs" like some people think. That distinction belongs to 1986's underrated "Manhunter," out now as a Collector's Edition under the Scream Factory imprint. Both the DVD and Blu-ray previous releases don't hold a candle to this 2-disc edition.

"Manhunter" was remade in 2005 as "Red Dragon," the name of the novel where the source material emanates from. Naturally, the latter film was tremendously successful due to the popularity of Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Lector (misspelled in "Manhunter's" credits as Lecktor). Fans should revisit this version, which focuses more on the character of Will (William Peterson, "CSI"). Brain Cox steps into the Lector shoes and isn't the menacing force he becomes in later sequels.

Michael Mann ("Miami Vice") directs "Manhunter" and gives it a moody, dreamlike quality and also flourishes his film with musical interludes. The Collector's Edition features 2 discs and includes the 2 hour theatrical version and a 4-minute longer Director's cut (in an unfortunate standard definition transfer).

As usual, Shout Factory's supplemental features are exemplary. Spread out over the 2 Blu-ray discs, they're both involving and extensive:

"The Making of Manhunter" - split into four segments and featuring interviews from the starring actors

"The Music of Manhunter" - composer Michel Rubini and other soundtrack contributors sit down for interviews

"The First Lecktor: An Interview with Brian Cox" - actor Cox talks about the differences between his and Hopkins performances, as well as his long movie career

"Inside Manhunter" - a vintage making-of featurette from 1986

A still gallery (lasting 8 minutes) and an audio commentary with director Michael Mann finish off "Manhunter's" extras nicely.

"Manhunter"
Blu-ray
$34.93
www.shoutfactory.com