The Fugitive - Special Edition - Region 2 DVD

The two stars, Harrison Ford (Kimble, kooky beard and 47 shades of anguish) and Tommy Lee Jones (Gerard, for which he deservedly won an Oscar) not surprisingly steal the show with their battle of wits and muscle. It's a rapport that develops as the film progresses, and is both complex and fascinating--no facile goodie versus baddie scenario here. And the essential slime factor comes from Kimble's sinisterly suave friend, Dr Nichols (Joroen Krabbé superb). Great story, brilliantly done; altogether, a breathlessly enthralling two hours.

On the DVD: The Fugitive special edition features a commentary from director Andrew Davis, introducing characters and offering background insight, plus a three-way phone conversation between Davis, Ford and Jones on their experiences of the movie. There's also detailed commentary on how the spectacular train crash was set up and the endless saga of perfecting the script. Also, the usual scene selections, theatrical trailer, choice of languages (English, French and Italian) and a broad choice of subtitles. A pretty impressive package overall.--Harriet Smith