Basic Instinct DVD Review

Presented anamorphically and framed at 2.35:1, the transfer is good but not perfect. The image is full and high on detail, while the amount of grain in the picture is negligible. Best of all is the smooth and solid colour reproduction. The (numerous) love scenes are shot through with an orange tint and the picture radiates a warm glow that is completely out of step with the onscreen ice pick through the eye action. On a less positive note, the image appears overly soft.

The film is presented here in both DD 5.1 and DTS, and the sonics are pleasing. Skip to the film's pivotal club scene and you'll find the pumping techno soundtrack to be both detailed and powerful, though we could have done with a bit more bass. Ambient city noise, and Jerry Goldsmiths' fine score, meanwhile, sit atmospherically in the surrounds.

This edition of Basic Instinct comes on two discs, and extra features are sumptuous. Spin Disc One and you'll find a commentary from director of photography Jan de Bont as well as jatter-box director Verhoeven. Even better is the option to watch the movie with a commentary by revisionist feminist critic and Basic Instinct fan Camille Paglia. Disc Two meanwhile, contains: a photo gallery; two documentaries; a selection of storyboards and a hilarious selection of moments from the 'cleaned up for TV' version of the film. It's a shame the R2 version doesn't come with the natty ice-pick-included packaging.An underrated film gets the chance for a complete reappraisal via the wonder of DVD. A mostly excellent package.