Part of Weekend Classics
A retired criminal profiler (William Petersen) reluctantly returns to the FBI to help track down a serial killer of families and is forced to consult an expert — the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecktor (Brian Cox in a subtly chilling performance). The third feature written and directed by Michael Mann is a gripping adaptation of the first of Thomas Harris’s four novels featuring the iconic murderer Lecktor — and benefits from the filmmaker’s typically striking visuals as well as a top-notch supporting cast, including Tom Noonan as the hunted killer and three-time Oscar nominee Joan Allen as his blind love interest.
This new 4K Final Cut, overseen by Mann, enhances the film’s depth, visual clarity and sound, offering audiences the ultimate immersive version. Shot in 1986, MANHUNTER was on a frontier in both its subject matter and film form, initiating an impressive list of subsequent films and series.
See also: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (Sat-Sun, Oct 3-4)
About the Restoration:
This 4K version of Michael Mann’s MANHUNTER is both a restoration and a final edit. Shot in 1986, MANHUNTER was on a frontier, both in its subject matter and film form, initiating an impressive list of feature films and series. This 4K scan of the original 35mm negative — with a few shots from an interpositive — was digitally restored at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, strictly following the new reference edit done by Michael Mann. Both the theatrical version and the UHD, HDR, & SDR video color gradings were performed by Stefan Sonnenfeld at Company3 in Los Angeles with the director.
Sound restoration was done at Audio Mechanics from an original 35mm magnetic 6-track printmaster to release a new 5.1 mix by Luke Schwartzweller at Fox. Technical coordination and deliveries were managed by L’Immagine Ritrovata. This project was supervised by Becca Mann and Studiocanal team, Jean-Pierre Boiget and Delphine Roussel.
“If the picture was left the way it was, it would be interesting, but you’d feel some distance. You’d be observing it somewhat. I’m more interested in its original intent impacting you the same way it may have in 1986…that is, to bring you into it again in the original way…. This latest iteration is that version of the film with which I’m most satisfied.” —Michael Mann “MANHUNTER has continued to dig its claws into culture and has had a lasting influence few could have seen coming…. It’s hard to imagine the myriad of films and shows about criminal profiling existing without it.” —Matthew Allan, Guardian “A gory and gorgeous cop thriller -- you'll forgive it almost anything, so full is your eye with the beauties of its design and photography, and your ear with its supercool electronic music…. One of the most sensually thrilling movies of the year.” —Paul Attanasio, Washington Post (Aug 14, 1986)
