Basic Instinct [Blu-ray] [1992] [US Import]

On the DVD: one of the most welcome elements of the disc is an acknowledgement of the film's own influences--from Hitchcock's Vertigo to Verhoeven's own The Fourth Man. The print is far superior to the previous release, looking magnificent in 1:78.1. Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar-nominated score sounds terrific in either 5.1 or DTS, as does Verhoeven's thick accent on the first commentary track alongside then Director of Photography Jan De Bont (Speed), who together reminisce on locations and manipulating their actors' performances. A second commentary from feminist critic Camille Paglia is a brave way of putting paid to the gay/feminist community uproar. There are some standard inclusions (trailer, production notes, photo gallery etc) but far more interesting are two mini-documentaries; "Cleaning Up Basic Instinct" shows how and why the TV version was so dull, while "Blonde Poison" focuses on the film's making and marketing. Finally, there are three storyboard comparisons and nine minutes of screen tests for Stone and Tripplehorn. This is the definitive release of an oft-cited modern classic. --Paul Tonks

Sharon Stone literally becomes Catherine Trammel the bi-sexual, brilliantly manipulative and devious woman who uses her sexuality to dominate men. Michael Douglas as Detective Nick Curran is a perfect foil, attempting to limit her dominance and making desperate efforts to remain impartial in solving the grisly murders.

Trammel’s lesbian lover Roxy (Leilani Sarelle) is perfectly cast, the commentary incorrectly states this is her only film, if fact she has a long filmography.

But especial mention must go to George Dzunda as Gus Moran playing one of the great buddy roles as Curran’s assistance, the scene where he is drunk at a western music bar is the best portrayal of a drunken man I have ever seen.

Finally there is Jeanne Tripplehorn as Dr Beth Garner the police psychiatrist and ex lover of Curran, hers is a difficult role in the middle of the action and is completely convincing. The sex scene with Douglas in which she only partially complies is a gripping example of the narrow line between rape within a relationship and consent.

The long sex scenes between Stone and Douglas seem over choreographed by today’s standards, with a tendency to providing artistic nude studies rather than erotic action.

If you can take this tough gritty subject matter the beautifully transferred DVD with it’s generous extras is for you. At the end nothing is completely certain except “Basic Instinct 2” is due for release in March 2006, and one wonders how Sharon Stone will reprise this role at the age of forty six.


Still Sexy....Still Superb   July 16, 2002
 9 out of 12 found this review helpful

Whilst it seems to be the current trend for critics to constantly say how silly they now feel, 10 years on, for getting so worked up over THAT scene, Basic Instinct has in fact lost none of its magic. It is a timeless classic, yet highly underrated.

Yes, it was the leg crossing scene that made this film infamous, but it is such a sexy, tension filled thriller for the whole duration. There is something about the film that cannot be put into words, that no matter how many times you watch it, you feel the same amount of emotion that you did the first time.

Basic Instinct has unfortunately been lumbered with the 'erotic thriller' tag which has become a Friday night standard on Channel Five. However, the film is much, much more than titillation. There's a fantastic murder mystery plotline which would not be out of place in any of the Hitchcock classics which clearly influenced it, and all the actors are great (and I'm no Michael Douglas fan, so trust me :))

The DVD is a gorgeous package. A double disc set with postcards thrown in. Every making-of fact you would want to know is on this disc - and more!

Look past the infamous scene and see this film for what it really is - a true modern classic.


A Superb DVD Release!   July 26, 2002
 10 out of 14 found this review helpful

This recent re-issue of this classic movie is a gem of a DVD. Controversial at the time of its release, it hasnt lost its appeal to shock. The film which made Sharon Stone a star, is full of shocks, suprises, and a bit of a twist ending too. Overall, its a good buy because of the generous extras; storyboards; making of.....; tv versions; interviews and so on. And to make it even better, picture and sound are absolutely superb. Be warned though, if you have not seen this film, some of the scenes are a little graphic. If you can stomach those scenes, then you are in for a treat. Go out and buy.


rarety!   April 16, 2008
It's not often that i rate films a full five out of five as viewers of my previous ratings will see, maybe i set my expectations very high when watching films. But then again i believe films should grab us, catch us and keep us watching the whole way through. This is what this film does. It mixes a subtle blend of thrills, sex, erotica, mind games, and crime. A sumptuous blend of all these make this film an unmissable two hours of your life.