Blu-Ray Review: David Fincher’s ‘Se7en’ With Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman

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CHICAGO – With the praise rolling in for the upcoming “The Social Network,” David Fincher continues to make the case that he is one of our best living filmmakers and his breakthrough, “Se7en,” lands on Blu-ray this week in a bonus-heavy release with gorgeous HD video and audio. The landmark thriller has lost none of its power, the transfer is flawless, and the special features are informative and interesting. What more do you want from a Blu-ray?

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray Rating: 5.0/5.0
Blu-ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

It’s hard to believe that it’s been fifteen years since “Se7en,” but not hard to believe that Fincher went on to arguably top this mega-hit at least once with great films like “Fight Club,” “Zodiac,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and, from what we hear out of the festivals, “The Social Network.” When “Se7en” hit theaters, it was relatively unheralded at first. Fincher was coming off the relative disappointment of “Alien 3” and his follow-up was given a September release. From there, it went on to break $100 million (when it wasn’t as common as it is in 2010), shock audiences, make Brad Pitt a star, and redefine the genre. The number of thrillers influenced by “Se7en” are too many to count in one review.

Se7en was released on Blu-ray on September 14th, 2010
Se7en was released on Blu-ray on September 14th, 2010
Photo credit: Warner Brothers

Recognizing that “Se7en” is one of the most important films in their catalog, WB/New Line have treated Fincher’s film with an appropriate level of HD awe. The transfer of Darius Khondji’s remarkably cinematography is one of the best of the season and the audio is similarly excellent. “Se7en” is a mood piece, a film in which it’s always raining, and having the right video and audio mix goes a long way in making it effective. If you haven’t seen the film in a long time, just the new transfer can make it feel new again.

As for special features, “Se7en” is loaded with them including four audio commentary tracks, a new 32-page booklet of photography and production notes and a special behind-the-scenes look at the alternate endings. “Se7en” on Blu-ray may just be another catalog title, a release of a ’90s film that doesn’t get the same press as a 2010 new release, but it’s a must-own for true film fans. Don’t miss it.

Special Features:
o Four commentaries featuring director David Fincher, actors Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman and other collaborators on the film
o Additional/extended scenes
o Alternate endings
o Exploration of the opening title sequence from multiple video angles with various audio mixes and two commentary tracks
o Production design and still photographs with commentaries
o The Notebooks: Full motion video details “John Doe’s” writings
o Theatrical trailer

Check out this clip before you head out to pick up your own copy:

‘Se7en’ stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey. It was written by Andrew Kevin Walker and directed by David Fincher. It was released by Warner Brothers on September 7th, 2010. It is rated R.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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