The Bottom Line
Novelist Thomas Harris actually wrote the screenplay for Hannibal Rising which really helps ensure the story stays true to the Hannibal Lecter series. Also working in the prequel's favor is a fantastic performance by Gaspard Ulliel, the man who must fill Anthony Hopkins' shoes.
Pros
- A suitably creepy origin story chronicling Hannibal Lecter's early years
- Features terrific performances by the entire ensemble
- Gaspard Ulliel is a good choice to play the younger Hannibal
Cons
- At times difficult to understand due to the different accents
Description
- Commentary by director Peter Webber and producer Martha De Laurentiis
- 5 deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Webber
- Production designer Allan Starski provides some insight into designing the film
- 'Hannibal Lecter: The Origin of Evil' - Behind the scenes featurette exploring the character and the film
- DVD Release Date: May 29, 2007
Guide Review - Hannibal Rising DVD Review - Unrated Version
In this prequel to the Hannibal Lecter films, we meet Hannibal as a child who loses his family in the war. In particular it's the horrible death of his sister at the hands of a group of despicable men that sets the younger Hannibal on the path that will eventually led to the events portrayed in Manhunter, Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal and Red Dragon. Revenge is what drives the younger Hannibal and as he becomes more proficient at killing his enemies, he relishes the actual act of murder.
The Bonus Features
Director Peter Webber's and producer Martha De Laurentiis' commentary track is both energetic and informative. The commentary provides a lot of details about the casting decisions and how specific scenes were set up, and is definitely worth checking out if you love all the behind-the-scenes scoop. Also included on the Unrated DVD is an above average Making Of featurette which includes info on most aspects of the film's production.
