Body Heat, Blu-ray (1981-2008)
Starring: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna
Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Music: John Barry
Studio: Warner Bros.
Video: 1.85:1 widescreen 16:9, 1080p HD
Audio: English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, DD 5.1, Spanish 2.0, French & German mono
Extras: Deleted scenes, Body Heat: The Plan: Screenplay & Casting, The Production: Filming, The Post-production: Editing/Scoring/Release, Vintage interviews with Hurt & Turner, Theatrical trailer
Length: 113 minutes
Rating: *****
Kasdan had been a screenwriter on such productions as some of the Star Wars films and Raiders of the Lost Ark but this was his directorial debut. It has some connections to the classic noir Double Indemnity, but the web of deceit spun by the woman is rather a different sort than that in The Postman Always Rings Twice. Turner plays a married socialite planning to enlist Hurt’s assistance in bumping off her wealthy husband. The attorney played by Hurt falls for it heavily, and their chemistry can still heat up the room as they did when the film first received lots of attention in the early 80s.
The South Florida environment and stifling heat is conveyed strongly in the entire film but especially in the steamy sex scenes between the two, where the fine Blu-ray transfer brings out every drop of sweat. Interesting to learn in the bonus features that there was a sudden cold spell in Florida during the filming and the actors were freezing during most of these scenes! The modern injection of energy, color and good use of the surrounds adds much interest to the old film noir approach. Not to mention the compelling musical score by John Barry – absolutely perfect for the film. Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke play friends of the attorney and are standouts in their parts, and the dialogue between Turner and Hurt is often a hilarious update of standard film noir language.
– John Sunier
