Having extinguished the sole source of fire upon which its survival ultimately depends (and lacking the know-how to create the coveted element), a tribe of Neanderthals sends three of its own on the titular quest, launching this incredibly realistic adventure set 80,000 years ago--one that finds its explorers meeting a female member of a clan of homo sapiens who teaches one of them not just how to ignite a spark in the Promethean sense but in Cupid's sense as well. Director Jean-Jacques Annaud brings a rare level of verisimilitude not merely to the costuming and makeup, but, with the assistance of advisers Desmond Morris (The Naked Ape) and Anthony Burgess (A Clockwork Orange), to character behavior and language. Extras include separate commentary tracks (one by the director, the other by stars Ron Perlman, Rae Dawn Chong, and producer Michael Gruskoff), a making-of featurette, and an extensive photo gallery (with director commentary). Sporting a clean transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, this disc combines a fine, under-appreciated film with substantial supplements, adding up to a remarkable value. Highly recommended. (T. Rich)
Quest for Fire
Fox, 100 min., R, DVD: $14.98 June 30, 2003
Quest for Fire
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