The Onion Field

Based on the bestseller by Joseph Wambaugh (and adapted by Wambaugh for the screen), this devastating true-crime drama, superbly acted and (a few melodramatic touches aside) intriguingly authentic, stars John Savage as Karl Hettinger, a cop whose life tailspins after the murder of his partner (Ted Danson in his first film). In his breakthrough role, James Woods gives a galvanizing performance as cop killer Gregory Powell, who brilliantly and maddeningly manipulates the legal system to his advantage, while Franklyn Seales holds his own as petty thief Jimmy Smith, Powell's bizarre partner. Director Harold Becker's audio commentary for this 1979 thriller is rudimentary, but the disc also features an illuminating 20-minute retrospective documentary about the making of the film, featuring interviews with Wambaugh and the film's cast. Sporting a solid transfer, and a serviceable Dolby Digital mono soundtrack, this is highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—June 30, 2015—Kino Lorber, 122 min., R, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1979's The Onion Field features a decent transfer and a DTS-HD 2.0 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by director Harold Becker, the “Ring of Truth” making-of documentary (29 min.), an interview with star John Savage (11 min.), and a trailer. Bottom line: an excellent true-crime drama makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]