The Usual Suspects

Writing in VL-1/96, I said: "This twisty-turny $21 million modest box office hit, features a top-notch ensemble cast (Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, and others) and a story that will keep you guessing three days after you've seen the film. The tale opens with NYC's finest gathering up the "the usual suspects" after a truck full of arms turns up missing. Waiting to be released, the guys put their collective criminal minds together and plan a major heist. A fascinating cat-and-mouse game ensues when a mysterious butcher named Keyser Soze enters the picture and the small-time street crooks find themselves way in over their heads. Unlike other routine thrillers, this tale is in the telling not the blood-letting. An excellent sleeper." Boasting a solid transfer, a new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, both widescreen and full frame versions, screen-specific commentaries, five featurettes, and a very funny (and often crude) gag reel, this is highly recommended. (R. Pitman)[Blu-ray Review—May 24, 2011—MGM, 106 min., R, $34.98—Making its second appearance on Blu-ray, 1995's The Usual Suspects boasts a fine transfer with DTS-HD sound. Packaged in a 24-page digi-book, the sole extra is trailers. Bottom line: if you own the earlier Blu-ray release, you won't need this one; if not, this edition is highly recommended.]