The Verdict (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Reviewed by:
Gene Newman

In the early '80s, Paul Newman redeemed his career by playing an alcoholic ambulance-chasing Boston lawyer who gets one last shot at redemption. The Verdict—written by dialogue god David Mamet and directed by Sidney Lumet—is one of those rare movies where everything comes together perfectly. On the surface it may seem like a Law & Order plot, but it's a million times deeper, and manages to take on three major institutions—the legal system, religion, hospitals—without being demeaning or cruel to any of them. The first disc has a commentary with Lumet and Newman, and the second disc is loaded with interesting featurettes, which include a producer admitting to getting flipped off by Mamet for wanting a script change.

Another Newman Classic Alert: Fox is being very good to us, because The Hustler (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), which introduced the world to pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson, also gets the special treatment. Standout special features include trick shot analysis, as well as "how to make the shot" tips. Now, if it could only keep us from getting our legs broken for hustling lowlifes out of money it'd be perfect.

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