Hannibal Lecter Anthology on Blu-ray

Several film characters were brought to life in the 80s and became household names and Dr. Hannibal Lecter is one of them.  He really represents some of our deepest fears since he was considered a brilliant psychiatrist, someone who could help people, but he was also a cannibalistic serial killer.

image: MGM

Brian Cox originally brought the character to life in the 1986 film, Manhunter, but it was Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal in The Silence of the Lambs (opposite Jodie Foster) five years later that captivated audiences.

Despite being in a beyond maximum security holding cell, Lecter appeared to be in control when young FBI agent, Clarice Starling (Foster), comes to him for help in catching a serial killer.  The hardest part is understanding the hints he provides while simultaneously resisting the urge to be unnerved by his constant (and accurate) analysis.  He’s a criminal and he is a psychopath but Starling has to find a way to trust him if she wants to solve her case.  Really, it’s a haunting film.

A decade passed and, for whatever reason, Hannibal was brought to the big screens.  I feel that after The Silence of the Lambs, any add-ons would pale in comparison and I was right.  Foster didn’t return and was replaced by Julianne Moore in the role of Clarice who plays a cat-and-mouse game with Lecter, who is now on the loose.

If you are a fan of the series, you might be interested in picking up The Hannibal Lecter Anthology which is now available on Blu-ray.  The three disc set includes Manhunter, The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal.