Director/writer Paul Schrader has always been attracted to the seemingly darker sides of social issues, violence,(Taxi Driver, Raging Bull)drugs(Light Sleeper), and sex,(Hardcore). With "AUTO FOCUS," his latest film, he delves into all three issues. Well, "drugs" if one can consider Crane's sexual appetite as an addiction. While not as incurably dark as his earlier films, this look at the "other" side of television sitcom actor Bob Crane's life in  "AUTO FOCUS" has more than its share of dreariness. 

One thing about "AUTO FOCUS" that certainly threw off this reviewer was the overall look of the film.  It's much brighter and colors are more vibrant than in Schrader's other films. 

Viewers unfamiliar with the details of Crane's murder, will be certainly be surprised by most of what's played out here.  At times, the script makes an argument that Crane's just a regular guy, perhaps just extremely honest about his craving of sex. But, for some reason, other points in the script seem intent on portraying his appetites as nothing but perverse. In one scene in the film, during his later years while a guest on a foreign cooking show, even his attitude towards women is made to appear borderline misogynistic.  Kinnear is great in the role, and Schrader manages to leave us wanting more, but mostly due to the fact that so little is explained or examined. There are no inner makings of the man explored here, as Schrader did so well with La Motta in his "RAGING BULL" script.   One thing is certain, "AUTO FOCUS" is never slow, and extremely captivating.

It's hard, especially for a dvd fan, not to smile while watching Crane's friend and probable murderer, John Carpenter, introduce him to the magic of a bulky black&white video camera!   And, later one really catches the schoolboy charm of Crane as he gets caught up in the momentary excitement with Carpenter explaining the new technology of a "timer" for a video recorder! 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film's 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement. It's a great transfer, and as mentioned above, there are numerous vibrant looking scenes.  Colors are solid and with depth in every scene.  Contrast is also excellent, offering great detail in even the darkest scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented a DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 mix for this release.  While there are some creative instances of surround effects, most of the mix is purely stereo.  There are some minor ambient and directional effects. However, the film's score is boosted through all speakers. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has gone all out for this release with plenty of extras!  There are three audio commentaries here!  One track offers Schrader's commentary on both the technical and aesthetic aspects of the film.  While a bit slow in some parts, it's generally a very intelligent and interesting commentary. 

The 2nd commentary offers writer Michael Gerbosi with writers-turned-producers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.  It's an entertaining commentary, filled with passion, behind-the-scenes stories and more.  While entertaining, it's a bit disappointing that none of these guys admits to any of the film's limitations.

The 3rd commentary offers Kinnear and Willem Dafoe. Both of them provide some fun moments, and while it appears entirely from-the-hip, they're pretty entertaining, even though they don't delve into the "real" story as much as we'd have liked them to have.

There is a brief "Making of" featurette, offering comment about the direction and script, but it's not worth watching.

A "deleted scenes" segment, offers optional commentary by the director, and most of these scenes are quite intriguing.  Unfortunately, they're in mediocre quality and not enhanced for 16:9.

For those disappointed at the lack of depth in the film, there's a great documentary, "MURDER IN SCOTTSDALE," included here.  It borders on being heavy-handed at times, but it's entertaining and offers some intriguing facts about the real case. 

Lastly, there are two trailers for the film, with one being the "R-rated" and superior trailer.  Several other trailers are also included.