“BODY OF EVIDENCE” aspires to be a “BASIC INSTINCT” tailored around Madonna. 

Madonna plays Rebecca Carlson, an art dealer accused of murdering her latest Sugar-daddy, by “blank(ing) his brains out!”  On paper, and in theory, this “paint-by-numbers” script must have seemed appealing. It has all the tawdry S&M overtones that someone like Madonna would be attracted to, and its characters, including the murdered man’s secretary as a potential suspect, a conniving prosecutor, and a defense attorney attracted to his client, have the atmosphere of a Joe Ezsterhas script.  Unfortunately, this script doesn’t have the talent(?) of Ezsterhas!

Madonna is simply awful here! If one can’t imagine a worse actress than Madonna, one needs only to look at a “younger” Madonna to find one!  YECHH! 

While striving for “schock” affect, the sex scenes are so lame, that they don’t succeed on an erotic level, although they do tickle the funny bone.  Watching one scene, involving Madonna and Willem Dafoe having sex over broken glass, is truly embarrassing. 

It’s actually somewhat sad to see talent(other than Madonna) associated with this film.  The film’s director has made some interesting films in the past, and the supporting cast is made up of fine actors.  The film even looks impressive, with great cinematography and sets.  Still, for all the money spent, it should have been called, “MUCH ADO ABOUT CRAP”. 

MGM has provided both the “UNRATED” and “R-RATED” versions of this dual-sided disc.  Both images are presented in their original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement. 

The image is decent, with consistent color values, and decent contrast, but it’s a little too soft at times.  It’s superior to the laserdisc version, but it doesn’t have the same level of definition as is evident on many superior dvds. 

The Dolby Digital 2.0 surround is impressive.  Although it’s not overly aggressive, there are plenty of ambient effects and the front soundstage offers a variety of directional effects throughout.  The film’s score is outstanding, and well complimented by all speakers. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

A “behind-the-scenes” featurette, “LOVE OR MURDER? THE MAKING OF BODY OF EVIDENCE”, is featured as a supplement.  It’s silly and indulgent, but still makes for a fine guilty pleasure. 

The original theatrical trailer is also included with 16:9 enhancement and Dolby Digital 2.0 sound.