Cop DVD
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 Rating: - Riveting and uncomprising thriller
Maverick detective Lloyd Hopkins (James Woods) stumbles upon a serial killer that has been undiscovered until now when he discovers a crime scene involving ritualistic style murder. Tied into a network of swingers, the killer taunts Hopkins by writing letters ostensibly addressed to his victims but really designated for the police. Just as he is about to put the pieces together the pieces of his personal life fall apart when his wife leaves him ("you're a sick man") with their daughter because she's afraid he'll pass along his "sickness" to their daughter. Equal parts brilliant, defiant and unorthodox Hopkins isn't a likeable man but he doesn't have to be; he's a typical hardboiled screwed up anti-hero. He may not be somebody you like but he has a clear idea of right and justice. Hopkins must pursue the leads himself when solving this case becomes his personal obsession.

"Cop" is as brilliant, unorthodox and defiant as its main character. Producer/director James B. Harris doesn't allow the material to get away from him and James Woods. Playing like a darker more serious variation on the Dirty Harry films, Harris and Woods don't stoop to imitation and plow their own ground planting the seeds of an involving, powerful and sometimes unpleasant murder mystery. A cult classic, "Cop" finally reappears and will hopefully get its due as an uncompromising and powerful crime drama that doesn't shy away from the nasty side of the street nor does it try to gussy up the drama. A unknown classic much like (although quite different in tone from) "Night Moves", fans of noir films will love this adaptation of James Ellroy's ("L. A. Confidential") novel.

Although it doesn't receive a top notch transfer, "Cop" looks extremely good. The images are crisp throughout most of the movie and while there is a hint of edge enhancement that crops up now and again the film looks, for the most part, like it should-dark. As a modern day variation on film noir, the film has just the right texture and feel for the genre with deep, rich shadows and muted colors. The 2.0 Dolby Digital Surround track is pretty basic-the stereo effects work quite well but aren't always used to optimal effect. Still, the action sequences and scenes where the score take center stage sound robust and have a nice kick to them.

Beyond previews we don't any extras. The audience for this film is so small its unlikely that it will probably receive the attention its due unless a company like Anchor Bay licenses it at some point. Including the original theatrical trailer would have been a nice touch and I'm surprised that MGM chose not to include it as part of the package.
There isn't a commentary track here. It's unfortunate because the movie certainly could use a commentary track from Woods or Harris. Which Harris shooting "The Black Dahlia" (as producer with Brian De Palma directing based on another James Ellroy novel) hopefully we'll see this reissued with something in the way of commentary or extras.

A marvelous dark film that won't be everyone's cup of tea, "Cop" is a worthwhile film. The transfer is solid without analog flaws. It's a pity that "Cop" doesn't have any extras but it has a fairly small audience.

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