Manhunter Returns to Theaters 40 Years Later

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One of Michael Mann's most underrated films, Manhunter, is making its way back to the big screen for its 40th anniversary. This 1986 thriller is notable for being the first film to introduce the character of Hannibal Lecter to the cinematic world. Manhunter: The Final Cut, featuring a new 4K restoration supervised by Mann himself, will be available to audiences in select theaters starting July 24. Collider is proud to present the film's trailer for this special event.

Adapted from Thomas Harris's 1981 novel Red Dragon, Manhunter had its original title changed due to concerns from producer Dino De Laurentiis. De Laurentiis feared that audiences would think the film was a martial arts movie. Although Mann was not entirely satisfied with the film upon its completion, over time it has become a classic among the director's fans. In addition to the 4K restoration, the film will feature color corrections, some deleted dialogues, and more focus on Brian Cox's Hannibal Lecktor character.

The story follows FBI Agent Jack Crawford (Dennis Farina) as he turns to retired profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) while tracking the murders left behind by a serial killer known as the "Tooth Fairy." Graham has left the bureau due to the weight of his journeys into the minds of killers and the insane, but he is forced to return to the murder investigation. In this process, he uses a tabloid journalist (Stephen Lang) as bait to uncover the killer.

Manhunter did not achieve commercial or critical success upon its initial release and was largely overshadowed by The Silence of the Lambs, which came out five years later. However, over time, the film has gained more appreciation for Mann's directing style, Dante Spinotti's cinematography, and the performances of the cast. Don't miss the chance to witness this unforgettable thriller again on July 24.

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