This film, starring Denzel Washington, got critical praise and rightfully deserves it. It covers many different aspects about "Hurricane" Rubin Carter, including the biography of Hurricane Rubin Carter himself, how he happened to be framed for a crime he didn't commit, how his book and writing helped change the lives of others, his prison life and how he coped with it for 30 years, and his eventual gamble to win his freedom. The cast, lead by Washington and Vicillous Reon Shannon, weaves a story of how two people can effect each other's lives dramatically, and how hope, all but abandoned can be revived with the right approach. The supporting cast of Deborah Unger, Dan Hedaya, Liev Schrieber, Debbie Brown, and warm hearted prison guard Clancy Brown all give credible performances and make this a totally entertaining and engrossing two and half hours.

-"Hurricane" Rubin Carter is a story of injustice and racism, set in the early 1960's as Carter is pulled over and set up for murder by a racist policeman (Dan Hedaya). Carter earlier had defended himself and friends against a "powerful, prominent" citizen, who had tried to molest his friend and then attempted to murder him. Carter, only 11 at the time, managed to escape by stabbing the culprit with his pocket knife but later is charged with assault and sent away to a boys reform school until 18, when he escapes. He then joins the Army, returns to New Jersey and is promptly returned to prison by Hedaya to serve out his remaining time. In prison and upon release, he dedicates himself to using his body as a weapon to channel all the hate built up inside of himself to better himself and the black community. He defeats the Welterweight champ and is named Boxer of the year and seems to have turned his life completely around until one fatal night when a bar massacre leads to his arrest, which also has Hedaya framing Carter for the murder. Meanwhile, while in prison, Carter writes of his life and sells his book, which is picked up by a 16 year old boy, just learning to read and write and who is being tutored for college preparation by three white, caring individuals in Toronto , Canada. The youth is deeply effected by the book , and the others also read and are deeply moved. Correspondence to Carter in prison becomes a joy for both the boy and Carter, leading to a lasting relationship.

The widescreen anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen presentation on the disc is clear and sharp , and is up to Universal's high standards for quality in their DVD releases. A few artifacts are visible but the amount is minuscule and doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the viewing of the film. Dark scenes in prison, as well as the Canadian scenes are all well done and kudos should go to the cinematographers for producing such well lit and effective lighting effects. One scene has Carter staring at a light bulb while in solitary and is simple yet effective. The bright openness of the Canadian's house is in stark contrast to the prison cell occupied by Carter, making the confinement of the cell even more believable.

The disc offers both English 2.0 and 5.1 Dolby digital soundtrack, as well as a French language track. English captions are also offered. The disc makes good use of the 5.1 mix, with excellent separation and effects moving from front to back . This is most noticeable during fight scenes. The front channel dialog is clearly understood and well placed with no fade ins or outs.