In fact Grosbard had actually given Hoffman No Beast So Fierce years back so it was fitting that he would be a part of the filming. There are numerous stories the men relate, many having to do with Edward Bunker and the extensive research Hoffman did for the part which included spending vast amounts of time with Bunker, other convicts, and even smuggling himself inside San Quentin Prison for a day in order to hang out with the convicts.

 

Hoffman’s droning voice throughout the commentary may be somewhat disorienting at first but it is quite clear that he holds this film in high regard despite its commercial failure. I can’t recall another commentary the man has done for any other of his 70s films. Neither shy away from the conflicts they had during filming, Grosbard forbade Hoffman into the editing room,and Hoffman admits that this was the lowest point of his life personally  

 

He speaks of the divorce he was going through as well as experimenting with drugs at that period of his life. He admits that he was not easy to work with and that combined with the long hours, little sleep and intensity of the work led to him having a physical breakdown that halted shooting for a week.  This would be an excellent example of how a good commentary by willing participants can be akin to a mini film school lesson. It’s that informative.

 

The ONLY complaint I have would be the cover art for the DVD case, which is also on the DVD itself. It shows Hoffman early on in the film as he is searching for a job. For some stupid reason, Warners felt it needed to photoshop a gun in his jacket that can be clearly seen.I presume it was to make the film seem more violent than it is. Needless to say when you watch the scene at the beginning there is no gun in his jacket. That pisses me off to say the least but that is literally the ONLY flaw I found with the presentation.