A cop with a drug addiction and a gambling problem, that steals evidence from crime scenes spirals out of control closing in on death every day. A nun is violently raped yet finds it in her heart to forgive the men who commit the crime refuses to press charges. Their stories intertwine in a dark, gritty tale.

First this is not a movie for the faint of heart, it is rated NC-17 for a reason. As said above there is drugs and a rape scene. What is not mentioned is the cussing, violence, full frontal Harvey Keitel nudity (shudder, still trying to get that image out of my head), and much more. Still around? Alright then. This is a hard one to review. The acting is superb and I doubt they could have found a better actor for this role other than Keitel. But the story will limit the audience greatly.  The footage is gritty so don’t expect the quality to be outstanding but it does suit the movie’s tone.

Now since this is labeled “Special Edition” you can probably already guess that it has been released once before. What you may not know is that it has actually been released at least 4 times before (that is all I was able to dig up). In 1998 & 2001 on its own with the bonus features being the theatrical trailer, production notes and cast & crew information. Also in 1992 as a double feature with “Young Americans” and in 2007 with “Reservoir Dogs”. The only thing that this “Special Edition” has going for it is the feature “It All Happens Here” which is a three part making of with interviews walking you through the pre-production, production, and post-production of the movie. It is a nice feature for fans; but IMO not worth purchasing again just for that alone.

If you have not seen this film and enjoy Tarantino type films there is a good chance you will come to enjoy “Bad Lieutenant”. Just know that even if you do like Tarantino this is a heavier story and no comedy or music to break-up the drama.

Low grade for how many times it has been released on DVD already.