Disc Details
Special Features:	Feature-length commentary by writer/director James Toback Fingers: A conversation about independent film with Harvey Keitel and James Toback Theatrical Trailer
Video Format:	Matted Widescreen [SS-DL]
Languages:	English (Dolby Mono) French (Dolby Mono)
Subtitles:	English, French
Captions:	Yes
Casing:	1-Disc Snap Case

Harvey Keitel stars as Jimmy Fingers, son of a mobster, torn between two conflicting lives as a fearless debt collector for his father and aspiring classical pianist for his mother. He’s a tragic character, whose unfulfilled life is a roller coaster of emotions that erupt from his fragile yet violent bursts of psychological torment. From a dubious relationship with a mysterious artist, to the film’s brutal conclusion, Toback’s script is essentially an exposé on the male psyche, with Keitel given free reign on where to take his performance.

To be sure, Toback’s script is limited. Essentially, we follow a few tumultuous and decisive days in the life of an emotionally confused thug, who’s come to the realization that his life is heading towards an inevitable conclusion. But it’s also the reason the film is so effective. Keitel’s performance as Jimmy gives the film a multifaceted dimension, as he evokes both an unusual tenderness and deep-seeded rage as an artist trapped in a mobster’s life.

The film features a few interesting roles, one of the more intriguing being Hall Of Famer Jim Brown as a powerful sexual specimen, whose dominance over women makes Jimmy question even his own sexuality -- frighteningly, the role was based on the real-life Brown, whom Toback was friends with. Toback is a director that takes some getting used to (“Two Girls and a Guy” is proof enough of that), and those not in-tune to his style will certainly have a difficult time watching the film. Still, seeing a master such as Keitel improv a drama so powerfully is something film fans must experience.

Picture Quality: 7/10
Presented in a "matted" widescreen format that essentially preserves the aspect ratio of the original theatrical release, the transfer is admirable. However, the film obviously has undergone some wear since its original theatrical run, and the colors are simply unimpressive and seriously muted. Grain is pretty evident, but again, it's more a matter of the source material than the transfer.

Sound Quality: 6/10
Independent films, particularly those made in the 70s and 80s, lacked sophisticated sound technology, and it's quite evident in the Dolby Mono track on "Fingers." In the film's brilliant scene at the Urologist office, where Harvey Keitel enjoys a "pleasant" rectal examination, the wonderful dialogue is nearly inaudible (activate subtitles, because it really is an incredible scene).

Menu: 7/10
Generic menu system with film's poster/DVD cover as the background plate.

Extra Features: 6/10
The long-awaited DVD features a commentary track from writer/director Toback, and it's worth listening to. While a commentary by Keitel would have been fantastic, Toback is able to entertain with some informative tidbits on the production (like the fact that the film was financed by a perfume owner -- Brut Films) as well as his comments on Keitel's performance. The five-minute conversation with Keitel and Toback on independent films is completely uninspired and not even worth your time. Original theatrical and a generous 23 chapter selections are also included.

The Final Word:
Fans of this cult-classic have been chomping at the bit for "Fingers" to be released on DVD. And while this long-awaited disc might not be everything fans have been waiting for, the bottom line is that it's finally here. The film itself is a groundbreaking landmark in independent cinema, and is worth a rental for fans of Keitel an/or mobster flicks (in fact, "Fingers" was included in Entertainment Weekly's 25 Greatest Mob Movies Ever). Though lacking in impressive supplements, a must buy for Toback and Keitel fanatics.

Stephen Wong