Originally aired on NBC over two consecutive nights in November 1984, Fatal Vision puts the spotlight on the usually serene Fort Bragg, North Carolina. There, on February 17, 1970, Captain Jeffrey MacDonald, M.D., (Gary Cole) breathlessly phoning police to report that he has been attacked and his wife and two young daughters have been stabbed to death. The culprits he says are a marauding group of hippies—two men and a woman in a big floppy hat—shouting “Kill the pigs, acid is groovy.” He claims he tried to fight them off but was knocked out in the process.
Based on the novel of the same name by Joel McGinniss and directed by television veteran David Greene (Rich Man, Poor Man, Roots), Fatal Vision rises above most television fare offering a truly riveting experience. Aided by strong performances across the board, a young Gary Cole is convincing as the green beret army officer accused of the heinous crime. A seemingly nice guy, quick flashes of anger suggest a violent temper lurking just below the surface.
Shortly after the killings, Jeff is visited in the hospital by his in-laws, by his mother and his in-laws, Freddy and Mildred Kassab (Karl Malden and Eva Marie Saint). Much of the story unfolds through Freddy’s eyes, who is initially incensed that the army could believe his son-in-law could have murdered his family. McDonald continues to maintain his innocence, claiming the killers were Charles Manson type hippies. Freddy works hard for Jeff’s defense until his own research leaves him with more questions than answers. Eventually, Freddy is convinced Jeff is capable of the crime, vowing to get justice for his daughter and grandchildren.
In addition to Gary Cole, Karl Malden and Eva Marie Saint, who co-starred in the 1954 film On the Waterfront, contribute convincing, heartfelt performances. Malden won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. The teleplay by television veteran John Gay effectively captures the twists and turns of the case that caught the interest of people around the world. Oddly enough, it was Jeffrey McDonald himself who suggested Joel McGinnis write a story about him. Unfortunately for McDonald, McGinnis would come to believe in Jeffrey’s guilt.
Presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the two-part, three-hour miniseries has been given a solid Blu-ray release. The colors are well balanced, and depth is surprisingly good. Textures are pleasing throughout and there are no real scratches or other evidence of debris. I hope Kino Lorber continues to release notable television movies and mini-series of the past. It’s wonderful to have them on physical media in HD.
The DTS-HD Master 2.0 soundtrack is quite effective for mid-eighties’ television production. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout. Gil Melle’s score effectively sets the scene, without trampling on the dialogue.
English SDH subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
- NEW! Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Filmmaker Daniel Kremer
