K-PAX

Details

When a mysterious stranger intervenes in a disturbance at New York's Grand Central Station, witnesses claim that he appeared out of nowhere. Carrying no identification and calmly insisting that he is an alien visitor from the distant planet K-PAX, the man - who calls himself Prot - is taken into police custody. Believing him to be mentally disturbed, the authorities admit him to a psychiatric hospital where his remarkable story quickly captures the attention of psychiatrist Dr. Mark Powell.

Initially convinced that Prot is simply another delusional patient, Dr. Powell attempts to uncover the truth behind his unusual claims. However, Prot possesses an astonishing knowledge of astronomy that leaves even leading experts struggling to explain how he knows so much about distant star systems. At the same time, his calm outlook on life and gentle wisdom begin to transform the other patients around him, many of whom respond to his presence in ways that years of conventional treatment have failed to achieve.

As more extraordinary incidents surround Prot, including his unusual physical abilities and mysterious disappearances, Dr. Powell finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew. Determined to discover the truth, he resorts to regressive hypnosis in the hope of uncovering Prot's real identity. But as hidden memories begin to surface, the line between science, psychology and something far more extraordinary becomes increasingly blurred. Is Prot simply a deeply traumatised man... or could the impossible actually be true?

Picture & Sound

Despite much of the film taking place in subdued hospital interiors, the transfer is consistently bright and detailed. Colours remain natural throughout whilst the above average bit-rate produces a clean image with very little evidence of artifacting or outlining. Shadow detail is particularly impressive, allowing the darker scenes to retain plenty of definition without becoming muddy. Overall, it's another excellent transfer that does the cinematography full justice.

Although the disc includes both Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks, this is hardly the sort of film that's going to give your surround speakers a strenuous workout. Instead, the soundtrack relies on subtle ambience and Edward Shearmur's haunting musical score to create its atmosphere. Dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout, whilst the DTS mix offers a slightly more spacious presentation. It's a restrained soundtrack, but one that perfectly complements the thoughtful nature of the film.

Menu & Extras

The menus are pleasantly animated and accompanied by the same haunting musical score heard throughout the film, creating exactly the right atmosphere before the feature even begins.

The extras are also reasonably generous, with a worthwhile Making Of featurette, an informative audio commentary from director Iain Softley, deleted scenes, an alternate ending and an enjoyable photographic diary compiled by Jeff Bridges. The only real disappointment is the absence of either Kevin Spacey or Jeff Bridges on the commentary track, as hearing their thoughts on such an intriguing film would have been fascinating.

Overall

K-PAX is one of those wonderfully understated science-fiction films that succeeds because it never feels the need to answer every question it raises. Rather than concentrating on spectacular visual effects or alien invasions, it explores belief, hope and the healing power of kindness through a quietly compelling mystery. The result is a film that continually encourages the viewer to draw their own conclusions about Prot's true identity.

Kevin Spacey delivers one of the most restrained performances of his career, bringing just the right balance of innocence, humour and quiet confidence to the enigmatic Prot. Equally impressive is Jeff Bridges as the sceptical psychiatrist whose professional certainty slowly begins to crumble as more and more of Prot's extraordinary claims defy logical explanation. Their chemistry is superb and is more than enough to carry the film's measured pace.

I still can't help feeling that the screenplay perhaps reveals just a little more than it really needs to, taking away some of the mystery during the closing stages. Nevertheless, the deliberately ambiguous conclusion leaves plenty for the audience to debate long after the credits have rolled. Coupled with an excellent DVD presentation and a worthwhile selection of extras, K-PAX remains one of the most intelligent and underrated science-fiction dramas of recent years. Highly recommended.

Special features

• Alternate Ending
• Making Of Featurette
• Feature Commentary with Director Iain Softley
• Deleted Scenes
• Storyboards to Final Feature Comparison
• The Making of K-PAX Through Photographs by Jeff Bridges
• Theatrical Trailers
• Production Notes
• DVD-ROM Enhanced