DVD Review: “Looker”

“If looks could kill…” went the tagline for this Crichton-helmed sci-fi murder mystery, released in widescreen format for the first time. Finney plays a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon whose supermodel clients start dying mysteriously. Dey is one of the models who helps Finney investigate the goings-on, and Coburn, keeping his scenery-chewing to a minimum, is the head of a research facility which has developed a unique way of selling consumer products. The computer imagery and high technology, forward-thinking in 1981, is pretty commonplace today, as writer-director Crichton points out in his commentary. I’ve found Finney interesting in some of these mid-career roles; at the same time (like here) he’s usually worthy of better material. Extras include an introductory featurette and a trailer. Primarily for Crichton completists.