Curtis Hanson directed this staggering adaptation of James Ellroy’s 1950s L.A. crime epic. The adaptation by Hanson and Brian Helgeland is a masterful example of compression.

The powerhouse cast, which includes Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger and Danny DeVito are all at the top of their game. It is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, film of the ’90s. This two-disc reissue seems warranted for once. It includes hours of supplemental materials, as well as commentary by historian Andrew Sarris, Ellroy and the cast.

Grade: A

L.A. Confidential is currently available.