The Hunt, which could also be titled “What Happens in the Woods Stays in the Woods,” centers around bow-hunting enthusiast Jack Hamberg, his eight-year-old stepson Clint, and former news cameraman and current alcoholic Atticus Monroe, who are on a one-day mission to make a deer hunting video. As this film never played in any theatres in my neck of the woods (no pun intended), and what little I did know of it led me to believe it was low budget, I was expecting a crappy Blair Witch Project rip off.
Instead, I was impressed by the quality of the film, the un-cheesy-ness of the special effects, the tight script, and the excellent acting from all involved. What could have easily been a poorly acted, boring or borderline ridiculous film was in fact suspenseful, well acted and, ironically, thought provoking.
Joe Michael Burke, who had recurring roles in the CSI television franchise, plays hunter Jack, and newcomer Mitchell Burns plays his stepson Clint. 
Veteran actor Cliff De Young, whose penchant for Sci-Fi included roles in Threshold and Alias, as well as crime dramas CSI, Crossing Jordan and JAG, plays Clint’s father Jon. And Robert Rusler, whose television acting credits include Babylon 5, Robbery Homicide Division, Cold Case and 24, plays Atticus.
As the end of the day draws near and “the kill shot” proves elusive, Jack and Atticus decide to trespass onto private property in the hopes of more abundant prey. But the men get more than they bargained for once they trespass, and in the end, only one of the three survive, along with video footage that captured the horrific events that transpired.
The Hunt was directed by Fritz Kiersch, who also directed the Stephen King's horror classic Children of the Corn. This first feature film from Azisa Pictures LLP was an official selection and nominated by the Chicago Horror Film Festival for Best Picture (Jonathan de la Luz and Danny Martin, producers), Best Cinematography (Michael Goi, ASC), Best Special Effects (David Payne) and Best Actor (Robert Russler).
The Hunt has a 90-minute run time, is presented in a 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio, and has been enhanced for 16:9 TVs. 
Sound is offered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo. The DVD has the standard menu, including scene selections, audio set up, and special features. The last of these has the film’s theatrical trailer and a 20-minute film titled The Hunt Chronicles. The Chronicles include commentary from executive producer Gray Frederickson, who explains the intricacies of keeping the “small” $80,000 film on budget despite filming in the woods in Oklahoma in the winter — impressively, they were able to finish the picture on schedule.
Co-writer and producer de la Luz explains trying to keep the budget to under $100,000 and utilizing digital technology and editing to do so. Danny Martin, co-writer and producer, explains more background and behind the scenes of the film, and all the main actors also give their two cents about the film and their experiences during the shoot.
Part Sci-Fi, part thriller, part conspiracy theory, The Hunt delivers thrills and chills without relying on mega-star power and over-the-top special effects. And in its subtlety lies the beauty of The Hunt.
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