| Sam Raimi, the great Director who
brought us the famous 'Evil Dead' now brings us 'Darkman'. If
you love B grade crap, then you'll love 'Darkman' because in my opinion
that's all it is B grade crapola. As I watched the film for the first time on DVD, I
thought to myself "mmmm I wonder what year in the eighties this was filmed'. As I
reached for the cover I was mortified to see that it's a 90's film, although only just
being filmed in 1990. The film showed some early promise with the now famous Liam Neeson
in the lead role, supported by our very own and talented Colin Friels (Water Rats) and
Larry Drake (LA Law) but alas it was only short lived. The film quickly transcends into your usual fare of very poor acting
(even from Mr Neeson himself), poor script and even poorer and unrealistic action
sequences. It's got the eighties feel to it through and through. Maybe it's just me
but I found it hard to accept Mr Larry Drake as a tough baddie, yes he was ruthless in
this film but my mind would not let me escape my visions of him as that spoon in LA
LAW. Anyway the film follows the story of Dr. Peyton Westlake (Neeson) and his
partner are on the verge of creating synthetic skin. But somehow, they're unable to
decipher why the new skin tissue breaks up under light yet holds its form in the
dark.
Before coming out with their breakthrough, they are set
upon by henchman Durant (Drake) and his fellow mobsters. He thinks that Westlake knows
about a lost document that implicates his superiors in criminal dealings. The lab is
destroyed and his partner killed, but Westlake himself miraculously survives although now
looking like a very charred pork chop. He undergoes a radical medical procedure that
brings him back from the dead with almost superhuman strength. Left without an identity,
home or money, he seeks the help of his fiancée Julie (Frances McDormand) but she flees
in terror, not knowing who this disfigured and unsightly monster is.
Peyton finds refuge back in his bombed-out lab and sets out
to reconstruct his face and body in the hopes of using the technology he created to find
the men who destroyed him and seek his revenge. If you are a comic fan of the super hero
then you may enjoy this film version. Other then that it'd be a possible rental if you've
seen everything else available.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up?
VIDEO
The transfer which is anamorphically framed at 1.85:1 is quite good. The film is
ten years old and I've seen better and i've seen worse. I got the opinion the budget was a
little small for this film. The transfer just looks a little bleak, colours are not really
vibrant at all but I'd say that's down to the Director's intent due to the dark nature of
the film. However it just lacks depth and the black level and shadow detail are abit off.
All in all though considering the film I doubt that transfer would have you
complaining at the end.
AUDIO
On the disc you'll find a English Dolby 2.0 Surround mix. Dialogue was
clear and easy to understand. The audio track does contain a few fair explosions which
were rendered quite nicely in Pro Logic. Like the video transfer, the audio is nothing to
write home about and suited the film content quite well.
EXTRAS
Extras are a little bit sparse. The disc contains the obligatory trailer,
production notes and cast bios.
Overall an enjoyable film if you are a fan
of the legend or a comic buff. For me though I would definately recommend a rental first.
| PICTURE QUALITY |
6/10 Quite Good for it's age |
SOUND -
Quality |
.
6/10 Not too bad |
| FEATURES |
3/10 Sparse |
Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T43W1 (43inch 16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Toshiba 2109 Region Free
Receiver: Yamaha RXV995 (DD/DTS)
Speakers:-
Fronts: Polk Audio RT55
Centre: Polk Audio CS350
Rears: Polk Audio AB705's
Sub: M&K V125
- Reviewed 13th May 2000 |
