Children
Of The Damned
(1964/MGM/Warner Archive Blu-ray)/Frankenstein's
Daughter
(1958/Film Detective Blu-ray)/Guillermo
Del Toro: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work by Ian Nathan
(2021/White Lion/Hardcover Book)/Prisoners
Of The Ghostland
(2021/RLJ Blu-ray)/Underworld
4K: Limited Edition 5-Movie Collection
(2003 - 2017/Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray)
4K
Ultra HD Picture: A Picture: B+/B/X/B+/B+ Sound: B+/B/X/B+/A-
& B+ Extras: D/B/X/C/B Main Programs: B-/C+/A/B/B C+ B B
C+
PLEASE
NOTE:
The Children
Of The Damned
Blu-ray is now only available from Warner Bros. through their Warner
Archive series and can be ordered from the link below.
Now
for more horror thrillers, including some restorations of classics
then and hits now...
Children
Of The Damned
(1964)
finally gets an updated transfer and release on Blu-ray courtesy of
Warner Archive. While you may have seen John Carpenter's remake of
Village
of the Damned,
this similarly themed film (or was it a sequel?) features creepy
possessed children with a sinister agenda.
The
film stars Ian Hendry (The
Avengers,
The
Sweeny),
Alan Badel, Alfred Burke, and Barbara Ferris with direction by solid
journeyman Anton Leader. The story centers on the UN conducting a
test on child intelligence. They bring together a group of highly
intelligent children that were all born under unusual circumstances:
the mothers of the children claiming immaculate conception. After
they are brought to London to be studied, the sinister truth behind
these children is revealed.
Children
of the Damned
is presented in 1080p monochrome high definition on Blu-ray disc with
an MPEG-AVC codec, a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and a
lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit) mix. The
black and white image is pretty clean throughout; the transfer here
is very nice indeed for the Blu-ray format. There is one sequence
with an intentionally annoying sound that is sure to wake up the
neighbors if you have your system up high. Fair warning on that.
This
film has never been a simple one to track down, which makes this new
Blu-ray edition from Warner Archive even more desirable.
If
you love cheesy B horror, and who doesn't? Then you'll want to check
out the hammy fun of Frankenstein's
Daughter
(1958,) which has been restored by Film Detective in this exciting
new release on Blu-ray. Set in modern day 1950s Los Angeles, this
film brings the infamous Frankenstein monster into the suburbs where
he doesn't mind killing off teens and anyone else who stands in his
way!
The
film stars John Ashley (The
Blood Island
trilogy amongst other B films), Sandra Knight, Donald Murphy, Sally
Todd, and Harold Lloyd, Jr.
Frankenstein's
Daughter
is presented in 1080p high definition on Blu-ray disc with an MPEG-2
codec, a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and a lossless English
DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit) mix. The black and
white film has been restored in 4K from its original 35mm film
elements and looks pretty good here!
Special
Features:
Feature
Length Audio Commentary Track with author and historian Tom Weaver
Richard
E. Cunha: Filmmaker of the Unknown
- a new retrospective from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures, featuring an
archival interview with the famed director
John
Ashley: Man from the B's
- a new career retrospective featuring film historian C. Courtney
Joyner
and
an Illustrated booklet with original essay by Weaver
Guillermo
Del Toro: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work by Ian Nathan
(2021/White Lion/Hardcover
Book) is a collectible book on the life and career of genre director
Guillermo Del Toro, is full of beautiful images and thought provoking
text. This 176-page book features many exclusive images from Del
Toro's life and his impressive filmography, which runs up to his
upcoming film, Nightmare
Alley.
There
have been quite a few books on the career of Del Toro, with his films
such as Pan's
Labrynth,
his two Hellboy
films, The
Shape of Water,
Pacific
Rim,
Crimson
Peak,
Blade
2,
The
Devil's Backbone
and more, but this one is likely the most informative of the book
bunch as it has an easy to read guide that breaks down the films and
accompanying trivia in a quite cohesive form. Other books focus more
on his art, such as the Cabinet of Curiosities, which is also a great
read.
It
is presented in a slip case with an 8-page gatefold section that
analyzes his career and work. It looks into the narrative approaches
to writing and his thought process behind his films that have
enchanted audiences worldwide.
If
you're a casual or hardcore fan of Del Toro's work, this book is
bound to teach you things that you didn't know before. It also
mentions productions that may have slipped past your radar and dives
into the films that he is most famous for. This is a book that any
Guillermo Del Toro fan should find value with, especially when it is
such a high quality production print-wise.
Nicolas
Cage, Bill Moseley (The
Devil's Rejects),
and Sofia Boutella (The
Mummy)
star in Prisoners
of the Ghostland
(2021,) a beautifully made genre film that's full of action and
outrageous set pieces and stunt choreography. A Sundance selection,
this unique film is a must see for genre fans. Nick Cassavetes, and
Tak Sakaguchi also star with direction by Sion Sono.
Cage
himself was quoted as saying that this is the craziest film he has
ever made, which if you have seen anything he's been in in the last
few years (Mandy,
Color
Out of Space,
Pig,
Willy's
Wonderland,)
then you know that's a bold statement!
A
Bandit (Cage) is suited with an explosive leather suit and a mission
from The Governor who set him free (Mosley) find his granddaughter
(Boutella) and bring her home alive. To find this young woman,
however, the Bandit will have to face hell itself as he travels into
the dangerous frontier city of Samurai Town, where nothing is as it
seems!
Prisoners
of the Ghostland
is presented in 1080p high definition on Blu-ray disc with an MPEG-4
AVC, a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1, and a lossless English
DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 mix, both of which are of a high
standard for the Blu-ray format and packs a very clean presentation.
A 4K UHD version is also available.
Special
Features:
Making
Of featurette
UK
Premiere Q&A with Director Sion Sono, Producer Ko Mori and
Moderated by Alan Jones
and
an Original Theatrical Trailer.
Sony's
Underworld
franchise, much like the Resident
Evil
franchise, gets a nice 4K UHD upgrade in this collectible new box
set, the Underworld
4K: Limited Edition 5-Movie Collection
(2003 - 2017).
If you're a fan of the franchise then this upgrade is a no brainer.
The picture and sound are incredible and really show off the gothic
eye candy that is common in each of each films. Watching the films
now, it's funny to see how they kind of drifted away from the Romeo
and Juliet-esque love story of the first few films into a more
anime-inspired action feel of the later installments.
The
character of Selene portrayed by Kate Beckinsale is pretty iconic,
and nearly invincible in these films, and has no problem dropping a
guy out the window of a skyscraper or ripping open the neck of anyone
to resupply herself with blood to regain energy. I'm surprised there
hasn't been a video game based on this series as it seems like it
would translate to such a medium pretty well.
While
they were all a success in the box office, I feel that a lot of
horror cinema-goers scoff at the series and don't give it the love
that it deserves. While not exactly strong or groundbreaking in
terms of plot, there is a lot to like about the Underworld
series including its gorgeous cinematography, high-end special
effects, and undeniable gore that soak the frame of each installment.
Underworld
(2003)
In
the dark alternate reality known as 'The Underworld' - the Vampires
and Lycans (Werewolves) have been at each other's throats for
centuries while human beings are caught in the middle. While thought
to have been defeated, the Lycans rear their ugly heads again - this
time targeting a mysterious human (Scott Speedman) - who ends up
carrying the blood of both species. Interested in protecting him and
finding out more about his unique mutation, the hardened vampire
warrior Selene (Beckinsale) ends up doing all in her power to protect
him - only to ultimately fall in love with him and cause more
problems against the dueling society of monsters.
The
film has a strong cast including Michael Sheen, Shane Brolly, and
Bill Nighy with direction by Len Wiseman (whose career has been hit
and miss with the 2012 Total
Recall
remake, the underrated 2009 thriller Whiteout,
and the 2007 popcorn-munching disaster Live
Free or Die Hard
on his resume). Over the years he separated from wife Beckinsale,
and kind of took a backseat to later installments in the series.
Special
Features:
Rated
and Unrated Versions on 4K UHD and Blu-ray
Alternate
Flashbacks (in 4K on the 4K disc)
Trailers
and
Blu-ray only extras include...
Audio
commentary with director Len Wiseman, Kate Beckinsale, and Scott
Speedman
Outtakes
Fang
vs. Fiction
Storyboard
Comparison
Music
Video
and
Seven Featurettes on the making of the film.
and
now onto the rest of the saga...
Underworld:
Evolution
(2006)
This
one expands upon the first one and follows Selene and Michael who are
on the run from the vampire and lycan communities because of their
forbidden love for one another. The film also brings back Len
Wiseman in the director's chair, and is a fun popcorn muncher.
The
film also stars Bill Nighy, Tony Curran, and Steven Mackintosh.
Special
Features:
Trailer
on the 4K disc, while only the Blu-ray offers...
Commentaries
The
Hybrid Theory
The
War Rages On
Bloodlines:
From Script to Screen
Making
Monsters Roar
Building
a Saga
Music
and Mayhem
and
a Music Video.
Underworld:
Rise of the Lycans
(2009)
The
prequel to the series that shows events eluded to in the first film,
the story follows Sonya (Rhona Mitra) and Lucian (Michael Sheen); the
first forbidden vampire / lycan romance. With series regular villain
Viktor (Bill Nighy) and an interesting period setting there are some
epic battles in this film and very cool action sequences that make it
worth repeat viewing. This might be one of the more interesting
takes in the franchise even though Selene (Beckinsale) isn't the main
character.
The
film also stars Steven Mackintosh, Kevin Grevioux, and David Aston.
Special
Features:
Inside
the Castle Walls
and
Trailers while only the Blu-ray offers...
Behind
the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture Experience
Filmmaker
Commentary
3
Featurettes
and
Music Video: "Deathclub (Wes Borland / Renholder Remix)" by
William Control feat. Matt Skiba.
Underworld:
Awakening
(2012)
An
underrated and fun fourth entry, Underworld
Awakening
brings back Selene and focuses on the discovery of her daughter, Eve
(India Eisley), who is a half-breed. Unwelcome in the vampire
community, Selene goes rogue and faces off against a genetically
enhanced Lycan. Selene is awesome in this film in particular, and
there's plenty of action and cool special effects to enjoy.
The
film also features Theo James, Scott Speedman, Kris Holden-Ried, and
Charles Dance (Alien
3,
For
Your Eyes Only).
Special
Features:
Underworld:
Endless Wars Anime
and
Trailers, while only the Blu-ray offers...
Cracking
the Underworld:
Picture-in-Picture Experience
Filmmakers'
Commentary
5
Featurettes
and
a Blooper Reel.
and
the conclusion...
Underworld:
Blood Wars
(2017)
The
fifth installment in the Underworld
series, Blood
Wars
(2017), brings back Kate Beckinsale in her most iconic role as the
skilled leather-clad Vampire Selene fighting for the survival of her
race against the never-ending war with the Lycan clans. Blood
Wars
isn't quite as entertaining as the previous installment, Awakening,
yet features some fun moments and plenty of gore to keep fans of the
series happy. Was this a proper send off in retrospect? Or will
there will be more Underworld
films in the future? Time will tell.
Directed
by Anna Foerster, Underworld:
Blood Wars
also stars Theo James (Divergent),
India Eisley, Bradley James, Charles Dance (Game
of Thrones)
and Tobias Menzies.
Her
lover dead, her daughter wanting nothing to do with her, and
constantly on the run, Seline (Beckinsale) has lived for centuries
and is merciless to those who oppose her. After their evolution, the
Lycans are growing even more powerful, with her former allies, David
(James) and his elderly Vampire royalty Thomas (Dance), she goes up
against two faced vampires, powerful Lycans, and Ancient Beings.
Special
Features:
Franchise
Recap, Theatrical Trailer, plus only on regular Blu-ray...
Official
Movie Graphic Novel
and
Four Featurettes: The
Evolution of Selene, Building a Blood War, Old & New Blood
and The
Evil Evolved.
This
box set of the five Underworld
films are presented in 2160p HEVC/H.265, HDR (10; Ultra HD
Premium)-enhanced Ultra High Definition image on the 4K version of
the film is a sight to behold, with impeccable detail in the blue and
black world of the film that compliments the color mix nicely. The
original Underworld
film was shot on 35mm film in the Super 35mm format, which for a
scope film, is not as rich, strong, detailed or as excellent as using
actually squeeze lenses, so it is not as good as 35mm film can look.
However, it helps the film hold up better versus how bad most digital
from the time was, wit h CGI effects used here and there. This was
mastered in 2K at the time, but this might be a new 4K master or a
lucky upscaling, plus the Atmos sound finally gets to use the
original Sony Dynamic Digital Sound 8-track soundmaster to its
fullest. All of the films have a 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio and
updated lossless Dolby Atmos mixes with a Dolby TrueHD (48kHz,
24-bit) 7.1 mixdown and DTS-HD MA (Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 16-bit)
mixes, save 7.1 DTS-MA on Awakening.
The last and latest film was Atmos theatrically. The original
editions of the films on 1080p Blu-ray disc are also included with
digital copies and do not have the Atmos upgrades.
The
Underworld
series is definitely enriched on the 4K UHD format as the series has
a very unique and cool overall look and hard contrast shadows. The
detail in the production design and top tier special effects are more
noticeable now and the sound mixes really sound great. If you're a
fan this is definitely worth the upgrade. Not to mention, it's nice
to finally have all the films in one 4K UHD box set.
To
order the Children
Of The Damned
Warner Archive Blu-ray, go to this link for it and many more great
web-exclusive
releases at:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/ED270804-095F-449B-9B69-6CEE46A0B2BF?ingress=0&visitId=6171710b-08c8-4829-803d-d8b922581c55&tag=blurayforum-20
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
