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The Awakening [1980]


RRP: £12.99
Our Price: £3.93 (subject to change)

Pure 80s
Review date: 2008-11-24 Rating: 8 out of 10

Now, that's a film that manages to deliver a genuine Egyptian atmosphere. Probably because most of it was actually filmed in Egypt. Most modern productions seem a little too perfect (like in a Studio). Heston, as usual, is up to the task and the rest of the actors are adequate enough.
Don't expect to see walking mummies though. Nothing like that. The film relies in implying things, rather than showing them. Gore is kept to a minimum and only when is needed to support the plot. Bottom line is that "The Awakening" does manage to mystify and scare the watcher without spectacular effects and impossible situations.
The ending could be better but satisfies with the no-nonsense dramatic development.
And a final comment for the 80s micro computer era nostalgic gamers. The music of the movie is fantastic and was used in a computer game for ZX Spectrum called "Entombed" by "Ultimate Play the Game".

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Reviews


Flawed but interesting adaptation
Review date: 2008-06-27 Rating: 4 out of 10

As an earlier reviewer pointed out this movie boasts a far higher budget and production value than Hammers adaption of the same Bram Stoker novel. This movie looks and sounds beautiful but the complete film is much less than the sum of its parts. Apart from Charlton Heston (who is miscast and wears a succession of distracting wigs) the acting is good and there are some decent set pieces. The film makers have obviously taken their cue from "The Omen" rather than Hammer and while they manage to capture some of the tone and mood of that film, they fail to achieve any of its unnerving qualities.

I suspect than the unevenness of the film is due in part to the large budget. I don't know anything about the production history but suspect that the final cut may suffer from studio interference. The last half hour features some bizarre editing choices.

The DVD features no extras and the film is presented full screen. The picture quality is watchable; better than VHS but not great.

Having watched both "The Awakening" and "Blood From The Mummy's Tomb" in the last two weeks I would have to say that the Hammer version, while far from perfect in itself, is the most satisfying of the two adaptations.


In complete agreement with David Shipley's review.
Review date: 2008-01-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

The review of David Shipley says everything about the film. This is an enjoyable version of Jewel of the Seven Stars. Different in atmosphere from Blood from the Mummies Tomb but still satisfying as a light weight horror movie. The sort of innocent late night fare which had just enough decent acting and frequent shocks to pass the time enjoyably. Surprisingly it hasn't dated badly as there is a straight forward workmanlike approach to telling the story. Someone obviously thought of The Omen and Gregory Peck's success and cast Charlton Heston to repeat the winning formula.

If you like not too scary horror stories well worth a look.

avoid
Review date: 2007-11-24 Rating: 4 out of 10

Some people compare late hammer films and cant get passed dodgy sets etc etc, but if ever if a case of less is more needs to be proved, watch this back to back with blood from the mummys tomb, quite simply blood blows away the awakwning with a far superior script and people who seem genuinely interested in making a film and not bored as hell, plus a far better leading lady and much more inventive horror scences. Quite simply against one of the best hammers of the 70's this film is hopeless. the two stars are for the very good photography.

kara - what a queen
Review date: 2007-11-19 Rating: 10 out of 10

excellent!

i first became acquainted with this film back in 1981! it is still my favourite mummy horror film. while i am here! can anyone tell me if you have ever come in contact with 'the curse of the tomb of tutankhamun'
with ian mcshane, joan collins and raymond burr????????????

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Jill Townsend
Susannah York
Stephanie Zimbalist
Charlton Heston

Creators:
Charlton Heston (Primary Contributor)
Susannah York (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Optimum Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment
EAN: 5055201800169
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-06-25
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1980
Language: English (Original Language)

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