Dark City [Blu-ray] [1998]
RRP: £17.99
Our Price: £11.12 (subject to change)
Editorial
Product Description
Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien, Ian Richardson, William Hurt, Colin Friels, Frank Gallacher, Bruce Spence, Ritchie Singer, Nicholas Bell, Melissa George, Jeanette Cronin, David Wenham
Classic Sci-Fi Noir
Review date: 2008-11-15 Rating: 10 out of 10
Some `Director's Cut' releases add little to (or even spoil) the original versions but this release is well worth obtaining as it has, in my opinion, improved the feature. Gone is the opening, studio imposed voice over for dummies (its not missed, believe me) and the audience is instead left to figure out what's going for itself. What unfolds is a highly original and beautifully crafted sci-fi tale with a good performance from Rufus Sewell in the lead as the troubled suspected murderer, ably supported by William Hurt (the downbeat cop), Kiefer Sutherland (the nutty scientist), Jennifer Connelly (the doe-eyed nightclub singer) and also by Ian Richardson and Richard O'Brien (won't give anything away here, but both great as two of the `others' shall we say), amongst an ensemble cast of familiar faces. The cinematography is excellent - suitably dark and brooding (almost, you could say, in a slightly more colourful Sin City style). The widescreen 16:9 picture transfer and HD sound on this blu-ray Director's Cut release are a vast improvement on the original DVD release and also several notches better than the equivalent DVD director's cut release. With its somewhat moody and noirish tone, Dark City has been compared with Blade Runner and The Matrix, but this sci-fi/detective story, though maybe not quite in that class, stands on its own ground with a more languid style and some clever effects of its own that were well ahead of their time. A highly recommended release both to those who have already seen the film and for those who may never have heard of it. Proyas's cut, which also fills in a few subtle gaps in the storyline of the original studio release (so well integrated you will hardly notice them), should be regarded as the definitive version of this movie and its one well worth a second viewing or two. There are a good number of extras on the BD including cast and feature commentaries, a directors cut fact track and various other features. The disc also includes the original theatrical cut of the movie. A recommended blu-ray purchase. The disc is coded 'B' only.
Similar Products
Reviews
Classic film, benefits Blu-Ray treatmentReview date: 2008-10-20 Rating: 10 out of 10Wow, quality-wise you can really tell the difference from the DVD. Also, if you have not watched this film already, and like your sc-fi, buy this film now! It is one you will watch again and again, and will compliment your blu-ray collection. Great story, great style, great film.It is over before it beginsReview date: 2008-08-24 Rating: 10 out of 10In a city where the sun never shines and everyone knows the way to Shell Beach but you can never get there, John Murdock (Rufus Sewell) thinks he knows a truth, with his half remember past he now seeks to find out the cities secret.
It appears to be around the 40's and John is thinking of his wife Emma Murdoch (Jennifer Connelly), that now may or may not be someone else.
We are carried along with the story and just might find the secret out before John. Can we handle the truth?
What happens if john finds out how unique he is and whom he may be threatening?
"Dark City" (1998) seems like a short story (both story and screenplay by Alex Proyas "The Crow") with a simple prime that was fleshed out to movie length. The visuals gothic in feel and style will hold you long enough to allow you to enjoy the slow unfolding of the story. Jennifer Connelly seems like she should have been born in the thirty's/ forties as she looks and acts her part so well that you forget you are watching a movie; At times you forget that it is a sci-fi movie.
awesomeReview date: 2008-08-16 Rating: 10 out of 10I have always liked the film but on blu ray it is something else. The picture quality is stunning as well as the sound.
What should be noted is that the blu ray disk contains both the theatrical cut(100mins) and the directors cut (111mins). The disk is also packed with an extensive range of extras such as 5 commentries and numerous making of documentries.
Overall this is one of my favourite blu ray disks and for the price it is a must buy for any fans of the film or any fans of science fiction in general.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Rufus Sewell
David Wenham
Melissa George
William Hurt
Jennifer Connelly
Creators:
Rufus Sewell (Primary Contributor)
William Hurt (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: Entertainment in Video Manufacturer: Entertainment in VideoEAN: 5017239150975Binding: Blu-rayNumber of items: 1Format: PAL, Release date: 2008-08-04Aspect ratio: 2.35:1Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and overRunning time: 107 minutesTheatrical release date: 1998Language: English (Original Language)