DVD Corner

Eureka Blu-ray Review

“Eureka” is an odd film. 

Based on the novel “Who Killed Sir Harry Oakes?” by Marshall Houts and written for the screen by Paul Mayersberg, “Eureka” is a character drama that revolves around Jack McGann. The story begins in 1925 with Jack as a gold prospector who is obsessed with doing things alone. In the frozen tundra, he finds gold and strikes it rich. The story jumps ahead 20 years where Jack now has a family that includes a frequently drunk wife (Helen) and a daughter (Tracy) who has recently married a Frenchman named Claude. Jack resides on a Caribbean island (Eureka) that he owns which is being sought after by a Miami crime boss (Mayakofsky) who wants to use it for new business ventures. Jack refuses this offer which lands him in hot water eventually. As the story unfolds, Jack begins to clash with Claude and resents him for taking his daughter away from him essentially. Jack’s inherent greed about, well, everything ultimately becomes his undoing. 

Nicolas Roeg has made a career out of helming renowned films of many genres like “Walkabout” and “Don’t Look Now,” but in 1983 he crafted an expensive art film that bombed at the box office and puzzled audiences. It’s certainly a strange film through and through that contains a mystical stone, a fortune teller, superstitions, a voodoo orgy, a monologue filled court scene, and one of the craziest and most violent death scenes that earned the film an X rating at the time. It’s not exactly accessible, but at the same time, it’s a fascinating curiosity even if it doesn’t entirely work. Thematically there’s a lot going on here about greed, selfishness, possessions, and prophecies. Really, the themes drive the story and the character actions as there’s not a lot of plot to be had here. The film is also wrapped up in a picturesque bow thanks to the lush cinematography by Alex Thomson. It’s unclear who this movie was meant for, but fans of Roeg are sure to be intrigued at the very least.

Cast wise, the movie is loaded with talent like Gene Hackman, Mickey Rourke, Rutger Hauer, Theresa Russell, Joe Pesci, Joe Spinell, and Ed Lauter. Upon watching this, you really see just how great Hackman was. His screen presence has been greatly missed over the years. He can do anything with such intensity. Rutger Hauer shines as Claude while Theresa Russell gives one of her finest performances as Tracy. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? This is a quality hi-def transfer that offers up sharper colors.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This Uncompressed Mono track delivers.
No extras have been included

January 8, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 80's Movie, Eureka Blu-ray Review, Gene Hackman, Nicolas Roeg, Rutger Hauer