DVD Corner

Darkman 4K UHD Review

A comic book movie that isn’t a comic book movie. 

Written by Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, Chuck Pfarrer, Daniel Goldin and Joshua Goldin, 1990’s “Darkman” is a cross between a Universal Monster movie, “Phantom Of The Opera,” and a comic book movie (specifically 1989’s “Batman”). The story revolves around Dr. Peyton Westlake who is developing synthetic skin, but has yet to perfect it. Peyton’s chance to make history becomes interrupted when a gangster named Robert G. Durant (Larry Drake) and his henchmen seeking a document destroys his lab, murders his partner, and leaves Peyton for dead. Miraculously, Peyton manages to survive but suffers from severe burns and facial disfigurement. At the same time, he is also now unable to feel pain and can become mentally unstable. Peyton plots to seek revenge against the gangsters who tried to kill him, but in the process he uncovers a scandal involving a corrupt real estate developer that also happens to endanger his girlfriend Julie’s (Frances McDormand) life. In order to carry out his mission, Peyton begins to work on the synthetic skin to don disguises and maybe even reconstruct his own face. 

Before Liam Neeson became a household name and Sam Raimi’s career really took off, the two collaborated together on this gritty R-rated action-horror movie that very much has a comic book movie feel. Sure, it owes a lot to 1989’s “Batman” (and not just because of the Danny Elfman score), but it also feels very much like the work of auteur Sam Raimi. All of his trademarks are present here with the inventive shots, a healthy dose of humor, stylish imagery, groovy make-up effects, horror elements, and, yes, the inclusion of Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi. 

Plot wise, the script is nothing to write home about with its gangster and city development storylines. Where “Darkman” really comes alive is with Liam Neeson’s dedicated performance as the complex, tragic, and damaged Peyton. The 96 minute film also features some truly glorious action set pieces (particularly the thrilling helicopter sequence). The film moves fast and wastes no time getting down to business which is all you can really ask of for a movie like this. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The Scream Factory disc boasts a 4K restoration from the original camera negative in Dolby Vision. Fans will undoubtedly be pleased by this sharp new transfer.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA and 2.0 Stereo. How does it sound? The 5.1 track really packs a punch (especially during action scenes).

Extras (on the Blu-ray unless otherwise noted):
* 2 commentary tracks (on the 4K and Blu-ray). One by DP Bill Pope and one new track by filmmaker and fan Josh Ruben.
* 4 separate interviews with Liam Neeson, Larry Drake, Frances McDormand and makeup designer Tony Gardner.
* Theatrical trailer and TV spots
* Vintage Cast And Crew Interviews/featurette
* 37 minutes of deleted scenes.
* Behind the scenes/makeup effects, posters and artwork, production stills and storyboards still galleries.
* Vintage interview gallery with Colin Friels, Frances McDormand, Liam Neeson and Sam Raimi
* “Darkman EPK Featurette”
* “Henchman Tales”- Interviews with Danny Hicks and Dan Bell.
* “Dark Design”- Interview with production designer Randy Ser and art director Philip Dagort. 

February 14, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movie, Darkman 4K UHD Review, Liam Neeson, Sam Raimi, Scream Factory