Stigmata Blu-ray Review
“Stigmata” is distractingly dated.
Written by Tom Lazarus and Rick Ramage, 1999’s “Stigmata” kicks off with Vatican investigator Father Kiernan looking into a bleeding Virgin Mary statue at the funeral of Father Alameida in Brazil. During the funeral, a boy steals the Father’s rosary and sells it. It ends up in the hands of a mother who gives it to her daughter (Frankie) as a gift. Frankie works as a faithless hairdresser in Pittsburgh, but her life is turned upside down after receiving the rosary. Soon she begins to receive wounds out of nowhere, speak in tongues, see things, levitate, write in Aramic, possessions, etc. Father Kiernan is sent to investigate Frankie’s case and soon discovers that Frankie may be aware of a missing Jesus Gospel that the Vatican (namely Cardinal Houseman) was trying to cover up.
Directed by Rupert Wainwright (best known for the beloved Disney film “Blank Check”), “Stigmata” is a religious horror film that feels more like an MTV music video than a horror film. For some reason, the movie contains a flashy style that undercuts any and all tension or scares. Moreover, it’s riddled with loud rock music (including a score by Billy Corgan) and a funky sound design. None of this fits the story being told here and it feels very much like a product of the 90’s
The story doesn’t fare any better as it becomes a tedious display of Frankie experiencing a variety of afflictions. The writers attempt to stuff in real life elements involving the Gospel of Thomas for added intrigue, but it all comes across as a rushed and sloppy horror tale that never quite takes off.
The only saving grace here is a cast featuring the likes of Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne, and Jonathan Pryce. None of them are giving an award worthy performance here, but they’re all dialed in. Byrne received a Razzie for his performance, but that’s nonsense as he delivers a solid performance. Arquette gives a very physical performance, but doesn’t have much to do in terms of Frankie’s character. Pryce impresses the most here as the intense Cardinal Houseman. One might say it feels like he’s in another movie as he’s taking the part too seriously, but at least someone is trying to make this movie more engaging.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.35:1 1080p. How does it look? The Blu-ray offers up a decent hi-def print, but there are noticeable print defects.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is satisfactory but the sound design is off. Either scenes are too quiet or way too loud (there’s a scene in which a flying pigeon sounds deafening).
Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* Commentary by director Rupert Wainwright.
* 4 deleted scenes and an alternate ending.
* “Dvine Rites: Making Of Stigmata”- Archival 25 minute featurette.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment