Darkman

Shout Factory's latest venture into the 4K UHD Blu-ray market with "Darkman" showcases a remarkable upgrade from the previous Blu-ray release in 2014, boasting a stunning 4K restoration from the original negative in Dolby Vision. This restoration, approved by both director Sam Raimi and director of photography Bill Pope, reveals an unprecedented level of detail throughout the film. Viewers can now appreciate finer details in skin textures, monster makeup, and intricate costuming. The interiors and exteriors receive a significant boost in clarity, highlighting room expanses and cityscapes with vibrant colors, especially noticeable in Darkman's 'anger vision' scenes which benefit from deep reds and blues. Although the source material shows light signs of wear, such as minor scratches and dirt, they are barely noticeable and do not detract from the overall viewing experience.

The technical specifications of this release are equally impressive, with an HEVC / H.265 encoding on a BD-100 disc, featuring a resolution of 2160p and an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The HDR capabilities, including Dolby Vision and HDR10, enhance the visual dynamics further, particularly in the depth of blacks and contrast levels, without introducing crush in darker scenes. Color reproduction stands out in both interior and exterior shots, balancing natural tones with the golden hues that characterize the film’s unique aesthetic. Explosions and fire sequences, especially at night or in dark environments, showcase a rich palette without overwhelming the scene's natural elements.

Moreover, the transfer handles the film’s original grain structure with care, retaining a cinematic feel that honors its 35mm origins while addressing areas where grain becomes more pronounced due to special effects limitations of the time. Flesh tones and textures receive meticulous attention, rendering characters with realistic skin tones that avoid appearing overly processed. However, a minor artifact in the form of a hairline during the opening credits is one blemish on an otherwise stellar transfer. Despite this negligible flaw, the disc proves to be noise-free, presenting "Darkman" in what is arguably its finest video presentation to date, elevating it far above its previous home video incarnations with enhanced details, color fidelity, and shadow definition that are sure to please both longtime fans and newcomers to Sam Raimi's cult classic.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Darkman" delivers its aural experience through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, an audio presentation that provides a largely immersive experience albeit with some limitations reflective of the film's original production era. Dialogue is clear and well-balanced amidst the action, ensuring that character exchanges and dramatic tensions are conveyed without loss to distortion, while the dynamic scoring by Danny Elfman, described as aggressive and reminiscent of a "Batman-on-acid" style, dominates much of the soundstage, particularly in the front channels. However, the mix occasionally reveals its age, especially in terms of bass response during key action sequences and explosions, which lack the potent low-end punch that more contemporary audio tracks might offer.

Surround sound elements within the mix create a broad and engaging listening environment, particularly effective during scenes involving weather effects like rain, thunderstorms, and specific action moments such as helicopter movements. Yet, the rear channels are sometimes underutilized, missing opportunities to fully envelop the listener in a cohesive soundscape. Notably, effects such as gunfire and some atmospheric elements tend to be anchored to the front, with only sporadic utilization of the surround channels for expanded spatial dynamics. The LFE channel provides some depth but does not consistently deliver the expected impact across all intense scenes.

Critically, the decision to carry over an existing DTS-HD 5.1 audio mix to this 4K release instead of opting for an upgrade to a more enveloping Dolby Atmos track is a point of contention. Given director Sam Raimi's penchant for highly stylized action and horror sequences rich in audio cues, the existing track, while serviceable, falls short of leveraging the full potential of home theater advancements. The lack of a robust low-frequency extension and a more aggressive surround presence underscores missed opportunities to rejuvenate "Darkman's" audio experience for the 4K format.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Darkman" presents a treasure trove for fans and newcomers alike, combining a sharp mix of legacy and newly minted extras that enriches the viewing experience manifold. Notably, the set is highlighted by two insightful audio commentaries: a brand-new track from fervent admirer and filmmaker Josh Ruben, offering a fresh and passionate perspective on the film's production and its lasting impact; alongside a venerable session from cinematographer Bill Pope, who delves into the technical intricacies and creative challenges faced during filming. The inclusion of 37 minutes of deleted scenes is a significant addition, providing a deeper dive into character backstories and what might have been, with notable expanded narratives for key characters. Interviews with principal cast members, including Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand, and key behind-the-scenes figures, offer a comprehensive look at the making of this cult classic, from its conceptual roots to special makeup effects and production design. This array, especially with the previously unreleased deleted scenes and Ruben's enthusiasm in his commentary, complements the main feature well, solidifying "Darkman's" legacy and offering compelling reasons to revisit or discover the film in its 4K glory.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Filmmaker and Darkman Superfan Josh Ruben: A new, engaging perspective on the film.
• Audio Commentary with Bill Pope: Insights into the cinematographic aspects of "Darkman".
• Deleted Scenes: Expands on character developments and plot lines.
• Dissecting Darkman: Interview with Liam Neeson discussing his role.
• Interview with Frances McDormand: McDormand's reflections on working with Sam Raimi.
• The Name Is Durant: Interview with Larry Drake about his character.
• The Face of Revenge: Special makeup effects with Tony Gardner.
• Henchman Tales: Actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell talk about their experiences.
• Dark Design: Insight from production designer Randy Ser and art director Philip Dagort.
• Vintage “Making-Of” Featurette: A look back with cast and crew interviews.
• Vintage Interviews: With Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, and Colin Friels.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material for "Darkman".
• TV Spots: Additional promotional clips.
• Still Galleries: A collection of posters & production stills, behind-the-scenes photos, makeup effects shots, and storyboards.

Released in 1990, "Darkman" emerged as a unique cinematic concoction, harmonizing horror, action, and comedy into a singular superhero narrative that, in retrospect, underscores Sam Raimi's innovative direction. At a juncture when superhero films were predominantly characterized by their extravagant budgets and serious tone, Raimi's "Darkman" broke the mold with its dark campiness, weird cuts, and intentionally awkward camera angles, all of which highlighted the director's eccentric style. The protagonist, scientist Peyton Westlake (portrayed by Liam Neeson), is horrifically disfigured and robbed of his ability to feel pain—both physically and emotionally—following an attack by a corrupt property developer's henchmen. This tragedy propels him into becoming Darkman, a character teetering on the brink of heroism and vengeance.

Raimi's storytelling prowess is evident in how he leverages the grimy urban decay of Los Angeles and the haunting charm of decrepit factories as a backdrop for Darkman's vendetta against crime. Amidst this setting, Neeson delivers a compelling performance, embodying both the physical and emotional scars of his character with remarkable authenticity. The movie's visual effects, while occasionally betraying their modest budget, effectively contribute to its surreal atmosphere, reinforcing Raimi's status as a master of blending genre elements to create something that feels simultaneously familiar and distinctly innovative.

"Darkman" thus stands as a testament to Raimi's creative vision, managing to forge a significant niche within the superhero genre despite its initial perception as a derivative work. The film's influence extends beyond its immediate impact, hinting at Raimi's future successes in marrying horror elements with comic book storytelling. It remains a cult classic, cherished for its daring aesthetics, thematic depth, and Neeson's performance—all emblematic of Raimi's flair for the dramatic and the macabre.

"Darkman," Sam Raimi's cult classic, receives a meticulously upgraded 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation that underscores its unique place in the superhero genre. The film, showcasing a mix of horror, adventure, and action, retains its charm and intensity, capturing the essence of a vengeful anti-hero wrapped in a tale of redemption and identity. This release not only highlights Raimi's early, fervent creativity but also breathes new life into the movie with enhanced visuals and sound. The incorporation of Dolby Vision technology ensures that "Darkman" looks better than ever before, providing a visual feast that complements its memorable storyline and high-flying stunts. The audio experience, while maintaining the original DTS-HD 5.1 mix, is deemed satisfactory and contributes to the overall immersive viewing experience.

Supplementing the film's exceptional audio-visual restoration, this edition boasts a robust array of extras that enrich the viewing experience. A new commentary track offers invaluable insights into its production and legacy, while nearly forty minutes of new deleted scenes add depth to the film's narrative and character development. The inclusion of these features makes this release not merely a trip down memory lane but an expansive revisitation of Darkman's mythos.

Conclusively, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Darkman" is an essential acquisition for both aficionados of Sam Raimi's work and collectors of superhero cinema. Its superior picture quality, coupled with a solid audio presentation and an impressive suite of extras, ensures that Darkman's leap from the shadows of cult status into the clarity of high-definition is both triumphant and comprehensive. Highly recommended for those looking to experience Raimi's quirky, dark vision with the technological enhancements worthy of any cinematic collection.