Vampires Blu-ray Review

The 2019 release of John Carpenter's "Vampires" by Scream Factory utilizes the same master as the well-regarded 2015 Twilight Time edition. The transfer upholds the film's gritty and dusty Western aesthetic with remarkable fidelity. Encoded in MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc with an average bitrate of 36 Mbps, the video quality is stellar. Artifacting is near non-existent, preserving the film’s grain structure, which emanates a natural and rough texture. This organic grain presence is particularly notable in close-ups, showcasing intricate details such as facial features and sweat on James Woods’ face. The film's reddish and dusty color palette, stemming from Gary Kibbe’s heavy-duty filters, is perfectly maintained.

Presented in its intended 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the 1080p transfer contributes to clear shadow delineation and robust black levels without visible crushing. The high-definition clarity enhances the depth and spacing in wide crane shots, rendering smooth movements. Flesh tones appear warmer, consistent with the film's desert heat setting, and facial details such as pores and stubble are rendered crisply. Compared to earlier releases, this version also removes debris and other signs of wear. Although not a new 4K scan, this transfer is an impressive Hi-def presentation that remains sharp, clean, and faithful to Carpenter's vision.

Overall, Scream Factory's Blu-ray release serves as an excellent homage to "Vampires," providing a visually engaging experience that stands on par with its predecessors. While future iterations with HDR10 or Dolby Vision could enhance the visual fidelity further, this edition offers a robust and appealing presentation for fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray release of John Carpenter's "Vampires" by Scream Factory comes equipped with both a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, and a secondary 2.0 DTS-HD MA track ideal for night listening. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track is particularly noteworthy, displaying a dynamic and enveloping soundfield that thoroughly engages every channel. From the exhilarating opening scene to the final climatic action, the track maintains consistent clarity and balance. Dialogue is crisp and seamlessly integrated into the mix, while the heavy low-frequency effects from car engines, fiery explosions, and resonating stakes add an extra layer of immersion. The expertly layered soundtrack, including Carpenter’s Western/blues-inspired score, enriches the atmosphere of this action-horror film, creating a deeply immersive auditory experience.

The audio presentation also includes an isolated score track in DTS-HD MA 2.0, showcasing Carpenter's diverse composition with remarkable fidelity. Each component of the score, featuring elements of Roadhouse Blues and Hard Rock, is distinct and robust. This version brings forth a well-rounded mix with notable clarity in the dialogue and effects, along with an engaging surround presence that enhances the experience. Subtler sounds like ambient effects and quieter search scenes are accurately portrayed across multiple speakers, constructing an effective haunted-house-like environment. This comprehensive audio experience is beneficial not only for high-end setups but also translates well across modest systems, making the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track the preferred choice for an optimal viewing experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are included, although Spanish subtitles are not offered.

The Blu-ray extras for "Vampires" deliver an impressive collection of materials that delve deeply into the film's production, providing both new and vintage perspectives from various cast and crew members. The standout in this package is the in-depth and candid interview with James Woods, complemented by engaging discussions with John Carpenter, Tim Guinee, and Thomas Ian Griffith. Greg Nicotero's insights into the special effects add a technical edge, making this disc a must-have for fans and cinephiles alike. Additionally, the inclusion of John Carpenter's insightful audio commentary and the high-fidelity isolated score further enrich this comprehensive set of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Composer/Director John Carpenter: Detailed solo commentary on technical aspects and inspiration behind the movie.
• Isolated Score: Full DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo presentation of Carpenter's score.
• NEW Time to Kill Some Vampires: Interviews with John Carpenter, Sandy King Carpenter, and Garry B. Kibbe on filmmaking topics.
• NEW Jack the Slayer: An engaging interview with actor James Woods discussing his role and experiences.
• NEW The First Vampire: Thomas Ian Griffith reflects on his casting and experience on set.
• NEW Raising the Stakes: Greg Nicotero explores the practical makeup effects used in the film.
• NEW Padre: Tim Guinee offers insights and anecdotes from his time working on the film.
• Vintage Making-of Featurette: Includes interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from the original production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Restored trailer presented in high definition.
• TV Spots: Collection of original TV advertisements.
• Still Gallery: Comprehensive slideshow featuring production and promotional images.

John Carpenter’s 1998 film "Vampires" marks a notable shift in vampire cinema, blending horror with western motifs in a way reminiscent of classic genre hybrids. Cinematographer Gary Kibbe masterfully captures the expansive New Mexico vistas in 2.35:1 CinemaScope, paying homage to spaghetti western auteur Sergio Leone. The narrative follows Jack Crow (James Woods), the leader of a ragtag group of vampire slayers funded by the Catholic Church. His team, including partner Montoya (Daniel Baldwin) and a newly assigned priest, Father Adam Guiteau (Tim Guinee), seeks out the ancient vampire Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), who aims to find an artifact granting immunity to sunlight. Carpenter's approach significantly alters traditional vampire lore, suggesting their origins in an accidental church exorcism, which is a fascinating twist that adds depth to the supernatural narrative.

"Vampires" has generated polarized reviews, yet it remains a distinct entry in Carpenter's oeuvre. Its blend of modern western aesthetics, underscored by Carpenter's characteristic score, creates a unique atmosphere. The film's strength lies in its robust performances, particularly from James Woods, whose portrayal of the sardonic Jack Crow brings a dynamic anti-hero to life. Sheryl Lee’s role as Katrina, a prostitute turning into a vampire, provides a challenging and nuanced performance, acting as a psychic link crucial to hunting Valek. Despite critiques of forced romance between Katrina and Montoya and occasional plot opacity regarding Church secrets, the film is celebrated for its relentless action and gritty charm. The gore and practical effects stand out as highlights, making "Vampires" a compelling watch for horror aficionados.

Carpenter’s "Vampires" contrasts sharply with other late-90s vampire films by eschewing excessive CGI and polished aesthetics for a raw, visceral approach. This film recalls earlier genre masterpieces with its practical effects and physicality, toeing the line between horror and action. Even with mixed critical reception, its dedication to hybridizing genres and reshaping vampire lore positions "Vampires" as an intriguing piece of cinematic work that appeals to fans of Carpenter's distinctive style.

"John Carpenter's Vampires" marks an enduring cinematic moment, blending elements of horror, western, and action, making it a distinctly enjoyable watch. Although not the pinnacle of Carpenter's illustrious career, it is a film that has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years and is regarded fondly for its raw energy and genre fusion. The commanding performance by James Woods stands out as a highlight, encapsulating the film’s gritty and adventurous spirit.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release offers an impressive technical presentation, featuring a 2.35:1 AVC aspect ratio and English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 audio tracks with English SDH subtitles. This Collector's Edition also enriches the experience with a fresh array of interviews and extras that complement the existing archival materials from previous editions. Notably, fans will appreciate the inclusion of the isolated score which enhances the film's atmospheric intensity. However, it is worth noting that some prior extras, such as "John Carpenter: The Guardian Interview (Part 1)" and the documentary "The Directors: John Carpenter," are absent in this edition.

In conclusion, Scream Factory’s release of "John Carpenter's Vampires" is commendable for both its A/V quality and comprehensive bonus features, making it the most definitive version available to date. It offers a satisfying upgrade for those who missed the initial limited release and is a necessary acquisition for Carpenter enthusiasts and horror aficionados alike. Despite certain omissions in extra content, the new interviews and overall packaging with new cover art ensure this Collector's Edition is a highly recommended purchase.