Darkman Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory brings "Darkman" to Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p presentation, maintaining the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While it utilizes the master from Universal's previous release, this rendition benefits from a new AVC encoding rather than the VC-1 codec, resulting in slight enhancements, particularly in color saturation. Despite these improvements, the transfer suffers from overzealous denoising and digital sharpening efforts that detract from the film's natural grain structure, yielding an overly polished appearance that may disappoint purists. The colors show a marked improvement, especially notable in the more vibrant scenes such as the carnival and fiery explosions, yet fleshtones often skew towards pink, and the image can sometimes appear flat, particularly in darker scenes where the blacks tend to crush.

Detail preservation is inconsistent, largely due to the application of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), which smooths out textures and diminishes the filmic quality, making faces appear unnaturally smooth and erasing finer details. However, close-up shots, like those of Westlake’s scarred hands, reveal a higher level of clarity and textural detail, suggesting that the encoding does manage to capture certain nuances effectively. The contrast lacks consistency, affecting the overall depth and three-dimensionality of the image.

Despite these technical shortcomings, Scream Factory’s efforts provide a commendably stable and clear image that represents a significant improvement over previous releases in terms of color rendition and sharpness, particularly evident in costume and production design details. The vibrant depiction of Darkman's visage and his intricately textured bandages stand out as high points in this transfer. While it may not offer the ultimate organic film experience due to its polished finish and sporadic loss of fine detail, this Blu-ray release delivers a visually pleasing presentation that is arguably the best "Darkman" has looked to date, especially when viewed from an appropriate distance.

Shout! and Scream Factory present fans of "Darkman" with two audio options on their Blu-ray release: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, each showcasing commendable quality but with distinct characteristics. The 5.1 channel offering provides a mostly front-centric audio experience, where Danny Elfman's iconic score and select foley effects are delegated to the rear channels, offering a spatial but underwhelming surround ambiance, particularly in scenes ripe for immersive audio such as the carnival sequence or intense gunfire exchanges. Nonetheless, it features a discernible low end that adds gravitas to explosive scenes without overpowering. The dialog is consistently clear across both configurations, with the score occasionally outshining spoken words, yet never detracting from the overall clarity.

Conversely, the 2.0 track surprises with its richness, boasting a well-rounded midrange and impressive dynamics that offer a viable alternative to its multichannel counterpart. This track is especially commendable for environments limited by their audio setup, providing a full-bodied experience that doesn't skimp on fidelity. Both tracks display a commendable dynamic range, though the 5.1 track's limited use of the LFE channel and conservative surround mix may leave enthusiasts yearning for a more enveloping experience. The subtle nuances in sound effects and Elfman's score are well-preserved, allowing for an auditory experience that, while not flawless, is laudably clear and engaging.

In essence, while both the 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks present on the "Darkman" Blu-ray render the film's auditory aspects proficiently, they fall short of the immersive potential this superhero action movie could exploit. With critical effects and moments missing the impactful auditory punch due to subdued subwoofer engagement and a lack of vibrant surround ambiance, the balance between dialogue, effects, and score is meticulously maintained, ensuring nothing is lost to the listener. The choice between the audio tracks ultimately comes down to listener preference and system capabilities, with both formats providing an adequate but not extraordinary listening experience that respects the source material while leaving room for auditory ambition.

The Blu-ray release of "Darkman" enriches the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike, packing a comprehensive assortment of extras that delve deep into the making and legacy of this cult classic. Offering both high-definition new interviews with key figures such as Liam Neeson, Larry Drake, Frances McDormand, and make-up designer Tony Gardner, alongside a wealth of vintage content, the release does more than just honor the film; it provides invaluable insights into its creation, design, and impact. Studio resistance, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the challenges of makeup effects, and the evolution of character portrayals are recounted with vivid clarity. Furthermore, the addition of technical commentaries, extensive galleries, and rare promotional materials offers a multi-layered exploration of "Darkman's" dark, yet compelling world. This edition, sporting reversible cover art featuring the original theatrical poster, finally gives "Darkman" the comprehensive home release it deserves, blending technical expertise, nostalgia, and undiluted passion for filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director of Photography Bill Pope: Insightful commentary hosted by Michael Felsher.
• Interview with Liam Neeson: Neeson reflects on his role and experiences on the set.
• The Name is Durant with Larry Drake: Drake discusses his character and work on the sequel.
• The Face of Revenge with Makeup Designer Tony Gardner: Insights into the film's makeup effects.
• Henchmen Tales: Profiles of the film's antagonists.
• Dark Design: Exploration of the film's production design with Randy Ser.
• An Interview with Frances McDormand: McDormand talks about her role and the filmmaking process.
• Darkman Featurette: A vintage promotional piece on the making of the film.
• Cast and Crew Interviews: Vintage interviews with key cast and crew members.
• Vintage Interview Galleries:
  • Colin Friels
  • Frances McDormand
  • Liam Neeson
  • Sam Raimi
• Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailer in HD.
• TV Spots: A collection of television ads for the film.
• Still Galleries:
  • Behind The Scenes/Make-up Effects
  • Posters And Artwork
  • Production Stills
  • Storyboards

In the realm of superhero cinema, "Darkman" emerges as a distinctive venture helmed by director Sam Raimi, marking his transition from low-budget filmmaking to the broader canvas of Hollywood storytelling. At its core, the film navigates the tribulations of Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson), a scientist on the cusp of a breakthrough in synthetic skin, only to fall victim to a ruthless attack by gangsters led by Robert Durant (Larry Drake). The narrative intricately weaves a tale of revenge and identity, propelled by Westlake's transformation into Darkman, as he utilizes his invention to assume multiple identities. This cinematic effort is underscored by the film's technical prowess and Raimi's signature directorial flourishes. From the innovative use of camera movements to the meticulous execution of action sequences, Raimi’s craft elevates the experience, imbuing it with a comic book aesthetic that nods to the genre's roots.

However, "Darkman" doesn't shy away from its idiosyncrasies, flirting with a variety of tones ranging from dark humor to poignant romantic elements. The result is a film that occasionally veers into the realm of the absurd, with Neeson’s portrayal oscillating between tragic heroism and over-the-top theatrics. Frances McDormand, as Julie Hastings, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, though her character seldom transcends the script's limitations. The movie thrives on its inventive premise – the synthetic skin that lasts only 99 minutes – setting the stage for a string of compelling disguises and confrontations. Despite its moments of logical inconsistency and a somewhat generic villain in Drake's Durant, "Darkman" stands out for its creativity and Raimi’s commitment to a vision that straddles the line between tribute and originality.

As an amalgamation of superhero lore and classic monster movie elements, "Darkman" asserts its place within the genre not by reinventing it but by embracing its eccentricities. While the film might not reach the zenith of Raimi's later works, it is indubitably a seminal piece that paved the way for his successes. The action sequences, especially those involving dynamic set-pieces like unfinished buildings and helicopters, showcase an artful melding of practical effects and ambitious cinematography. Indeed, Darkman is not just a figure of vengeance but a reflection of Raimi's cinematic ingenuity and affection for storytelling that defies convention. Amidst the backdrop of early '90s superhero cinema, "Darkman" emerges as a testament to what can be achieved when a filmmaker's unbridled creativity meets the allure of comic book heroes.

The latest Blu-ray release of "Darkman" by Shout! Factory is a commendable effort, bringing together a plethora of extra materials that are sure to delight fans of the film and the director, Sam Raimi. While it’s disheartening that the Blu-ray does not feature a new master and suffers from noticeable digital noise reduction (DNR) and sharpening issues, these flaws are somewhat mitigated when viewed from an appropriate distance. This doesn’t detract from the fact that for enthusiasts longing for an in-depth exploration of the film’s production, the supplemental content provided makes this release highly recommended. Although Sam Raimi does not make a current appearance in interviews, the collective insights from those involved in "Darkman's" creation offer a robust narrative about its inception and impact.

Despite the lack of a new master, this Collector's Edition stands as the definitive release of "Darkman" on Blu-ray. Scream Factory has outdone itself by assembling hours of special features that not only entertain but educate, delving deep into the story behind this cult classic. Fans might feel a twinge of disappointment at the absence of Raimi's direct commentary on this edition; however, the breadth and depth of content available more than compensate for this omission. This edition underscores Raimi’s prowess as a filmmaker beyond his "Evil Dead" series, offering the best version of "Darkman" for aficionados and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, while this "Darkman" Blu-ray release does have its technical shortcomings, primarily due to the reused master with its attendant DNR and sharpening artifacts, the richness of the supplemental material unequivocally enhances its value. Scream Factory's commitment to providing a comprehensive package makes this Collector's Edition a must-have, cementing its recommendation status. For those passionate about filmmaking and Sam Raimi's unique vision, this Blu-ray presents an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the making of a film that has both endured and endeared over time.