Vampires Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "John Carpenter's Vampires" is presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, demonstrating the high level of care that Columbia Pictures typically invests in its transfers. The fine grain structure offers exquisite depth and texture to the film, making close-ups particularly impressive, with intricate details such as the crags in James Woods' face and the powder-white makeup on other characters rendered with clarity. The palette, meticulously balanced, presents deeply burnished hues thanks to DP Kibbe’s filters. Although some instances of minor crush might be noted, these can be attributed to the well-executed black levels, which maintain the deep, immersive darkness crucial to the film’s atmosphere.

Twilight Time's attention to detail in addressing last-minute fixes for this release is evident. Updates to color balancing and restoration of edited content have paid off significantly, eliminating the overly brightened and contrast-boosted look seen in previous VHS and DVD editions. The result is a visual fidelity that aligns closely with the original theatrical experience. Blacks are deep and rich, offering excellent shadow separation and enhancing the film's depth, while colors remain accurate and vibrant—particularly the vivid reds of fake blood—which enhances the gruesome, visceral appeal without disrupting natural flesh tones. The film’s daylight scenes, shot using heavy filters, now effectively recreate the evocative magic-hour ambiance intended by the filmmakers. Though not an exhaustive restoration, this Blu-ray release significantly elevates the viewing experience compared to its predecessors.

John Carpenter’s "Vampires" delivers a vigorous audio presentation with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 mixes. The 5.1 surround mix stands out for its assertive low-end delivery, contributing significantly to the intensity of the film’s action-packed sequences between humans and vampires. The immersive sound stage is skillfully engineered, with various sound effects meticulously positioned in discrete channels, fostering a rich and sometimes cacophonous ambience. The score, composed by Carpenter, is distributed across the side and rear channels with frequent precision, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Dialogue remains clear and precisely prioritized throughout the film.

The audio tracks, available in both 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD options, exhibit robust clarity and detail. The 5.1 mix ensures dialog remains crisp and centered, avoiding any potential distortion while maintaining a balanced audio landscape. Surround channels are actively engaged, providing substantial movement and spatial awareness with immersive background sound effects. The integration of sound effects, including gunshots that deliver a visceral impact, complements the action scenes without overwhelming the dialog or the score. Levels are well-balanced throughout the film, avoiding sudden volume spikes even during transitions into high-action moments.

Overall, "Vampires" boasts a solid DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix that effectively capitalizes on John Carpenter's meticulous sound design, making for an impactful and engaging auditory experience. The film’s audio elements—dialogue, sound effects, and score—are afforded ample space to breathe, resulting in a natural and distortion-free listening environment that aptly serves the narrative's dynamic shifts and atmospheric tension. Subtitles in English SDH are available to accommodate those requiring them.

The extras included in the Blu-Ray release of "Vampires" are a solid blend of intriguing content and valuable insights into the film's production. The Audio Commentary by writer-director John Carpenter remains highly informative and captivating, enriched with engaging anecdotes despite Carpenter’s tendency to narrate on-screen actions. The Isolated Score Track is presented in high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, catering to audiophiles who appreciate the film's musical score independently of the dialogue and sound effects. The Making of John Carpenter's Vampires featurette, although brief at just over six minutes, provides fascinating behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film's production era. Lastly, the Original Theatrical Trailer presents the movie in a polished 1080p format, rekindling excitement and highlighting the film's key moments without disclosing too much.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features insightful anecdotes from John Carpenter.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• The Making of John Carpenter's Vampires: Brief behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Highlights key moments in 1080p.

"John Carpenter's Vampires" is a unique amalgamation of the horror and western genres, imbued with Carpenter's distinctive directorial flair and dark humor. The film, set against the backdrop of the American Southwest, opens with sweeping aerial shots that capture an almost John Ford-like depiction of vast, sun-drenched landscapes, beautifully enhanced by Gary B. Kibbe's use of orange-red filters. These visual choices create an evocative, sunset-laden ambiance that subtly hints at the blood that the vampire antagonists so desperately covet.

The narrative centers around Jack Crow (James Woods), an intense and unorthodox vampire slayer who works alongside his team, including Anthony Montoya (Daniel Baldwin) and a priest. They aggressively hunt down vampire nests using dramatic methods, such as dragging vampires into sunlight to incinerate them. This over-the-top methodology adds a layer of hyperbole and, surprisingly, a touch of dark humor. The plot escalates when Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), the first vampire and their formidable foe, ambushes the team, leading to a desperate fight for survival and a quest to prevent Valek from acquiring a legendary Black Cross that could allow vampires to walk in daylight.

This film is bolstered by strong performances, especially by Woods, whose portrayal of Crow combines robust brutality and ironic humor seamlessly. Thomas Ian Griffith brings a menacing physical presence to Valek, while Sheryl Lee as Katrina adds an emotional layer with her telepathic link to Valek. Although Carpenter infuses the film with his signature style and nods to classic westerns, "Vampires" suffers from occasional narrative fits and predictable elements. However, its gory scenes and unrelenting pace will appeal to horror aficionados. Overall, while not one of Carpenter's most critically acclaimed works, it remains an entertaining and visually engaging film with a distinct blend of genres.

"John Carpenter's Vampires" offers an intriguing blend of western and horror elements, though it falls short in terms of depth and complexity. James Woods delivers a compelling performance in a role that contrasts with his usual repertoire, injecting a unique energy into the film. The comparison to "From Dusk Till Dawn" is apt, as both films meld genre elements to varying degrees of success. While the movie's appeal is somewhat niche, its stylistic execution is likely to captivate fans of Carpenter and horror aficionados alike.

The Blu-ray release by Twilight Time significantly enhances the viewing experience, putting an end to the film's tenure in standard definition. The HD treatment is commendable, with a strong video transfer that respects the director’s vision. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track offers robust sound quality, ensuring that the film's atmospheric and musical elements are fully realized. Archival supplements, including an isolated score and commentary track, enrich the offering, although some new features could have added extra value.

In conclusion, while "John Carpenter's Vampires" might not be regarded as top-tier Carpenter, it remains an entertaining entry in the horror-western genre. Despite a few shortcomings in narrative substance, the film benefits from a solid Blu-ray release that highlights its aesthetic strengths. For fans of Carpenter or the horror genre, this release comes recommended.