RyanPC
05-01-2003, 07:59 AM
I recently watched (for the second time) Pete Walker's Frightmare, a British thriller that is actually quite good. Image released this film bare bones for their Euroshock Collection, so let's take a look and see if it is worth recommending...
The Plot
I don't want to say too much about the plot, as it is best to go into this film not knowing what to expect. I would also recommend not reading the back of the DVD, as the synopsis gives away practically everything. All I will say is that this movie is about one's desire to kill and the lengths to which they will go to do so. If I give away any more, you probably won't enjoy it as much since there will be nothing to surprise you. Also, this is a very dark film, so don't expect a happy ending. :(
I must say I was totally impressed with this film. The acting is top-notch, the story is wonderful, and there are plenty of shocks and gore (although there is not as much gore as they would lead you to think). Very interesting film, it didn't leave me bored for a second. British films usually aren't my cup of tea, but this one was very effective. I highly recommend this film, it is very well done.
Rating: 4/5
Video Quality
Frightmare is presented full-frame, which is a bit of a disappointment. But it's not all bad... for full screen, the picture is quite good-- much better than a VHS. The colors are bright and stand out quite nicely, although not as well as they should. There is quite a bit of scratches and some grain throughout, but nothing too distracting. Again, the image quality could be better, but I am sure this is the best Frightmare has ever looked.
Rating: 3/5
Sound Quality
The film is presented in Dolby Digital Mono, and leaves a lot to be desired. There isn't much to say here, since Mono is Mono. The spoken word was clear and I didn't detect any distortment of any kind.
Rating: 3/5
Special Features
This is where the disc is totally lacking, as extras are non-existant. It doesn't even have a real menu... it does, but the only thing on it is scene selection, which doesn't even count as an extra. Very disappointing; the least they could have done was included a theatrical trailer.
Rating: 0/5
Overall
Overall, this disc really isn't recommendable. The picture and sound aren't that good, although the film is quite well done. There are no extras, which is a shame. I can only recommend this DVD unless you are a fan of the film... otherwise, casual viewers might want to wait for a better edition of the film, if one ever comes out.
Overall: 2.5/5
The Plot
I don't want to say too much about the plot, as it is best to go into this film not knowing what to expect. I would also recommend not reading the back of the DVD, as the synopsis gives away practically everything. All I will say is that this movie is about one's desire to kill and the lengths to which they will go to do so. If I give away any more, you probably won't enjoy it as much since there will be nothing to surprise you. Also, this is a very dark film, so don't expect a happy ending. :(
I must say I was totally impressed with this film. The acting is top-notch, the story is wonderful, and there are plenty of shocks and gore (although there is not as much gore as they would lead you to think). Very interesting film, it didn't leave me bored for a second. British films usually aren't my cup of tea, but this one was very effective. I highly recommend this film, it is very well done.
Rating: 4/5
Video Quality
Frightmare is presented full-frame, which is a bit of a disappointment. But it's not all bad... for full screen, the picture is quite good-- much better than a VHS. The colors are bright and stand out quite nicely, although not as well as they should. There is quite a bit of scratches and some grain throughout, but nothing too distracting. Again, the image quality could be better, but I am sure this is the best Frightmare has ever looked.
Rating: 3/5
Sound Quality
The film is presented in Dolby Digital Mono, and leaves a lot to be desired. There isn't much to say here, since Mono is Mono. The spoken word was clear and I didn't detect any distortment of any kind.
Rating: 3/5
Special Features
This is where the disc is totally lacking, as extras are non-existant. It doesn't even have a real menu... it does, but the only thing on it is scene selection, which doesn't even count as an extra. Very disappointing; the least they could have done was included a theatrical trailer.
Rating: 0/5
Overall
Overall, this disc really isn't recommendable. The picture and sound aren't that good, although the film is quite well done. There are no extras, which is a shame. I can only recommend this DVD unless you are a fan of the film... otherwise, casual viewers might want to wait for a better edition of the film, if one ever comes out.
Overall: 2.5/5