Dark City [1998]
![Dark City [1998]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5189lk1fX9L._SL160_.jpg) RRP £14.99 Lowest New Price £9.96 
|
Suitable for 15 years and over Entertainment in Video Release date: Monday 4th of August 2008 Starring: Director(s): Format: PAL, Region code: 2 Running time: 107 minutes |
RRP: £14.99
Better start, but not the revelation expected
Review date: 2008-11-09 Rating: 8 out of 10
I confess to be one of the few who watched and loved this film on its cinematic release, but the one snag I found was the opening voice-over, which gave away the 'twist' and it struck me as a probable studio panic. Evidently my suspicions were correct, and the film should benefit (for new viewers) from its removal. However, director Alex Proyas has taken the liberty of making a number of changes to the film, mostly in the form restored footage to scenes. Some nice touches (finger prints, slightly more flesh on characters) add something, but some other additions merely slacken the pace, and worse, Proyas has (perhaps as a consequence of not fitting the scene, or maybe because he felt it too intrusive) lessened the role of Trevor Jones's brooding/vicious/achingly beautiful score. The result on balance actually feels less assured, which is a shame but not a disaster. I recommend either version for first-timers as there's plenty to offer, but I won't be ditching my old DVD as I expected to.
Reviews
That's better!
Review date: 2008-10-13 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is definitely the definitive version of Dark City that everyone should see. After watching it for the first time I was amazed at how heavily edited the original version was especially in the beginning half of the movie. In this version the added pieces of narrative help flesh out the characters and keep the movie's pace consistent, without making it too long. I also noticed it's easier to hear the dialogue as the soundtrack has been toned down from the less dramatic scenes, and it seems that Jennifer Connelly is actually singing in this version, either that or they've improved the overdub. Overall this still remains (even more so now) one of my favourite movies of all time!
blew me away
Review date: 2008-09-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
I first saw this film on a scruffy old VHS tape borrowed from a friend. I wasn't expecting much, but I ended up watching it twice on the first day, and buying the DVD shortly afterwards.
I rank this in the same league as Blade Runner. I haven't seen the directors cut yet, but I'm willing to buy it just for the extra 11 minutes, let alone the commentaries.
One of those films you watch again and again.
Far, far better than the matrix.
Sans voiceover
Review date: 2008-09-07 Rating: 8 out of 10
I watched the Director's Cut of Dark City last night and I'm pleased to say they've finally removed the voiceover where Keifer Sutherland gives away the entire story during the opening 30 seconds of the movie. What we have now is a mystery that slowly unfolds, as all mystery's should, leading to a surprise ending which truly is - as was originally intended by the director - a surprise ending.
Other changes were quite minor. In fact I think I now have to watch the original again to try to spot them. Still, if this is a film you want to share with others you should get the director's cut rather than the original with the sound turned off during the film's opening, as some people have resorted to doing.
A classic 'noir' sci-fi
Review date: 2008-09-04 Rating: 10 out of 10
Some `Director's Cut' DVD releases add little to (or even spoil) the original versions but this release is well worth obtaining as it has actually, in my opinion, improved the feature. Gone is the opening, studio imposed voice over for dummies (its not missed, believe me) and the audience is instead left to figure out what's going for itself. What unfolds is a highly original and beautifully crafted sci-fi tale with a good performance from Rufus Sewell in the lead as the troubled suspected murderer, ably supported by William Hurt (the downbeat cop), Kiefer Sutherland (the nutty scientist), Jennifer Connelly (the doe-eyed nightclub singer) and also by Ian Richardson and Richard O'Brien (won't give anything away here, but both great as two of the `others' shall we say), amongst an ensemble cast of familiar faces. The cinematography is excellent - suitably dark and brooding (almost, you could say, in a slightly more colourful Sin City style). The widescreen picture transfer and sound on this Director's Cut release are a vast improvement on the original R2 release. With its somewhat moody and noirish tone, Dark City has been compared with Blade Runner and The Matrix, but this sci-fi/detective story, though maybe not quite in that class, stands on its own ground with a more languid style and some clever effects of its own that were well ahead of their time. A highly recommended release both to those who have already seen the film and for those who may never have heard of it. Proyas's cut, which also fills in a few subtle gaps in the storyline of the original studio release (so well integrated you will hardly notice them), should be regarded as the definitive version of this movie and its one well worth a second viewing or two. Extras include some cast and crew interviews and commentaries, including Rufus Sewell's view on the original voiceover in the original version. Take note studio bosses - he's spot on.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Ritchie Singer
Melissa George
Rufus Sewell
Nicholas Bell
David Wenham
Creators:
Rufus Sewell (Primary Contributor)
Ritchie Singer (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Entertainment in Video
Manufacturer: Entertainment in Video
EAN: 5017239195969
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-08-04
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 107 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1998
Tech info, cast and quotes/trivia when available. Exclusions may apply with free delivery. Price and availabiltity subject to change
