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  Specs
  • Widescreen 1.78:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  Subtitles
    English, Arabic
  Extras
  • Cast/crew biographies
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Interview With the Vampire

Warner Bros./Warner Bros. . R4 . COLOR . 118 mins . M15+ . PAL

  Feature
Contract

Interview With The Vampire - The Vampire Chronicles is based upon the best selling novel by Anne Rice, is superbly directed by Neil Jordan and stars a virtual who’s who of Hollywood's best young actors. We are taken on a journey of the night into the world of the vampire, experiencing life from the dark side. At the time of release there was a bit of an uproar from the public, this was not due to the genre of the film but due to the fact that Tom Cruise had been cast in the lead role of Lestat. Even the author herself objected until she saw his performance and publicly withdrew her protest.

This is the story of Louis (Brad Pitt), a depressed young man who has lost his wife and son during childbirth and is seeking a way to join them. Ever the opportunist, Lestat is seeking a companion and preys on the down and out Louis, offering him the chance to “drink from me and live forever”. Louis accepts his offer but soon comes to regret it. He becomes the ever tormented killer with a lingering respect for life and fights against what he has become, searching the world for answers. Deciding to “adopt” a daughter, they enlist Claudia (Kirsten Dunst) and they set off on their travels, leaving a bevy of bodies in their wake. You might say the ultimate dysfunctional family.

"Evil is a point of view. God kills indiscriminately and so shall we."

Cruise is outstanding as the stylish and charismatic Lestat and Pitt seemed born to play the role of Louis. The role of Malloy the reporter was originally intended for River Phoenix prior to his untimely death. Christian Slater, upon winning the role, then donated all of his earnings from the project to Phoenix’s favourite charities. The entire cast is very good but the scene-stealer here would have to be Kirsten Dunst as Claudia, the forever-young girl who seems to enjoy killing a little too much. For a newcomer (at the time) she shows great ability, one moment being the poor defenceless youngster, the next being a ruthless killer, but most impressively portraying an adult woman trapped in a child’s body.

At times very dark and yet surprisingly humorous, this actor-driven film has many excellent visual effects and is rounded off by a wonderful soundtrack. The constant homosexual undertone is well placed and a refreshingly bold move by these big name actors

  Video
Contract

It is extremely hard to find fault with this transfer. Presented in 1.78:1 and 16x9 enhanced it is an absolute treat. Although predominantly set at night, the blacks and shadow detail are flawless. The colours are vivid and are used perfectly to set the mood of each scene. There is no aliasing to speak of and you can count the number of minor flecks on one hand. Overall a superb transfer from a very good source.

  Audio
Contract

The single soundtrack here is DD 5.1, which is used well but not to any extreme. Predominantly the sound is from the front speakers with occasional, well-placed music and effects emanating from the side and rear speakers. The rear speakers are rarely used but this keeps the focus on the dialogue in this character-driven film. Audio is generally crisp and well balanced.

  Extras
Contract

There's not much to mention here. There are cast bios on the main actors and director with accompanying filmographies. There is also an advertisement for four other releases in the same genre, hardly a feature.

  Overall  
Contract

Dark, thrilling, shocking and funny are not words you would normally use to describe the same film, but this has it all. I would dare to say there is something here for everyone, but the parents of the world may disagree. There are several reasons to buy or at least rent this film, to see Tom Cruise as anything but a pretty boy or just to see Brad Pitt act are reason enough, but I would recommend it simply on the video transfer alone. Sure, this film won’t please everyone, but even those that dislike this genre will recognise the quality of a well directed, well acted and well produced feature.


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      And I quote...
    "The undead are among us and livelier than ever, but don’t expect Buffy to come to the rescue..."
    - Adrian Turvey
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Akai DV-P2000
    • TV:
          AKAI CT-29S55AT 68cm
    • Receiver:
          Akai AM-SS1500
    • Speakers:
          Akai
    • Centre Speaker:
          Akai
    • Surrounds:
          Akai
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