6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
When Molly, former teen prostitute, learns that Lieutenant Andrews, the cop who got her off the streets, has been gunned down, she leaves her new life as an aspiring and ambitious law student to return to the neon glow and deserted back alleys of Hollywood as "Angel" to avenge his death.
Starring: Betsy Russell, Rory Calhoun (I), Susan Tyrrell, Ossie Davis, Robert F. LyonsThriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: Dolby Digital 2.0 (448 kbps)
BDInfo. 2nd track has no set-up option on disc, it is simply a "lossy" track of the original audio.
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
In January, 1984, New World Pictures released “Angel.” Not expecting much from the feature, it turned out to be a minor hit for the company and wildly profitable for its producer, Sandy Howard, who wanted a sequel right away. Exactly 12 months later, “Avenging Angel” was hurled into cinemas, with returning screenwriters Joseph Michael Cala and Robert Vincent O’Neil (who directs once again) tasked with recapturing the same box office levels, only without the same type of movie, inching the franchise toward actioner interests, while losing star Donna Wilkes, replaced here with Betsy Russell. “Angel” went to dark psychological spaces, laboring to avoid becoming just another sexploitation romp in a saturated marketplace. “Avenging Angel” is quick to become junk food, turning the main character into a Pam Grier type as the series quickly becomes traditional VHS fodder.
As with "Angel," "Avenging Angel" is sourced from a fresh scan of the interpositive, which provides a nice AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Detail is helpful throughout, creating a clear look at facial particulars, with fine hairs and weathered looks in full view. Locations are ideally dimensional, providing clear examination of street activity, and interiors are just as sharp, showcasing all sorts of decoration and elements of squalor. Colors are phenomenal, carrying vividness with makeup application and costuming, as Johnny Glitter's gear alone offers a rainbow of hues. City lights add variety, and greenery is exact, capturing the summer mood. Skintones are natural. Delineation is communicative. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in terrific shape.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a comfortable listening experience for "Avenging Angel," leading with dialogue exchanges, which are distinct, though perhaps too clear at times, exposing some lousy ADR work. Performance styles aren't muted, and atmospherics are acceptable, capturing street life. Soundtrack selections add some synth-driven power, with a pleasing boost in volume to set the scene. Scoring cues are also elevated a bit, making sure to communicate dramatic intent. Sound effects are sharp, with louder gunshots and breaking glass.
Russell is a little stiff as Molly, not entirely capable of selling the educational power of the character, who becomes a hero to the local prostitutes as she makes life difficult for the cops (including Ossie Davis), wielding her legal-fu. However, she looks the part, providing a bright sense of life in a potentially dismal movie, keeping clear of her hammy co-stars. She's not offered the dramatic textures provided to "Angel" actress Donna Wilkes, but she has a certain screen presence that creates an entertaining ride of streetwalker justice. "Avenging Angel" was rushed into production and feels like it, as O'Neil is hanging on for dear life, lacking directional consideration to simply get the product into theaters. There are pleasures to be found, but the sequel is a different beast, unable to sustain the intriguing gloom that was established in the first installment.
1988
1984
2018
2017
Collector's Edition
1990
Unrated Director`s Cut
1980
1974
1986
2K Restoration
1979
2014
Unrated
2010
Unrated Edition
2006
1996
2007
1984
2018
2019
2017
מי מפחד מהזאב הרע / Mi mefakhed mehaze'ev hara
2013
1994