6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Houston cop Jack Caine is a not-by-the books police officer investigating the death of several people, including his partner, by a gang called the "White Boys." All the victims seemed to have died of drug overdoses, but Jack thinks that there is something more sinister afoot. His investigation reveals a plot by aliens who use the bodies to extract a chemical that is sold to addicts on their home planet.
Starring: Dolph Lundgren, Brian Benben, Jim Haynie, Michael J. Pollard, Jesse VintSci-Fi | Insignificant |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Dolph Lundgren has battled Rocky Balboa and Skeletor, but can he defeat an alien visiting Earth out to collect human bodily fluid to sell on his home planet? 1990’s “Dark Angel” (released in the U.S. as “I Come in Peace”) picks up where the 1980s left off, bringing the dangers of drug dealers into the sci-fi realm, with Lundgren fitted for a Schwarzenegger role, complete with big guns and one-liners. Director Craig R. Baxley (“Stone Cold”) is tasked with waking up a strange serial killer-esque story, and he turns to fire to do so, filling the actioner with enough explosions to make the feature feel like a 1976 KISS concert at times. “Dark Angel” is wet with cliché, and the material doesn’t do enough with its central idea of E.T. becoming Scarface, but the blow-em-up attitude of the endeavor is intermittently exciting, keeping things somewhat lively for the B-movie production.
Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.
"Dark Angel" was originally issued on Blu-ray in 2013. It returns with a UHD release, listed as a "new 4K scan from the original camera negative." The
Dolby Vision viewing experience is at its best with color, capturing intense blue and red lighting, with periodic offerings of hot neon. Primaries are
distinct, exploring period style and costuming. Night activities carry a cooler look with deep blacks, preserving frame information. Odd visuals, such as
the whiteness of drug injections and rainbow reflection on disc weaponry, are preserved. Skin tones are natural. Highlights are largely tasteful, with
explosions delivering orangey brightness. Detail is generally maintained throughout the viewing experience, which does battle with technical limitations
on the low-budget movie. Skin particulars are satisfactory, and clothing choices retain texture on both human and alien gear. Tours of offices, clubs, and
living spaces retain depth, and street confrontations are dimensional. Grain is adequately resolved.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix isn't exactly a powerhouse listening experience for an action film, but dialogue exchanges are mostly secure, protecting emotionality and whispered lines. More heated encounters remain balanced. Scoring carries along with clear synth support, but mostly remains frontal. The track itself seems slightly subdued, which may be an inherent issue, finding explosions limited in intensity, with a duller low-end presence at times. Sound effects register as intended.
Baxley's job is to keep "Dark Angel" rolling along, and he does so, putting in as much stunt work as the picture's limited budget allows. There are foot and car chases to adrenalize the viewing experience, and the aforementioned explosions are everywhere here. Action offerings are welcome while the writing struggles to merge characterization and elements of pursuit, as the film feels a little unfocused at times. It's still an amusing ride with alien threats and Lundgren in screen hero mode, but "Dark Angel" often plays like a movie that could be amazing with more money to spend and less distractions for the lead character.
Collector's Edition
1988
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1977
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
1985
Limited Edition - 2,000 copies
1983
1989
Roger Corman's Cult Classics | 30th Anniversary Special Edition
1980
1987
Universal Essentials Collection
1953
1964
Warner Archive Collection
1958
Enemy From Space
1957
1959
10th Anniversary Special Edition
2008
1957
1959
1958
1990
1967
40th Anniversary Special Edition
1979
2+5: Missione Hydra
1966