5.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
When a window-washer falls to his death from the side of a Barcelona high-rise office building (also killing a unsuspecting pedestrian), security consultant Dennis Randall is called in to investigate. Although he first believes the deaths to be accidental, he soon comes to realize that some strange force is at work inside the building. What could be causing these accidents? More importantly, is there any way it can be stopped?
Starring: Michael Moriarty, Jenny Agutter, Carol Lynley, Theodore Bikel, Kevin McCarthyHorror | 100% |
Thriller | 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 Mono
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
It seems the late 1980s was a big time for supernatural horror films set in tall buildings. In 1988, there was the ill-fated “Poltergeist III,” and for 1989, producer Sandy Howard brings terror to a Barcelona office complex in “Dark Tower.” The picture didn’t enjoy an easy road to completion, with original director Ken Wiederhorn possibly replaced by Freddie Francis (Weiderhorn denies this, so who knows), and, apparently, Roger Daltrey and Lucy Guttridge were set in leading roles before Michael Moriarty and Jenny Agutter stepped in to complete the film. While watching “Dark Tower,” one can sense behind-the-scenes issues emerging, as the effort’s strong start with strange, violent happenings in an office building is gradually turned into semi-random events involving a ghostly presence and his apparent love of elevator antagonism. There doesn’t seem to be anyone helping to guide the events of the feature, but B-movie appeal and committed performances end up saving the day in this endeavor.
Listed as "Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive," "Dark Tower" makes its Blu-ray debut with an AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. While some mild judder is found at times, detail emerges with clarity, surveying the rough areas of the building's construction, and textures emerge on facial surfaces, going from human wear and tear to gory makeup effects. Costuming is fibrous, offering silky formalwear and heavier business suits. Exteriors showcase Barcelona expanse and building height. Colors are strong, with female characters partial to outfits with primary colors. Greenery is distinct, along with flashes of red blood. The drywall/concrete maze of the tower provides a grayer look. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition.
The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers decent sonic force when dealing with scoring selections. While the synth sound is quite active, instrumentation is clear and deeper stings are appealingly heavy. Dialogue exchanges are mostly clean, preserving dramatic presentations and slightly echoed inner-monologue discussions as Randall works through the particulars of the case. Sound effects register as intended.
While "Dark Tower" doesn't amount to much, it does deliver some spooky happenings in the final sequence. It's also hard to deny the feature's camp value, with Moriarty and Agutter trying to bring something dramatic to a feature that doesn't particularly care for the effort. Silliness is present, giving the movie a fun factor, but the potential of high-rise horror isn't met.
Unrated
2017
2015
The Presence / The Haunted
1989
1982
2015
1986
2012
2011
2019
2015
1987
2019
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
Extended Cut
2015
Haunted
2014
Collector's Edition
1986