Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Darkman 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 23, 2024

It seems a little odd to consider now, but at the time of its release in 1990, “Darkman” was simply the studio debutante ball for director Sam Raimi. Now, 34 years after its unexpected late-summer success, the movie has grown into an interesting puzzle piece in the filmmaker’s career, bringing him from the no-budget wizardry of “Evil Dead II” to the big-budget helmer we know today. While fraught with Hollywood growing pains and home to a few clunky ideas, “Darkman” is truly one of Raimi’s liveliest creations -- a pure shot of comic book-inspired eccentricity, barnstorming visuals, and regard for the dark side of justice.

Scientist Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson) is on the verge of creating synthetic skin in his laboratory, yet chemical complications keep the faux flesh from lasting more than 99 minutes at a time. Julie (Frances McDormand), Peyton’s attorney girlfriend, has discovered an incriminating memo during her dealings with boss Louis (Colin Friels), tying the corrupt land developer to ruthless gangster Durant (Larry Drake). Out to retrieve the memo, Durant breaks into Peyton’s lab, thrashing the good doctor and destroying his building. Burned to a crisp and stripped of the ability to feel pain, a horribly disfigured Peyton retreats to the shadows to face his new reality, restarting his research into synthetic skin. Now armed with a series of lifelike masks and unstoppable rage, Peyton seeks revenge on those who cruelly took away his life. He also watches Julie from afar, desperate for a chance to rekindle their love.

“Darkman” is a scrappy origin tale of sorts, with Raimi attempting to build his own superhero from spare parts, influenced by the brooding champions of justice from his youth. The effort is sensational, showcasing the filmmaker pushing through a modest budget to form a tattered vision of daredevil bravery, with Peyton fueled by a churning desire for revenge. As much as Raimi is angling to kickstart a franchise here, “Darkman” is also a rare opportunity for the director to pay tribute to the great Universal Monsters of cinematic history, scripting Peyton not as a brawny man of action, but a tragic figure of continuous agony, forced to start anew without his beloved Julie, his settled scientific mind, or a face to present to the outside world.

Raimi runs with the antihero atmosphere, sketching out Peyton’s journey through spectacular shadow play and gothic touches, creating a bleak figure of science working to the killing of Durant as a way to reclaim his life. Outside of some meat-cleaver editing jumps and budget bluescreen efforts, “Darkman” is wonderfully bonkers in the visual department -- the picture rides on genre filmmaking lightning left behind by Raimi’s gonzo masterpiece, “Evil Dead II.” Teeming with swirling camera work, spirited montages, and flecks of surrealism to communicate Peyton’s furious state of mind, “Darkman” excitedly delivers prime Raimi rumbling, providing an exhaustive cinematic experience bursting with the helmer’s trademarked blend of the sinister and the Stooge. “Darkman” is the director firing away on the studio’s dime, unaware of the politics that would soon calm his once legendary eye for cinematographic exaggeration.

In the lead role, Neeson delivers as the unfortunate soul, selling all the operatic throbs of agony while maintaining Peyton’s intelligence and desperation. It’s a tempestuous combination captured brilliantly in a particularly bizarre confrontation between the trembling hero and a cheating carny over the rightful owner of a stuffed animal. McDormand seems more confused than torn as Julie, but she submits emotional work as the heart of the piece. Best in show is Drake as villain Durant, excreting oil as the heavy with a severed finger collection and a tremendously cool grasp of the fantastical. It’s a fun, unsettling performance.

Darkman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray

"Darkman" was last issued on Blu-ray in 2014, and Shout Factory returns to the title a decade later with a new UHD offering, listed as a "4K restoration from the original negative in Dolby Vision," with work "approved by director Sam Raimi and director of photography Bill Pope." Those used to the subpar appearance of the feature on previous releases should be very happy with the upgrade provided here, which delivers fresh detail throughout the viewing experience. Skin particulars are inviting, exploring human features and textured monster makeup work, offering a clear understanding of Peyton's scarring and decay. Costuming is fibrous, examining heavier business attire and Darkman's scrappy outfits. Interiors are open for study, highlighting room expanse and decorative additions. Blue screen work is a little easier to notice as well, especially in office settings. Exteriors are deep, following city tours and alley activity. Colors are alive during the viewing experience, with Darkman's "anger vision" supported by rich reds and blues. Primaries are also compelling on period outfits and signage, while deeper purples and oranges are found in Raimi's mood choices. Blacks are deep, preserving frame information. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is decently resolved. Source is in good condition.

Darkman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix for "Darkman" supplies an immersive listening event. Dialogue exchanges are crisply presented, handling performance choices and argumentative behavior without slipping into distortive extremes. Scoring is sharp, with a louder, brassy presence that supports the mystery and action elements of the picture. Musical moods are wide and push into the surrounds, which generally do well with action, including the addition of helicopter movement. Atmospherics are appreciable. Low-end offers some rumble with violent events and explosions, but isn't immensely powerful.

Darkman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features film historian Josh Ruben.

• Commentary #2 features cinematographer Bill Pope.

• Deleted Scenes (37:00, HD) provide additional character moments from "Darkman," including more with Julie's business experiences and her initial connection to Louis, who's also offered something of an origin story involving Durant's violence. Julie and Peyton's relationship is expanded some. The saga of henchmen Rick is perhaps most interesting here, with his role and punishment different than what's found in the final cut of "Darkman." Louis's love of money is also more graphically detailed. There's nothing truly revelatory presented here, but for fans of the movie, there are some curious dramatic directions not taken, and a few extra visual Raimi-isms to enjoy.

• "Dissecting Darkman" (7:29, HD) is an interview with actor Liam Neeson, who was delighted to get the part in the Sam Raimi picture, facing competition that included Gary Oldman and Bill Paxton. Characterization is explored, along with monster influences, getting into the psychology of the part. The interviewee also details time with co-stars, and recalls his fear of heights during the helicopter chase, complicating his performance.

• Interview (10:50, HD) is a discussion of "Darkman" with actress Frances McDormand, who originally lived with roommate Sam Raimi (along with Joel and Ethan Coen) in the mid-1980s. Her relationship with the director is analyzed, with Raimi trying to find a more empowered female character for the picture. An appreciation of co-star Liam Neeson is presented, and McDormand examines the challenges of working with Raimi.

• "The Name is Durant" (15:59, HD) is an interview with actor Larry Drake, who acknowledges how his looks and physical size have largely dictated his career. Avoiding typecasting with director Sam Raimi, Drake was allowed to run free with the evil character, even offered a chance to play two versions of Durant, providing an acting challenge.

• "Henchman Tales" (12:57, HD) is a dual interview with actors Dan Bell and Danny Hicks. The interviewees examine their casting stories, walk through characterization, and shares tales from the shoot.

• "Dark Design" (16:46, HD) is a dual interview with production designer Randy Sur and art director Philip Dagort, who dissect the elements of the "live-action comic book" director Sam Raimi was looking to create.

• "The Face of Revenge" (13:21, HD) is an interview with special makeup effects designer Tony Gardner, who was initially tasked with generating a look for Darkman based on Sam Raimi's storyboards. Faced with the hiring of Liam Neeson for the part, Gardner had an unusual thespian appearance to work with, going into the specifics of the makeup and the tricks used to sell the horror and heartbreak of the character.

• Vintage Behind-the-Scenes (8:59, SD) is an EPK offering, including interviews with cast and crew, and some BTS footage is present.

• Vintage Interview (28:02, SD) features actor Liam Neeson.

• Vintage Interview (20:42, SD) features actress Frances McDormand.

• Vintage Interview (12:14, SD) features actor Colin Friels.

• Vintage Interview (23:09, SD) features director Sam Raimi.

• Image Galleries include "Production" (8:42), "Posters & Artwork" (2:07), "Behind-the-Scenes" (4:47), and "Storyboards" (8:22).

• T.V. Spots (4:24, SD) offer 12 commercials for "Darkman."

• And a Theatrical Trailer is included.

Darkman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Climaxing with an aerial confrontation that contains some tremendous stunt work, "Darkman" ends up delivering big action beats, successfully landing a tricky story of revenge and shrouded destiny with a juicy conclusion of customary villain exposition and tight suspense. While rough around the edges, the feature represents Raimi when he was still hungry, birthing an askew semi-horror tale with a tremendous push of screen gymnastics, taking his hero to a franchise-ready future that was foiled by two middling DTV sequels (made without Raimi or Neeson). "Darkman" remains a powerful picture, isolating the beauty of superhero sadness while amplifying the rest with thrilling intensity. A sly Bruce Campbell cameo is merely icing on the cake.