Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

Deadly Embrace Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 9, 2016

Instead of keeping up with comedies and horror efforts, director David DeCoteau aims for a more sensual, soap opera mood with 1989’s “Deadly Embrace.” Aiming for a late night pay cable vibe, DeCoteau (billed here as “Ellen Cabot”) and screenwriter Richard Gabai cook up a few games of sexuality and power to fuel this mild take on film noir, but they also keep up with the era’s demands for nudity and overheated bedroom encounters. Mercifully, most of “Deadly Embrace” is played relatively straight, dropping a campy approach to at least attempt a level of suspense typically ignored from cheapie productions.

A powerful businessman, Stewart (Jan-Michael Vincent) has offered college boy Chris (Ken Abraham) a job as a live-in houseman for his under-fondled wife, Charlotte (Mindi Miller). Trying to remain faithful to Michelle (Linnea Quigley), his aspiring actress girlfriend, Chris soon succumbs to Charlotte’s seduction, triggering chaos when all participants end up at the house for a troubling weekend. It’s a simple set-up for unfaithful mischief, but it’s structured as a crime film, with two unseen, chain-smoking individuals discussing the facts of the case. It’s DeCoteau’s way to adding gravity to nude mischief, making “Deadly Embrace” a little more than just a study of lust. Also shaking up the norm is the addition of fantasy sequences, where Michelle Bauer appears for no logical reason, writhing around as Chris gets himself in deep with Charlotte, lost in a fog of desire.

Deadly Embrace Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Much like "Murder Weapon," the AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 16mm original camera negative, allowing "Deadly Embrace" to look fantastic for its HD debut. Colors are tastefully refreshed, brightening up the picture with vibrant costuming and compelling skintones, giving the movie's substantial nudity a boost. Detail is available, identifying locations and facial reactions, and set decoration is clear enough to take in. Grain is thick but filmic. Delineation handles dream sequences with care. A few pronounced vertical scratches are detected.

Deadly Embrace Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix leads with dialogue exchanges, which sound natural and clear, handling differences in dramatic approach and heated exchanges without distortive extremes. Scoring is supportive without intruding on the dramatics, offering pleasing instrumentation. Atmospherics aren't extraordinary, but locations are identifiable.

Deadly Embrace Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director David DeCoteau and actress Linnea Quigley.

• Intro (1:55, HD) with DeCoteau welcomes viewers to the "Deadly Embrace" Blu-ray experience and shares a few bits of trivia from the shoot.

• Outtakes (2:53, HD) presents a few alternate moments without sound.

• A Trailer has not been included.

Deadly Embrace Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Deadly Embrace" slips into the danger zone during the third act, increasing threats and violence as a delicate situation of unfaithfulness is exposed to everyone. DeCoteau doesn't have the budget or the time to craft a thrilling payoff, but "Deadly Embrace" at least tries to go for a punch, arranging hard looks and brandishing guns for a true sense of finality.