6.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
The mysterious island village of Balfe is experiencing unexplainable phenomena...from grossly oversized sea life to half-buried bodies in the dark woods to strange Neanderthal-like men suffering from a rare disfiguring disease. Is this town afflicted by radioactive waste contaminating their water? Is there a vengeful mutant monster lurking in the woods? Or worse, are the townsfolk being punished by an act of God for their past sins? It is up to Dr. Del Shaw and the dedicated scientists at Doomwatch headquarters to discover the cause of these horrific mutations. Infuriating local villagers who cling to their secluded island's survival, Dr. Shaw (Ian Bannen) and local school teacher Victoria Brown (Judy Geeson) risk their lives to uncover the truth behind the strange happenings, no matter how frightening or dangerous it may be. Based on the British television series of the same name, DOOMWATCH is a haunting telltale film that just might be hazardous to your health!
Starring: Ian Bannen, Judy Geeson, John Paul (I), George Sanders (I), Simon OatesHorror | 100% |
Mystery | 5% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Sci-Fi | 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, 16-bit)
BDInfo verified
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
While it began life as a BBC show in 1970, 1972’s “Doomwatch” hopes to bring its message of global health to a larger audience with a feature-film continuation. Mindful of repetition, the production alters a few elements from the television program, attempting to make the movie its own thing, which generally involves isolating the lead character from the comforts of big city science as the story plays out inside a coastal Scottish village. Perhaps this attempt to revive “Doomwatch” is best left for longtime fans of the series, who already have an appreciation for its blend of genre pursuits and procedural might, though newcomers to the concept aren’t left hanging, as director Peter Sasdy tries to infuse the picture with a sense of environmental urgency, even if the overall effort has trouble unearthing chills and thrills.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation does show signs of age, using an older master that doesn't provide a fresh look at "Doomwatch" production achievements. Granted, this is a softly shot feature (with plenty of glamour lighting for its actresses) to begin with, and detail isn't impossible to enjoy, finding make-up achievements open for inspection, village life retaining decorative textures, and facial responses preserved. Colors are muted with a degree of fade. Primaries aren't bold to begin with, remaining in step with drab seaside locations, but costuming shows signs of life, along with scientific highlights of Doomwatch headquarters. Skintones aren't snappy. Delineation has trouble with dense costuming and evening encounters. Grain hits a few noisy pockets. Source displays some wear and tear.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix only offers the basics when it comes to the "Doomwatch" listening event, and crispness is missing due to age. Hiss and pops are found throughout, which isn't appealing, but they don't threaten dialogue exchanges. Intelligibility is passable, and emotional surges are understood. Scoring is without inspired definition, but it supports as intended, setting mood and emphasizing danger. Atmospherics are blunt, without precision.
As the movie enters its climax, "Doomwatch" becomes more of a genre picture, with ghoulish make-up and mild action, attempting to give viewers some jolts. It's the spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down, but the production isn't preachy, it's blunt, hoping to send a critical message of environmental danger, which remains as relevant as ever. "Doomwatch" isn't comfortable with broad displays of cinematic escapism, making it a poky sit on occasion, but it does have a point, and a valuable one that isn't completely obscured by directorial stiffness.
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