6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Jack and Dora, abandoned by their parents as babies, are desperate to find each other after years of adoption. Jack's young life has been spent with a sadistic family. Dora, whose life has been somewhat better, has developed extra-sensory powers which tell her that Jack's in danger and drives her to search for him.
Starring: Alexis Arquette, Bruno Lawrence, Elizabeth HawthorneHorror | 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 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
BDInfo verified
English SDH, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Director Gareth Maxwell (sharing a co-writing credit with Rex Pilgrim) attempts to bring a little bit of Dario Argento to New Zealand in 1993’s “Jack Be Nimble.” It’s an extremely bizarre endeavor about abuse, psychic powers, and revenge, with Maxwell making a distinct effort to strip away formula when dealing with combustible characters on a mission of rage. He creates a stylish, gothic picture, but not always the most compelling one, getting a little lost with his big ideas, trusting the hysteria of the material will help support the viewing experience.
Billed as a "brand new 4K restoration," the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a refreshed look at "Jack Be Nimble," which has only popped up sporadically on the home video market. It's not clear what the source is for this release, but it doesn't appear to be working with original materials, offering a softer, slightly processed viewing experience, which doesn't bring out fine detail or real dimension. Colors are acceptable, managing natural skin tones and brighter primaries on costuming. Greenery retains life as well. Delineation is acceptable. Grain has a more zombified quality at times. Some jumpy frames are detected.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is effective, with a circular sense of aural engagement. Elements of mental ability employ separation effects, and scoring cues fill the surrounds, creating a decently immersive listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with crisp emotion and balanced argumentative behavior throughout. Low-end isn't challenged.
"Jack Be Nimble" is certainly capable of conjuring a sinister moment, and Maxwell offers some potent visuals ideas, communicating his filmmaking influences with care. Certain scenes are effective, and the lead performances deliver the kind of energy required to maintain a freak-out vibe. There's oddity as well, which helps the cause. Overall, "Jack Be Nimble" doesn't pack much of a punch, with Maxwell adding ideas to the tale he can't always manage to satisfaction (the hypnosis machine concept could carry an entire feature on its own), making the endeavor something to appreciate, but rarely does it feel as gripping as it could be.
1951
1975
Al tropico del cancro / Forgotten Gialli: Volume Five
1972
1957
El Ataque de los Pájaros / Birds Of Prey
1987
Crazy Fat Ethel
1975
1968
1968
1967
1961
La casa de las muertas vivientes
1972
2002
Der Fan
1982
1974
1973
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1992
1970
SOLD OUT
1971
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1982
+The Devil's Sisters / +The Godmothers
1974