5.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Max, a genetically mutated dog endowed with intelligence and other special abilities is accidentally released from the lab of Dr. Jarret by news reporter/animal rights advocate Lori Tanner. Max is lovable at first, but also proves to be a ferocious, unstoppable killer.
Starring: Ally Sheedy, Lance Henriksen, Robert Costanzo, Fredric Lehne, John CassiniHorror | 100% |
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 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
It’s not easy to make a movie that involves a killer animal. Certain viewers are quite sensitive to violence committed against creatures, forcing filmmakers to maintain concentration on a proper tone while exposing horrors to helpless animals. For 1993’s “Man’s Best Friend,” writer/director John Lafia (“Child’s Play 2”) seems well-aware of the problems he’s facing with the material, which pits a genetically modified Tibetan Mastiff vs. several people who choose abuse over care, triggering the dog’s killer instinct. Instead of crafting a grim survey of pain, Lafia goes bright and somewhat silly with “Man’s Best Friend,” which emerges as an enjoyable genre exercise in good taste with problematic material. It’s not exactly lighthearted, but the picture has a ripping pace and plenty of savage moments, with the helmer largely understanding when to play the severity of the moment or just give in to the absurdity of it all.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as a "New 2K scan of the original film elements." "Man's Best Friend" may seem like an odd choice to receive a new scan, but fans of the movie are likely to be very pleased with the results. Detail is excellent, isolating animal fur and bodily harm. Costuming is fibrous, ranging from crisper news reporter wear to suburban comfort, with softer bedroom attire. Close-ups deliver appealing facial textures, showcasing makeup applications. Color is balanced and enjoyable, with flashes of deep red for bloodshed, and period hues are defined with style choices, from clothing to lighting, which favors a warmer palette for domestic adventures. Greenery is sharp. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and filmic. Source is in strong shape.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track is generally a loud, active event, giving the horror picture some compelling oomph to go along with its display of animal mayhem. Dialogue exchanges are crisp, securing antagonistic conversations and more animated acts of alarm. Dog barks and assorted acts of animal communication are also deep. Scoring is full and sharp, showcasing pleasing instrumentation and emphasis throughout. Surrounds are lively, giving a sense of lab life with test subjects, Max's POV while chasing victims, and neighborhood activity. A few panning effects are noted, creating a tighter environment for listeners. Low-end offers some weight for attack sequences and car crashes.
"Man's Best Friend" gets fairly wild at times, with the super-dog capable of producing acidic pee, while his version of a cat chase doesn't end well with a creature who quickly takes to a tree for safety (it's the movie's centerpiece sequence). Lafia makes something of a cartoon, but blood is often splattered, and the film doesn't fall apart. "Man's Best Friend" is entertaining, and it's impressive to see the endeavor remains approachable considering all the animal abuse that occurs during the run time. It's not mean (the fantasy aspects of the material are well-established), and while the feature may be a little confused here and there, Lafia wants to give his audience a proper genre ride, and one that's committed to a swift pace, with plenty of supercharged dog action.
2018
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