6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The Cates family is thrilled to learn they have inherited the old mansion of the deranged, stage actor, Tyler Walker. They arrive to discover that the mansion has turned into a playground for a local street gang. But the gang is not all the Cates children have to worry about as Tyler's ghost makes it known he is not pleased with their intrusion.
Starring: Tom Bresnahan, Jill Whitlow, Jonathan Chapin, Christopher Burgard, Sam MelvilleHorror | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
BDInfo
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Director Bert Dragin didn’t have much of a filmmaking career, but he tried his luck with scary movies in the 1980s, making his debut with “Summer Camp Nightmare” before quickly jumping into 1988’s “Twice Dead.” Dragin, along with co-writer Robert McDonnell, attempt to create a haunted house experience with the feature, which follows two siblings as they deal with the violent history of their new home. The helmer puts in the work to generate a modest level of suspense and a surprising amount of style, but his focus isn’t strictly aimed at the supernatural. “Twice Dead” is more of a “punks at war” viewing experience, keeping the endeavor from living up to initial expectations for a creepy event involving a malevolent spirit and its determination to disrupt domestic peace.
Shout Factory includes a note at the start of "Twice Dead," explaining how a film print was used as source material for the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation, and that one shot was missing, requiring footage from a tape master as a replacement. It's a much softer viewing experience for the feature, with fine detail elusive, finding even facial surfaces lacking compelling textures. Colors are respectfully refreshed, pushing bright primaries with period outfits and stylish lighting choices. Greenery is natural, along with skintones. Delineation slips into solidification at times, especially with black gang gear. Grain is heavier with some blockiness.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix carries some degree of age, but intelligibility isn't threatened, with performances reasonably clear. Performance excitability doesn't fuzz out highs. Scoring cues aren't sharp, but volume is balanced, and soundtrack offerings are equally emphasized with passable instrumentation. Sound effects support horror events comfortably.
"Twice Dead" doesn't become a ripping tale of ghostly happenings, though the climax suddenly pays close attention to Tyler's violent influence, which, of course, involves the deadly threat of an electric blanket with a frayed cord. There's intermittent fun to be had here, but what's impressive about the feature is Dragin's attention to screen style, pushing to create shots and use color in artistic ways, endeavoring to do something cinematic, which is a pleasant change of pace. "Twice Dead" looks nice and it works periodically, perhaps providing the most satisfaction for viewers who fully understand before sitting down for a watch that while terrors from beyond are included in the story, Dragin more interested in slow-burn house tours and the frustrations of high school dropouts.
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