4.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Maximillian is the only survivor from a race of vampires on a Caribbean Island, and as a vampire, he must find a mate to keep the line from ending.
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, John WitherspoonHorror | 100% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: Dolby Digital 5.1
German: Dolby Digital 5.1
English, English SDH, French, German
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
There have been plenty of dark and scary Vampire movies, there have been plenty of light and humorous Vampire movies, there have even been some trying to be hip and happening and pandering. But Vampire in Brooklyn attempts to join together the whole spectrum but does so to relatively poor effect, a shame considering the big names -- Eddie Murphy, Wes Craven -- attached to the project. Audiences would rightly expect something superior to this, a sluggish effort primarily held back by sloppy writing, here a death knell that even A-list talent on both sides of the camera cannot salvage.
The film is dark and brooding and very atmospheric but nevertheless looks quite nice. As with many of Paramount's recent catalogue releases, Vampire in Brooklyn enjoys a fine and firm grain structure, one which is flattering and relates the picture's filmic roots quite nicely. It's 25 minutes until audiences are treated to a respite from the darkness by way of a daytime exterior shot and a well lit police station interior. Here, the transfer reveals its best: fine grain and tight and accurate details. It's another fine, highly agreeable visual film-sourced feast from Paramount. Even as much of the movie's remainder takes place in dark and low light, audiences will never struggle to appreciate the studio's work on this one. There's no obvious processing, no print damage, nothing getting in the way of the source's innate excellence. Even the copious amounts of fog and steam that populate the movie never struggle to present smoothly and naturally. Colors are strong though certainly darker elements prevail. But reds are a highlight for tonal clarity, accuracy, and stability, flesh tones appear true, and black levels are excellent, leaving no issue with the film's nearly relentless dark and shadow dominant play.
Vampire in Brooklyn bites into Blu-ray with an agreeable, active, and nicely detailed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. It delivers a number of discrete effects over the opening monologue introducing a few morsels of backstory, and moments later, with fuller stage engagement, as a ship crashes into a shack. Throughout the track is never wanting for more power and purpose and stage command. Thunder cracks through the rears with command in chapter eight, one of several examples of the extended stage engagement as well as the elemental depth and detail in play. Music takes full advantage of every speaker in the configuration. It's immersive and it's loud but it's also well balanced and boasts excellent clarity to boot. Dialogue clarity is fine, as is placement and prioritization.
This Blu-ray release of Vampire in Brooklyn contains no supplemental content. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. This release does not ship with a slipcover.
There's really only one movie that walks that fine line between serious Vampire story and lighter support content perfectly, and that's Joel Schumacher's 80s staple The Lost Boys. There's enough talent at work to make Vampire in Brooklyn a close second, but even Murphy and Craven cannot overcome a plodding, weak, and wayward script that struggles to cohesively build a central narrative, never mind balance horror and humor. That's a shame because this is a role Murphy should have devoured. Craven and Cinematographer Mark Irwin do build a wonderfully dense, noir-inspired atmosphere, but the movie ultimately succumbs to its inability to find a voice beyond the aesthetics. Paramount's featureless Blu-ray does deliver high quality video and audio which will please fans. It is to those established fans to whom the disc comes recommended.
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