Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Fans of SF or horror who can wrap their heads around stories (and the films based on them) like Orwell's 1984 and Burgess' A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, who understand that such stories are meant as cautionary comments on contemporary society more than they are predictions, will appreciate Tobe Hooper's nihilistic "Dance of the Dead," the auteur's first-season entry for Showtime's MASTERS OF HORROR series. Hooper updates those classic cautionary tales to give the world a fresh glimpse into the post-apocalyptic future, this time through a computer-age lens tinted with goth and punk sensibilities.
Hooper's tight and visionary direction is supported by the outstanding cast and crew. Portraying Peggy, the audience's window into the grim future, beautiful Jessica Lowndes exudes unvitiated innocence as her character's eyes are newly opened to the reality of her world. Actor Jonathan Tucker is perfect as Jak, a brooding, introspective black-marketeer who struggles with guilt over the questionable ethics of his vocation. And horror icon Robert Englund's delightfully over-the-top performance as a grizzled, cynical nightclub MC--a sort of post-apocalyptic re-interpretation of Joel Grey's performance in CABARET (1972)--is itself worth the price of Anchor Bay's DVD. The script by Richard Christian Matheson, based on a short story by his famous father, is a literate, frighteningly nihilistic speculation on the post-nine-eleven possibilities that threaten our world. And the frenetic, multi-layered cinematography of Jon Joffin (enhanced by Andrew Cohen's the top-notch editing) perfectly complements the horrific, chaotic atmosphere and lifestyle of the potential future Hooper here depicts.
Any moviegoer who comprehends and enjoys SF-based horror will certainly come away satisfied after watching "Dance of the Dead." While not necessarily the best entry from the first season of MASTERS OF HORROR, it is a great mini-movie nonetheless, and it proves that director Tobe Hooper is, indeed, a master of the genre.
The excellent DVD from Anchor Bay is well worth the price of admission. It offers a pristine digital anamorphic transfer of the flick in its original aspect ratio of 1.77:1. In addition, there are over three hours of cool extras, including two commentary tracks (one featuring director Hooper and one with scripter Matheson), interviews with Tobe Hooper and the main actors, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and more! A fine addition to the film collection of any SF or horror fan.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Masters of Horror: Dance of the Dead (2005)
Studio: Starz/spheRelease Date: 09/25/2007Run time: 59 minutesRating: Nr
Get 47% OFF
Click here for more information about Masters of Horror: Dance of the Dead (2005)
No comments:
Post a Comment