Post by Mark (Webmaster) on Nov 22, 2004 13:42:18 GMT
Children of the Corn Trilogy Digipack Boxset
(Anchor Bay UK) - Part 2
*** BUY BOXSET FROM AMAZON WITH BIG DISCOUNT ***
[glow=red,2,300]CHILDREN OF THE CORN III: URBAN HARVEST
[/glow]
Picture: 1.85:1 Anamorphic and 4:3 version
Sound: Dolby Digital: stereo 2.0, optional 5.1 and DTS 5.1 surround sound
Story: CHILDREN OF THE CORN III: URBAN HARVEST, fate casts two young brothers, Eli (Daniel Cerny) and Joshua (Ron Melendez), out of rural Nebraska and into the heart of Chicago, where they are welcomed with open arms by their new foster parents. Unknown to those around him, Eli is an emissary of evil, a demonic disciple with the power to capture the minds and souls of other children and to lead them in a terrifying war of retribution on the adult population. Starring Hollywood veteran Rance Howard (Toolbox Murders), this third film in the "Children Of The Corn" series is perhaps most notable for marking the feature film debuts of Nicholas Brendon (Xander from Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and an uncredited Charlize Theron (Monster).
Review:
The routine horror continues with the location being the only thing that's changed but it's for the better!. With the change comes a new slice of life into the franchise albeit temporary cause we're soon thrust into the old direct-to-video horror fare we've seen time and time again. First time director James Hickox (former editor and brother of Hellraiser III¡¦s Anthony Hickox) goes through the motions with a small slice of style all the way towards the characteristically over the top climax.
Nothing exceptional but it's enjoyable in an instantaneously forgettable way but by the end it feels like the premise has really come home. Alas it wasn¡¦t to be the end and part 8 is due sometime next year from Miramax. Harvey, leave the dead horse alone please (also apply to Hellrasier, Prophecy etc).
The DVD
Picture: This version also comes in a 4:3 format with 16x9 widescreen enhancement. Which for such a small film shows a dedication from ABUK that previous UK releases have lacked. Still the grain is there and in a film not more than a decade old it¡¦s disappointing bu to tbe fair a film like this isn¡¦t really worth of the costly restoration process.
Sound: Can you believe the range of mixes available here? The sound design is a little more bombastic, typical of the mid nineties, so in the 5.1 mix the subwoofer gets a full workout with the rear channels used at every chance. Nice mix. Unable to check the DTS mix but a stereo 2.0 surround mix is also included.
Menu: See previous.
Special Features:
None. Nada. Although you could say the addition of the 4:3 version is an extra.
Summary:
Film: 3/5 ¡V Enjoyable stuff but pretty much more of the same.
Picture: 3/5 ¡V The grain the grain. And that¡¦s not a pun either.
Sound: 4/5 ¡V 5.1 mix is nicely done with good distribution between the channels.
Extras: 1/5 ¡V There aren't any here except the 4:3 version which is crap.
Overall package: 2/5 Possessed Cheryls ¡V standard horror fare with slightly over stylised visuals. No extras though but there's a great sound mix (including DTS!)
[glow=red,2,300]OVERALL BOXSET[/glow]
Packaging: The set comes in a great lenticular box this means it has a holographic image of a scythe cutting through the set title on the front. Wonderful touch. The discs are presented in a fold out pigipack style along with a small collectors booklet that glosses over the first three movies without condescending their existence. Great packaging from Anchor Bay. These films are also available separately.
Summary: Great work from Anchor Bay but it¡¦s fair to say that has the films go on the attention to the overall package dwindles except in the audio areas. It¡¦s a 100% improvement on the previously available CINEMA CLUB box set though and if you¡¦re a fan of the movies they are a must. Even if you haven¡¦t sent these movies before this set is a steal at the price. Worth checking out for the treatment but keep your receipt.
(Anchor Bay UK) - Part 2
*** BUY BOXSET FROM AMAZON WITH BIG DISCOUNT ***
[glow=red,2,300]CHILDREN OF THE CORN III: URBAN HARVEST
[/glow]
Picture: 1.85:1 Anamorphic and 4:3 version
Sound: Dolby Digital: stereo 2.0, optional 5.1 and DTS 5.1 surround sound
Story: CHILDREN OF THE CORN III: URBAN HARVEST, fate casts two young brothers, Eli (Daniel Cerny) and Joshua (Ron Melendez), out of rural Nebraska and into the heart of Chicago, where they are welcomed with open arms by their new foster parents. Unknown to those around him, Eli is an emissary of evil, a demonic disciple with the power to capture the minds and souls of other children and to lead them in a terrifying war of retribution on the adult population. Starring Hollywood veteran Rance Howard (Toolbox Murders), this third film in the "Children Of The Corn" series is perhaps most notable for marking the feature film debuts of Nicholas Brendon (Xander from Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and an uncredited Charlize Theron (Monster).
Review:
The routine horror continues with the location being the only thing that's changed but it's for the better!. With the change comes a new slice of life into the franchise albeit temporary cause we're soon thrust into the old direct-to-video horror fare we've seen time and time again. First time director James Hickox (former editor and brother of Hellraiser III¡¦s Anthony Hickox) goes through the motions with a small slice of style all the way towards the characteristically over the top climax.
Nothing exceptional but it's enjoyable in an instantaneously forgettable way but by the end it feels like the premise has really come home. Alas it wasn¡¦t to be the end and part 8 is due sometime next year from Miramax. Harvey, leave the dead horse alone please (also apply to Hellrasier, Prophecy etc).
The DVD
Picture: This version also comes in a 4:3 format with 16x9 widescreen enhancement. Which for such a small film shows a dedication from ABUK that previous UK releases have lacked. Still the grain is there and in a film not more than a decade old it¡¦s disappointing bu to tbe fair a film like this isn¡¦t really worth of the costly restoration process.
Sound: Can you believe the range of mixes available here? The sound design is a little more bombastic, typical of the mid nineties, so in the 5.1 mix the subwoofer gets a full workout with the rear channels used at every chance. Nice mix. Unable to check the DTS mix but a stereo 2.0 surround mix is also included.
Menu: See previous.
Special Features:
None. Nada. Although you could say the addition of the 4:3 version is an extra.
Summary:
Film: 3/5 ¡V Enjoyable stuff but pretty much more of the same.
Picture: 3/5 ¡V The grain the grain. And that¡¦s not a pun either.
Sound: 4/5 ¡V 5.1 mix is nicely done with good distribution between the channels.
Extras: 1/5 ¡V There aren't any here except the 4:3 version which is crap.
Overall package: 2/5 Possessed Cheryls ¡V standard horror fare with slightly over stylised visuals. No extras though but there's a great sound mix (including DTS!)
[glow=red,2,300]OVERALL BOXSET[/glow]
Packaging: The set comes in a great lenticular box this means it has a holographic image of a scythe cutting through the set title on the front. Wonderful touch. The discs are presented in a fold out pigipack style along with a small collectors booklet that glosses over the first three movies without condescending their existence. Great packaging from Anchor Bay. These films are also available separately.
Summary: Great work from Anchor Bay but it¡¦s fair to say that has the films go on the attention to the overall package dwindles except in the audio areas. It¡¦s a 100% improvement on the previously available CINEMA CLUB box set though and if you¡¦re a fan of the movies they are a must. Even if you haven¡¦t sent these movies before this set is a steal at the price. Worth checking out for the treatment but keep your receipt.