Post by Mark (Webmaster) on Aug 12, 2005 15:26:53 GMT
Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things!
(Anchor Bay UK)[/size][/color]
Buy now at AMAZON - 25% off!
Picture: 1.85:1 Anamorphic widescreen
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, DTS and Stereo 2.0
Discs: 1 (DVD 9)
Region: 2
Released: 22 August 2005
Features:
Easter Egg ¡V Interview with Alan Ormsby
Stills Gallery
Biographies
Film Notes
Audio Commentary with writer/star Alan Ormsby and moderator David Gregory
Story: In a cemetery on a remote island, a detestable theatre director, Alan (played by Alan Ormsby), convinces his reluctant company of actors to take part in a bizarre satanic ritual aimed at reanimating a corpse. The whole thing turns out to be a prank, but buoyed by the success of his caper, Alan decides to try and raise the dead for real with the aid of an ancient book of sorcery. When the ritual apparently fails, Alan insists on dragging a recently disinterred corpse, whom he names Orville, back to the house in which the group are due to spend the night. There, he initiates a sham wedding between Orville and himself and proceeds to mock both the dead and the supernatural forces that have seemingly failed him. Meanwhile, back at the cemetery, the earth is beginning to stir, as the dead are reborn in the form of a vengeful horde of flesh-hungry zombies.
Review:
I'd heard a lot about this movie before it arrived which perhaps had me hyped up a little too much because overall I came away more disappointed than enthralled. It is an unashamed rip-off of George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (not that it tries to hide it) but with none of the pace of Romero's seminal title. Perhaps it's unfair to compare the two as CHILDREN.. clearly heads in a more darkly comedic direction albeit with mixed results.
This isn't to say it doesn't have it's moments: the zombie resurrections and attacks are well shot and edited, the 'corpse' marriage is amusing in it's tastelessness, the eccentric synthesised soundtrack and the make-up effects (also done by main actor Alan Ormsby) are fondly nostalgic. Its main problem is in its structure. For a seventy-minute movie nothing really happens until the last fifteen minutes. What we get are long speeches and hokey banter delivered with a pantomine theatricality that would shame the hammiest of actors. In a strange way it adds to the film's perverse low-budget/campy 70s charm I just wasn't as charmed as some. It's a shame really as there's a lot of potential here it's just never fully explored amidst it's rambling structure.
Despite the brilliantly enticing title (with as more than likely contributed to the films longevity) there was little I found endearing enough to make me want to watch this again although, as always, I'd recommend a viewing to make your own mind up.
NB: For the Evil Dead fan though it's very interesting to see certain plot points and sequences used here that bear an uncanny resemblance to the one's Raimi would some ten years later... watch it and you'll see what I mean...
The DVD
Picture: Relatively good. Contrast and colour saturation are both fine. The picture is clear and sharp considering the movies age, the only main gripe I had was the damage to the print. I don't doubt this movie's been in a worse state but the rips and tears (although sporadic) divert the attention albeit fleetingly. Blemishes are visible during some sequences but don't completely hurt it as a whole. It is however presented in its original aspect ratio (it was shot in 35mm!) which is a definite bonus.
Sound: There's not really a lot in the soundtrack to give the speakers a great work-out, at least not until the zombies attack towards the end. Night sequences work well with crickets and howling wind making good use of the rear channels. The dialogue (and boy is there lot¡¦s of it!) is clear and distinct. Included is the original stereo 2.0 mix for the completist amongst you but if you've got the capability for DTS/5.1 then you won't give this a second look.
I was unable to test the DTS soundtrack.
Menu: AB have included animated menu's as usual that utilise some of the better zombie sequences from the film. As per the norm it also features a sample from the movies score which has a funky synthesised vibe. It's nothing special but it's of a standard that we've come to expect from ABUK.
Packaging: I received the check disc so I'm in no real position to review the packaging although from the cover art I like the use of the original US movie poster, as painted by star Alan Ormsby. This is a nice trend of late with Anchor Bay. Not sure on whether a booklet will be included although I'd expect so.
Special Features -
Audio commentary with Alan Ormsby and moderator David Gregory: Some interesting anecdotes to be found here but it often diverges into random discussions, namely about the state of modern horror movies and the modern remake culture. Star Ormsby has a tough time recalling a lot of the information about the production and spends most of the commentary tearing everything about his performance and the production apart albeit in a light-hearted way. Still these guys are pleasant to listen to and there¡¦re very little periods of silence with Gregory keeping the questions coming. Not bad but not great.
Stills Gallery: This isn't strictly a 'stills' gallery but more of a 'poster' showcase. There are six images in total ¡V five are lobby posters each with a gruesome still and the sixth shows the original press booklet illustrated and written by star Alan (¡§call me ¡¥Jack of all trades¡¦¡¨) Ormsby. It's a great addition to the package, just a shame there's not more that could've been added to it.
Biographies: Standard fare here with most reference given to writer/director Benjamin ¡§Bob¡¨ Clark. Ormsby has a brief paragraph whilst co-star and future director, the late, Jeff Gillen gets a modest two pages. It's a throwaway extra with moderate interest.
Film Notes: Very interesting essay on the movie and its place in shaping the 70s low-budget horror scene. It's a very engaging read.
EASTER EGG ¡V Move down to the 'Extras' option on the 'Main Menu'. Press Right on the remote control. A small grave marking on the right hand-side will be highlighted. Press it for a fifteen-minute interview with star Alan Ormsby. He talks about his 70s horror output and his other works since filming CHILDREN¡K This is more informative than the audio commentary so check it out.
Summary:
Film: 3/5 ¡V Interesting low-budget effort. Very very dull though.
Picture: 2.5/5 ¡V Let down by print tears and blemishes. Still a notable effort.
Sound: 3.5/5 ¡V Nice surround sound mix with DTS included.
Extras: 3.5/5 ¡V No ¡¥making of¡¦ or retrospective is a let-down but otherwise a standard yet solid package.
Overall package:
3/5 Possessed Cheryls ¡V Not a bad package for a once strangely notorious movie.
(Anchor Bay UK)[/size][/color]
Buy now at AMAZON - 25% off!
Picture: 1.85:1 Anamorphic widescreen
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, DTS and Stereo 2.0
Discs: 1 (DVD 9)
Region: 2
Released: 22 August 2005
Features:
Easter Egg ¡V Interview with Alan Ormsby
Stills Gallery
Biographies
Film Notes
Audio Commentary with writer/star Alan Ormsby and moderator David Gregory
Story: In a cemetery on a remote island, a detestable theatre director, Alan (played by Alan Ormsby), convinces his reluctant company of actors to take part in a bizarre satanic ritual aimed at reanimating a corpse. The whole thing turns out to be a prank, but buoyed by the success of his caper, Alan decides to try and raise the dead for real with the aid of an ancient book of sorcery. When the ritual apparently fails, Alan insists on dragging a recently disinterred corpse, whom he names Orville, back to the house in which the group are due to spend the night. There, he initiates a sham wedding between Orville and himself and proceeds to mock both the dead and the supernatural forces that have seemingly failed him. Meanwhile, back at the cemetery, the earth is beginning to stir, as the dead are reborn in the form of a vengeful horde of flesh-hungry zombies.
Review:
I'd heard a lot about this movie before it arrived which perhaps had me hyped up a little too much because overall I came away more disappointed than enthralled. It is an unashamed rip-off of George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (not that it tries to hide it) but with none of the pace of Romero's seminal title. Perhaps it's unfair to compare the two as CHILDREN.. clearly heads in a more darkly comedic direction albeit with mixed results.
This isn't to say it doesn't have it's moments: the zombie resurrections and attacks are well shot and edited, the 'corpse' marriage is amusing in it's tastelessness, the eccentric synthesised soundtrack and the make-up effects (also done by main actor Alan Ormsby) are fondly nostalgic. Its main problem is in its structure. For a seventy-minute movie nothing really happens until the last fifteen minutes. What we get are long speeches and hokey banter delivered with a pantomine theatricality that would shame the hammiest of actors. In a strange way it adds to the film's perverse low-budget/campy 70s charm I just wasn't as charmed as some. It's a shame really as there's a lot of potential here it's just never fully explored amidst it's rambling structure.
Despite the brilliantly enticing title (with as more than likely contributed to the films longevity) there was little I found endearing enough to make me want to watch this again although, as always, I'd recommend a viewing to make your own mind up.
NB: For the Evil Dead fan though it's very interesting to see certain plot points and sequences used here that bear an uncanny resemblance to the one's Raimi would some ten years later... watch it and you'll see what I mean...
The DVD
Picture: Relatively good. Contrast and colour saturation are both fine. The picture is clear and sharp considering the movies age, the only main gripe I had was the damage to the print. I don't doubt this movie's been in a worse state but the rips and tears (although sporadic) divert the attention albeit fleetingly. Blemishes are visible during some sequences but don't completely hurt it as a whole. It is however presented in its original aspect ratio (it was shot in 35mm!) which is a definite bonus.
Sound: There's not really a lot in the soundtrack to give the speakers a great work-out, at least not until the zombies attack towards the end. Night sequences work well with crickets and howling wind making good use of the rear channels. The dialogue (and boy is there lot¡¦s of it!) is clear and distinct. Included is the original stereo 2.0 mix for the completist amongst you but if you've got the capability for DTS/5.1 then you won't give this a second look.
I was unable to test the DTS soundtrack.
Menu: AB have included animated menu's as usual that utilise some of the better zombie sequences from the film. As per the norm it also features a sample from the movies score which has a funky synthesised vibe. It's nothing special but it's of a standard that we've come to expect from ABUK.
Packaging: I received the check disc so I'm in no real position to review the packaging although from the cover art I like the use of the original US movie poster, as painted by star Alan Ormsby. This is a nice trend of late with Anchor Bay. Not sure on whether a booklet will be included although I'd expect so.
Special Features -
Audio commentary with Alan Ormsby and moderator David Gregory: Some interesting anecdotes to be found here but it often diverges into random discussions, namely about the state of modern horror movies and the modern remake culture. Star Ormsby has a tough time recalling a lot of the information about the production and spends most of the commentary tearing everything about his performance and the production apart albeit in a light-hearted way. Still these guys are pleasant to listen to and there¡¦re very little periods of silence with Gregory keeping the questions coming. Not bad but not great.
Stills Gallery: This isn't strictly a 'stills' gallery but more of a 'poster' showcase. There are six images in total ¡V five are lobby posters each with a gruesome still and the sixth shows the original press booklet illustrated and written by star Alan (¡§call me ¡¥Jack of all trades¡¦¡¨) Ormsby. It's a great addition to the package, just a shame there's not more that could've been added to it.
Biographies: Standard fare here with most reference given to writer/director Benjamin ¡§Bob¡¨ Clark. Ormsby has a brief paragraph whilst co-star and future director, the late, Jeff Gillen gets a modest two pages. It's a throwaway extra with moderate interest.
Film Notes: Very interesting essay on the movie and its place in shaping the 70s low-budget horror scene. It's a very engaging read.
EASTER EGG ¡V Move down to the 'Extras' option on the 'Main Menu'. Press Right on the remote control. A small grave marking on the right hand-side will be highlighted. Press it for a fifteen-minute interview with star Alan Ormsby. He talks about his 70s horror output and his other works since filming CHILDREN¡K This is more informative than the audio commentary so check it out.
Summary:
Film: 3/5 ¡V Interesting low-budget effort. Very very dull though.
Picture: 2.5/5 ¡V Let down by print tears and blemishes. Still a notable effort.
Sound: 3.5/5 ¡V Nice surround sound mix with DTS included.
Extras: 3.5/5 ¡V No ¡¥making of¡¦ or retrospective is a let-down but otherwise a standard yet solid package.
Overall package:
3/5 Possessed Cheryls ¡V Not a bad package for a once strangely notorious movie.