Before he took audiences on an adventure through the Multiverse of Madness (2022), or swinging through the streets of New York several times with Spider-Man (2002, 2004, 2007), or battling the Army of Darkness (1992) in the medieval period, filmmaker Sam Raimi introduced audiences to a superhero of a different sort, one not connected to any previous cannon or lore, though deeply inspired by the style of Universal Picture’s classic monster tales, as well as the stories that inspired them. This film, Darkman (1990), featured Liam Neeson (A Million Ways to Die in the West), Frances McDormand (Nomadland), and Larry Drake (Dr. Giggles), and, since its original release, has spawned multiple sequels and an excited fan base. Now, 34 years later, Scream Factory offers fans a new remaster to enhance home viewing with a first-time 4K UHD edition that includes all legacy materials from the prior 2014 Scream Factory collector’s edition and new audio commentary from filmmaker “superfan” Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within).
In the city of Los Angeles, scientist Dr. Peyton Westlake (Neeson) and his lawyer girlfriend Julie (McDormand) lived a very happy and fulfilling life. He worked to develop synthetic skin to help those with injuries or physical maladies for recovery; she made sure that those in breach of the law were caught. However, when one of her cases attracts the attention of those who do bad things to those who uncover their secrets, Peyton is attacked at this lab, badly beaten, and blown up. Presumed dead, Peyton is mourned by Julie and tries to move on. But Peyton isn’t dead, he’s just horribly scarred physical and changed neurologically and chemically, making him super strong and unaware of pain. Consumed with psychological pain and unending fury, he seeks revenge, and, with the synthetic skin, he may just have the way to infiltrate the bastards who took away his life and do the same to them.
Raimi’s filmography, the ones I’ve seen, have always connected with me in some shape or form. One of my favorite films is Army of Darkness, partially because I love lead Bruce Campbell’s performance, but mostly for the way Raimi interweaves slapstick, the absurd, horror, drama, and romance into the third Evil Dead outing without ever undercutting or otherwise disrupting the tone. He establishes his world and then follows the rules to the letter. The same can be said for all three of his Spider-Man films (even if the third is too bloated with characters and arcs for strong cohesion (Thanks, Sony)), with each one being a grounded tale of superheroism possessing moments of fantasy and the outlandish characters to go with it. Of course, by leaning on practical effects, the Raimi films often feel more realistic and possible in a way that even our favorite current MCU films just don’t. But it was this watch of Darkman where it really hit me why this film, more than some of the others, lingers, even if it’s not my number one film: Darkman isn’t just a superhero story, it’s an ode to Universal’s monsters (Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, etc.) with the Darkman persona mainly drawing from Erik, a.k.a The Phantom of the Opera. It’s there in the characterization of Peyton as a man of science and reason whose violent attack results in his charred outside and fried insides, creating terror within those who see him and his blown nerves making him more prone to dysregulation and violent outbursts. He’d rather save the world through science, but he’s been regulated to the shadows and left to plot revenge on those who hurt him. Those who’ve read Gaston Leroux’s original novel (I have read a translation and it’s fantastic) understand Erik to be highly intelligent and skilled, but turned into a sideshow freak spectacle before going into hiding. A nod to this comes at the fair sequence when Peyton (wearing synthetic skin) has reconnected with Julie and, just as he’s about to tell her the truth, sees a member of that fair’s sideshow brought out and changes course on what he says to her. Of course, the costuming for Darkman between the black cloak and wrappings is just the beginning of the references with the use of green screen, matte backgrounds, and transitions (such as Julie going from the wreckage of the lab to the cemetery) each possessing various nods to other Universal works. Doesn’t hurt that at 95 minutes, the script by Raimi, Ivan Raimi (Army of Darkness), Chuck Pfarrer (Hard Target), Daniel Goldin (Out on a Limb), and Joshua Goldin (Out on a Limb) never lets up for a moment. Sure we get moments of quiet, but once the attack happens, it’s all go go go, and it’s an absolute ride.
Before we head into the review of the remaster, do note that Scream Factory has two versions of the 4K UHD edition available: a regular 4K UHD Blu-ray combo and a steelbook. The art is based on the original poster for the film, just presented a little differently on each. For those familiar with the 2014 collector’s edition, that one featured reversible art, whereas this one only has one style per edition. Additionally, Scream is offering packages that can include stickers, posters, lobby cards, and a pin; it just depends on the version you select and the price point that’s best for you. The most expensive version is the $129.99 steelbook that includes a pin, prism sticker, two posters, and lobby cards, while the least is regular combo for $35.99. The on-disc features are the same for each and both include both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray disc.
DARKMAN Scream Factory steelbook bundle. Photo courtesy of Shout! Studios.
As someone who also owns both the prior DVD and the 2014 collector’s edition, there needs to be a good reason for someone like me to get the 4K UHD edition. In this case, Scream provides it with a video remaster that captures even more details in the video presentation. When Peyton is bandaged up and spinning in the physical therapy machine, you can note the difference in color in the wrappings. This is perhaps the first time I’ve noticed that they’re more cream-colored than straight white on his body. After he’s re-setup his lab and has begun working on his revenge plan, there’s a shot of a regular left hand and a damaged right one typing. Now, this is a shot that is typical Rami and utilizes a bit of stop motion overlay, but with the 4K UHD we can notice more of the charcoal-like coloring on the right one, as well as additional details of the prop hand. Honestly, it’s in the prosthetics that the extra detail is most noticeable and that really comes into play with the final scenes of the film where Peyton’s synthetic skin is no longer in use and the wrappings covering his face are gone after his fight to save Julie. Here, you can really see the shades of red and black that make up the decaying remains of Peyton’s visage. It’s a small thing but it also connects to the internal arc Peyton goes through where he hid from who he is post-accident, as though fully transformed into this hero that’s more harbinger of death than ray of sunshine. There’s plenty of grain in the outdoor daytime sequences and the use of green screen and signature Rami transitions all ground the film in its period, but the video is otherwise free from grain, distortions, dirt, and other materials.
Be advised: there’s no upgrade in the audio component of the remaster. This edition has the same audio mix as the 2014 release, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, no Atmos or remix.
Regarding the bonus features, if you owned the 2014 collector’s edition, there’s very little that’s new here that may warrant or justify snagging this version. It’s great that all of the previous materials — the featurettes, galleries, deleted scenes, interviews, and audio commentary from Darkman cinematographer Bill Pope (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World; Baby Driver) — are included here, but the only new on the 4K UHD edition is a assortment of deleted scenes totaling 37 minutes and a new audio commentary between Reverend Entertainment’s Justin Beahm and Ruben. The commentary track is fantastic as Ruben lives up to the title “superfan” throughout the film, excitedly in awe of various details related to the staging, narrative, or technical side of the film. Amusingly, I found myself so distracted by the Ruben that I had to turn it off from time to time so I could enjoy the movie, too. Luckily, turning it on and off is an easy matter from the pop-up menu screen.
As someone who’s enjoyed Darkman since the early ‘90s, making friends with folks in college and having group watches with it, it’s great to see a film like this get the remaster treatment it deserves. That the comedy, horror, and drama from a performance, narrative, and technical perspective still holds up, providing lessons on what could or should be done in film today, is noteworthy. Even if the new bonus features may not be enough to have folks running to snag this, take comfort in knowing that this 4K UHD was clearly put together with love and affection for this fan favorite. So if you decide to get it, just make sure you’ve taken a close look at your options and go where your budget feels most comfortable.
Darkman 4K UHD Blu-ray Combo Special Features:
- *NEW* 4K Restoration from the original camera negative in Dolby Vision (HDR-10 compatible) Approved by Director Sam Raimi and Director Of Photography Bill Pope
- Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 2.0
- *NEW* Audio commentary with Reverend Entertainment’s Justin Beahm and filmmaker/Darkman Superfan Josh Ruben
- Audio Commentary with Bill Pope
- *NEW* Deleted Scenes (36:59)
- “Dissecting Darkman” – An Interview with Actor Liam Neeson
- Interview with Actor Frances McDormand
- “The Name Is Durant” – An Interview with Actor Larry Drake
- “The Face of Revenge” – Interview with Makeup Designer Tony Gardner
- “Henchman Tales” – Interviews with Actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell
- “Dark Design” – An Interview with Production Designer Randy Ser and Art Director Philip Dagort
- Vintage “Making-Of” Featurette – Featuring Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, and more…
- Vintage Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spots
- Still Galleries – Posters and Production Stills, Behind The Scenes, Make-Up Effects and Storyboards
Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray Combo February 20th, 2024.
For more information on all of home release editions of the Darkman films, head to the official Shout! Studios Darkman webpage.
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Categories: Home Release, Recommendation
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