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From Amazon.co.uk
If you're a fan of brooding comic-book anti-heroes, got a nihilistic jolt from The Crow (1994) and share director Alex Proyas's highly developed preoccupation for style over substance, you might be tempted to call Dark City an instant classic of visual imagination. It's one of those films that exists in a world purely of its own making, setting its own rules and playing by them fairly, so that even its derivative elements (and there are quite a few) acquire their own specific uniqueness. Before long, however, the film becomes interesting only as a triumph of production design. And while that's certainly enough to grab your attention (Blade Runner is considered a classic, after all), it's painfully clear that Dark City has precious little heart and soul. One-dimensional characters are no match for the film's abundance of retro-futuristic style, so it's best to admire the latter on its own splendidly cinematic terms. Trivia buffs will be interested to know that the film's 50-plussets (partially inspired by German expressionism) were built at the Fox Film Studios in Sydney, Australia, home base of director Alex Proyas and producer Andrew Mason. The underground world depicted in the film required the largest indoor set ever built in Australia. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien, Ian Richardson, William Hurt, Colin Friels, Frank Gallacher, Bruce Spence, Ritchie Singer, Nicholas Bell, Melissa George, Jeanette Cronin, David Wenham Director: Alex Proyas
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By chuckles
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Blu-ray
I have to say, like many, I missed this when it came out at the cinema so this was brand new for me. I think that it was a shame this missed out on the publicity as it is not a million miles away from the Matrix, and a year earlier, however with the ground breaking special effects and the big name cast, the Matrix seems to have taken all the glory. This disc contains both the original and theatrical releases, and with lots of extras this is a great disc for fans and new viewers alike. The film itself is a clever sci-fun/murder mystery film which keeps you interested for the whole time. It also looks and sounds good on the blu-ray transfer, giving you a great idea of the in depth and atmospheric sets. I enjoyed this very much!
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I really loved this film. Strangely it's criticized for being more form than substance. Well yes, the movie is very stylish. And yes, it's a bit of a comic book world, with caricatural protagonists -- the dark city, the sad cop, the beautiful singer, the mad scientist. But far from being a weakness, this is a crucial element of the plot. I won't give it away; let's just say it's quite clever, even breath-taking and paradoxical. Like the Matrix, it was filmed in Australia, and it shares some of that film's (and that country's?) gloomy esthetic and mystical bent, without the fancy martial arts but with a tighter, more original and poetic plot. I haven't seen this film in a few years -- I really want to get the DVD soon!
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. M. Poole
Format:DVD
Breathtaking film. Beautiful to look at and it hurts your head to follow the plot. It's agressively intelligent and it doesn't wait for the popcorn public to catch up - you pay attention or you miss out.
That said, it's worth the effort, as all the strands fall neatly into place. Second and subsequent viewing show how everything was there for you to understand from the start if you could just get the jigsaw puzzle pieces to hold still long enough.
Extremely good performances from Rufus Sewell (Martha Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence), William Hurt (Gorky Park, The Big Chill), Keiffer Sutherland (Lost Boys, 24), Richard O'Brian (Rocky Horror Show) and the sadly missed Ian Richardson (House of Cards, Hogfather). Where could you find a cast like that now?
It's all crafted by Alex Proyas, who went on to make a splendid job of I Robot.
Highly original, highly thought provoking, highly entertaining and highly recommended!
That said, it's worth the effort, as all the strands fall neatly into place. Second and subsequent viewing show how everything was there for you to understand from the start if you could just get the jigsaw puzzle pieces to hold still long enough.
Extremely good performances from Rufus Sewell (Martha Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence), William Hurt (Gorky Park, The Big Chill), Keiffer Sutherland (Lost Boys, 24), Richard O'Brian (Rocky Horror Show) and the sadly missed Ian Richardson (House of Cards, Hogfather). Where could you find a cast like that now?
It's all crafted by Alex Proyas, who went on to make a splendid job of I Robot.
Highly original, highly thought provoking, highly entertaining and highly recommended!
46 of 50 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. A. Nash
Format:Blu-ray
I have always liked the film but on blu ray it is something else. The picture quality is stunning as well as the sound.
What should be noted is that the blu ray disk contains both the theatrical cut(100mins) and the directors cut (111mins). The disk is also packed with an extensive range of extras such as 5 commentries and numerous making of documentries.
Overall this is one of my favourite blu ray disks and for the price it is a must buy for any fans of the film or any fans of science fiction in general.
What should be noted is that the blu ray disk contains both the theatrical cut(100mins) and the directors cut (111mins). The disk is also packed with an extensive range of extras such as 5 commentries and numerous making of documentries.
Overall this is one of my favourite blu ray disks and for the price it is a must buy for any fans of the film or any fans of science fiction in general.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
A bizarre comic book land (think Dick Tracy with less light) and a twisting storyling will keep you gripped, and the plot is very satisfying as it ties up all the loose ends and answers all the questions. But the DVD is really not up to scratch. The transfer is non-anamorphic, the featurette is very 'blink and you'll miss it' and the 'making of' is laughable. This is all an even greater shame when you see that the Region 1 DVD is packed with great things... once again region 2 residents are second class citizens!
A great film, a poor DVD.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
Wow, quality-wise you can really tell the difference from the DVD. Also, if you have not watched this film already, and like your sc-fi, buy this film now! It is one you will watch again and again, and will compliment your blu-ray collection. Great story, great style, great film.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Neilio
Format:DVD
This is definitely the definitive version of Dark City that everyone should see. After watching it for the first time I was amazed at how heavily edited the original version was especially in the beginning half of the movie. In this version the added pieces of narrative help flesh out the characters and keep the movie's pace consistent, without making it too long. I also noticed it's easier to hear the dialogue as the soundtrack has been toned down from the less dramatic scenes, and it seems that Jennifer Connelly is actually singing in this version, either that or they've improved the overdub. Overall this still remains (even more so now) one of my favourite movies of all time!
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Rebel Scum
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Please ignore Amazon's review of the film. Dark City is a classic, one of the best science fiction films ever made. To say that it is a triumph of design over substance demostrates a total lack of understanding of the film. Yes the film is beatiful to look at, but the complexity of story is rewarding in equal measure.
This film is crying out for a Special Edition/Director's Cut.
If you have never watched this film before it is strongly recomended that you mute the narrative right at the start of the film and keep it on mute until the opening titles begin.
This film is crying out for a Special Edition/Director's Cut.
If you have never watched this film before it is strongly recomended that you mute the narrative right at the start of the film and keep it on mute until the opening titles begin.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
classic
Not going in to detail but in my book this is one of the all time classic science fiction films. Blew my mind in 1999 :)
Published 20 days ago by Stu
5.0 out of 5 stars
An incredible film
I find it hard to summon the words to describe how much I love this film. I first encountered the standard release about 7 years ago and quickly realised that, although it has... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Bakeneko
5.0 out of 5 stars
Directors cut
Interesting to see the whole version and how the director wanted the production. This is one of the most interesting sci-fi's I have seen lately.
Published 2 months ago by Laban
4.0 out of 5 stars
hmmmmm
Wasnt expecting much but i definitely got more than i bargained for. Yay, richard obrien is back. Love that weirdo hehe. Read more
Published 2 months ago by what a waste of money
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ok film
It is an ok film to watch. Similar in feel to Blade runner. If you liked that film, this film is worth a watch.
Published 3 months ago by Jutty P
1.0 out of 5 stars
rubbish
filled with a sense of "i can't wait" to being totally disappointed by this and the poor quality of the acting
Published 4 months ago by Mr. C. P. Voyce
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hidden Gem and a future cult classic
This film is very impressive and I don't know how I ever missed it at the Cinema.
Yes it is dated (1998), yes it has its faults, but it is overall a flawless... Read more
Yes it is dated (1998), yes it has its faults, but it is overall a flawless... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Thomas Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars
Can hold it's head high
Right, lets get to it: this is NOT Bladerunner, this is NOT one of the Matrix series: is it as good? Read more
Published 5 months ago by RJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
dark and odd, but totally brilliant
This film is a collision between Sam Spade type noir, Philip K Dick layered (un)reality in a Lynchian dystopia. Clearly if none of those appeal then this not the film for you. Read more
Published 5 months ago by tallmanbaby
5.0 out of 5 stars
"When was the last time you remember doing something during the day?"
Dark City had the misfortune of being released at the same time as Titanic, it didn't perform well at the cinema and although it gained a strong following when it came out on VHS -... Read more
Published 5 months ago by @GeekZilla9000
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