The Shadow (1994) (Collector’s Edition) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Russell Mulcahy
Starring: Alec Baldwin, John Lone, Penelope Ann Miller
Rated: PG-13/Region A/1:85/1080p/Number of Discs 1
Available from Shout! Factory
Alec Baldwin stars as the legendary crime-fighting superhero in The Shadow, “a spellbinding runaway entertainment ride” (NBC News). Donning his sweeping black cape and disguise, The Shadow takes on his most dangerous nemesis yet: the last descendant of the great Genghis Khan whose weapon of choice is an atomic bomb. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, they square off for a spectacular battle in a dazzling mixture of mind-blowing special effects, humor and a dose of the macabre that will hold you spellbound!
I remember back when I was a kid seeing the TV spots for this film and I then remember people saying it wasn’t a good film after. Now, thanks to this release I have seen the film for myself and I can say that while the movie isn’t anywhere near a great film, it is a good film. It also can bring some nice 1990s style fun to you while watching it. Alec Baldwin gives a very nice performance in a film that does have the spirit of the source inside it. When you take into account how may films along the same lines as this one went in the 90s you have to realize that while it is corny, things aren’t THAT bad with The Shadow.
There is also live in the NEW transfer. Many people have spoke of the horror show that was the Universal release of this film on Blu-ray last year. The Shout Factory transfer is miles above that one. Things don’t seem to washed away and I believe the look of the film makes the film seem pretty cool. Black are still black and people actually have some color to them. It goes like this, The Shadow wasn’t the best action flick of the 90s, it is flawed in a number of ways. I just think those flaws are the same flaws most movies of this time had. The bottom line is the film packs a nice plot, good acting, and it looks pretty cool. You might not love The Shadow, but I don’t think anyone will outright hate it either.
– New interviews with Director Russell Mulcahy, Alec Baldwin, Penelope Ann Miller, Production Designer Joseph Nemec, III., Director Of Photography Stephen H. Burum and Writer David Koepp
– Theatrical Trailer
