Interview With The Vampire (Warner Blu-ray)
Picture:
B Sound: B+ Extras: B- Film: B+
From
Dracula too Count Duckula, the vampire has been redone and reimagined time and
time again; each time a little different than the last. Interview
with the Vampire, based on the Anne Rice classic, redefines the vampire
mythos in a new darkness that makes for a ghastly pleasurable experience. The tale of vampirism spans generations and
lifetimes to explain that life is never what it seems and life does not end
with death.
Interview with the Vampire differs greatly from the novel it
is based on (much to Anne Rice’s chagrin), but in the end is executed in such a
brilliant and memorable manner that it takes on a life of its own through its
differences. The film begins with news
reporter Daniel Malloy (Christian Slater) interviewing a striking “man” named
Louis (Brad Pitt) who claims to be a vampire.
Louis quickly begins to tell the tale of his life, the life of a vampire. Louis begins his life in the year 1791 after
the death of his wife and child. Louis
hell bent on ending his life, is attacked one night by the vampire Lestat (Tom
Cruise) who in turn gives him the choice to be reborn as a vampire; to which
Louis agrees. Lestat teaches Louis the
ways of a vampire; dining unsuspecting mortals at night and sleeping in coffins
during the day. The thought of taking
human lives repulses Louis, however, and chooses to dine on the blood of
animals instead. Not before long,
struggling with his woes of being halfway between life and death, Louis’s
hunger for blood takes over and he takes the life of a small child named
Claudia (Kirsten Dunst); but it was Lestat who immortalized the girl and turned
her into a vampire. The three soon
became a small family, living happily and lavishly as they treated the mortals
as their personal blood buffet. But
happiness was not to stay and trouble began to breakout in the vampire
household as Claudia began to question her past and future; trapped forever in
a childhood limbo, never to grow old.
The rest of the tale unfolds as the vampires travel the globe in search
of their own kind and meaning behind their existence. But the search for reason for existence in
the life of a vampire is a troubled path and the road is wet with blood, tears,
and sorrow.
Interview with the Vampire is a classic film with a strong
cast and an even stronger plot. Whereas
the film can not live up to the novel, it does imaginatively recreate an epic
tale that is complex and intriguing.
Even with all of the violence, big budget, and star power behind the
film; above all else it is a venture in the mind and soul. The vampires search for meaning in their
meaningless existence, but on some level it suggests that we all are doing the
same. Throughout the mundane
trivialities of life, the question of “is there more” plagues all our minds;
and though Interview with the Vampire begs
to ask this question in an unconventional manner, it does in fact ask that very
question and that is its importance and value as a film.
The
technical features on this blood sucking Blu-ray release are excellent in both
picture and sound, but could definitely offer more especially in the area of
special features. The picture is
presented in a 1080p/VC-1 High Definition 1.85 X 1 Widescreen that is
surprisingly fluid for a film that is intentionally dark, gritty, and subdued
in color. With a lighting scheme that is
mainly composed of candlelight, shadows, and dimly lit rooms it is no shocker that
one would expect the film presentation to be less than stellar, but
surprisingly the film looks quite grand as it projects Anne Rice’s vampirism
vision. The image is crisp with solid
blacks, strong flesh tones, and a consistent contrast and depth presentation
that lends to helping make the film look better than ever, but still not the
best. The sound is presented in a Dolby
Digital 5.1 Surround Sound that is clean, crisp, and clear throughout that
maintains a solid directionality from beginning to end as the musical score and
ambient noises both more than adequately project from the speakers. This reviewer is curious why Warner Bros.
insists on continuing to use the Dolby Digital Track instead of some form of
Lossless Audio Track, but the track on Interview
with a Vampire is nice a enough (though a bit front heavy at times) and is
better than the film has ever sounded.
The
extras on this new Blu-ray are limited (presented in standard definition) and
exactly the same as those found on the Special Edition DVD release. Special features include a Commentary Track
from Director Neil Jordan, a Documentary In
the Shadow of the Vampire, an Introduction by Anne Rice, Neil Jordan, and
Antonio Banderas, and a Theatrical Trailer.
The Audio Commentary is one of the best that this reviewer has heard on
a film, Blu-ray or otherwise. Neil
Jordan manages to deliver an audio commentary that is extremely interesting and
informative as he discusses the intricacies of the film that include behind the
scenes arguments, production delays, changes from the Novel, and his overall
relationship with the cast and crew. The
documentary is also a fun and informative supplement that any fan of the film
should greatly enjoy; though it is extremely odd that the documentary makes it
seem as if the production process was smooth, when Neil Jordan explains in the
commentary that it was anything but easy.
The Intro and Trailer are nice, but nothing special. Overall, expect a Blu-ray double dip on this
release as this reviewer is more than certain that there are many more special
features to be had.
Interview with the Vampire takes audiences on a multifaceted
journey through time and life as the experiences of a few select individuals
define the course of nations and empires.
The film beautifully displays the fragility of life through great
performances, amazing cinematography, and a griping storyline that like the
tale itself, will stand the test of time.
- Michael P. Dougherty II
