 Dark Sky Films // Buy from Amazon.comWhen Dr. Martin (Robert Powell) arrives at the Dunsmoor Asylum for the incurably insane, he expects to be interviewed by asylum director Dr. Starr. Instead he is met by Dr. Rutherford (Patrick Magee), who explains that Dr. Starr had suffered a mental breakdown and now is one of the patients. Dr. Rutherford decides that if Martin can deduce which one is really Dr. Starr, then he will be given the position. Is it Bonnie (Barbara Parkins), whose affair with a married man turns murderous? Is it Bruno (Barry Morse), a hardluck tailor visited by a mysterious stranger (Peter Cushing) with a blueprint and very special fabric for an unusual suit? Is it Barbara (Charlotte Rampling), accused of murdering her brother and her nurse but insisting that her friend Lucy (Britt Ekland) was responsible; Or is it Dr. Byron (Herbert Lom) who claims the ability to transfer collecting? Much in the same vein as the more recently-released "Creepshow" or "Tales from the Darkside" films, "Asylum" is a collection of several mini-stories, all woven together by a narrator and underlying story. The film was released 35 years ago, so it is definitely showing its age (as it's just not scary in this day & age, where freaky J-horror and mind-screws like "Saw" will keep you up for days) - but, because of it's age, there's a sort of nostalgic charm that it has, kind of like a warm, comforting blanket made up of creepy 70s horror stories that you can wrap yourself up in to enjoy! The stories all vary in their scare-factor - as well as their interest level - but I was really intrigued by the novel premise that joins them together (that of the would-be head of the mental institution having to guess which one of the loonies within is his predecessor) and the well-crafted reveal at the end of the movie. They don't make films like this anymore - and if they did, they'd be called "thrillers" and rated PG, while guts & limbs are torn asunder in what we get to call horror in the 21st century. However, that doesn't mean this isn't well worth your time, as it is a well-crafted film that makes for excellent viewing one lazy weekend when you're lounging about the house, looking for something different to check out. Video Remastered and presented in a 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer, the picture quality is surprisingly strong (given the age of this film) - crips detail, rich coloring and nary a hint of print damage to be found. Nice job! Audio The soundtrack is delivered in its original Dolby mono mix, and while you could not call it an especially wonderful-sounding mix, it is audible throughout, so no griping here. Extras Closing Thoughts Some first-rate 70s horror + excellent assortment of extras = enjoyable old-school horror that's pretty much safe for viewing by the entire family! (it's not that scary anymore, y'see...) Labels: review |
