Dead Ringers (Collector’s Edition): Blu-Ray Review
Arriving on Blu-ray this week is the Collector’s Edition of David Cronenberg’s 1988 psychological horror film, “Dead Ringers”. Considered by many (myself included) as one of the director’s best films, I am glad that “Dead Ringers” has finally been given not only a Blu-ray release, but one packed with a substantial number of bonus features. Not only that, but this two-disk release includes an HD transfer in 1.78:1 aspect ratio as well as a 2K transfer in Cronenberg’s preferred 1.66:1 aspect ratio.
Although, Cronenberg’s remake of “The Fly” remains my personal favorite from the filmmaker, “Dead Ringers” comes in second place. Much of that is due to the fantastic performance from Jeremy Irons who plays both Beverly and Elliot Mantle. The identical twins operate clinical practice that specializes in the treatment of female fertility problems.
Although they look identical, they are quite different mentally. Elliot is confident and outgoing. His brother Beverly is shy and passive. The twins share everything. Their work, their home and even women. Elliot seduces clients and when he grows bored of them, he passes them off to his brother and the women have no clue. Things begin to change when actress Claire Niveau (Geneviève Bujold) enters the picture. Beverly finds himself falling in love with her and this upsets the balance of the twin’s already twisted relationship.
Fans of “Dead Ringers” will want to include this release in their collection.
Bonus Features
DISC ONE
- High-Definition Transfer Of The Film (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
- NEW Audio Commentary With Writer William Beard, Author Of The Artist As Monster: The Cinema Of David Cronenberg
- Audio Commentary With Actor Jeremy Irons
DISC TWO
- NEW 2K Scan At The Director’s Preferred Aspect Ratio (1.66:1)
- NEW Carey’s Story – An Interview With Heidi Von Palleske
- NEW Working Artist – An Interview With Stephen Lack
- NEW Connecting Tissues – An Interview With Special Effects Artist Gordon Smith
- NEW Double Vision – An Interview With Director Of Photography Peter Suschitzky
- Vintage interviews With Jeremy Irons, Director/Co-writer David Cronenberg, Producer Marc Boyman And Co-writer Norman Snider
- Vintage Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
- Original Theatrical Trailer
By: Marc Ferman