Sleepwalkers (Collector’s Edition): Blu-Ray Review

Out of all the films out there based on Stephen King stories, only a few of the screenplays were written by the author.  Two of my favorites would be the anthologies, “Cat’s Eye” and “Creepshow”, but my favorite feature narrative from King would be 1992’s “Sleepwalkers”, directed by Mick Garris. This was King’s first feature that was written specifically as a movie. Thanks to Scream Factory, a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is now available.

Charles Brady (Brian Krause) and his mother Mary (Alice Krige) are nomadic shapeshifting vampires, and the very last of their species. Instead of feeding on blood, they feed on the lifeforce of virgin women. When the mother and son more to a small town in Indiana, Charles sets his sights on Tanya Robertson (Mädchen Amick), a beautiful high school student who is also a virgin. Just what he and his mother need to survive.

It doesn’t take long for Tanya to fall for Charles and from there, “Sleepwalkers” does tend to get a bit campy. However, Charles’ reaction when he gets stabbed in the eye later in the film, happens to be one of my all-time favorites in the genre.  The set-up in “Sleepwalkers” is much stronger than the final act. Which does involve a gang of cats (that are lethal to Charles and Mary). Much of the credit goes to Garris, seemed to have some fun with this one. Brian Krause is also good here. I watched his series “Charmed” which came about six years later. He nails the clean-cut, boy-next-door thing, but it’s more fun when we know he has devious intentions.

There are some great new bonus features, including interviews with Garris, Amick, Krause, and Krige. There are also interviews with make-up effects and prosthetics designers Tony Garner and Mike Smithson. The Blu-ray itself also looks great. If you are a fan of “Sleepwalkers”, this release is for you.

Bonus Features

• NEW Audio Commentary With Director Mick Garris And Actors Mädchen Amick And Brian Krause
• NEW Feline Trouble – An Interview With Director Mick Garris
• NEW When Charles Met Tanya – A Conversation With Actors Mädchen Amick And Brian Krause
• NEW Family Values – An Interview With Actress Alice Krige
• NEW Feline Trouble: The FX Of Stephen King’s Sleepwalkers – Interviews With Special Make-up Effects Creator Tony Gardner And Prosthetics Designer Mike Smithson
• Behind-The-Scenes Footage
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• Still Gallery

By: Marc Ferman