Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (Collector’s Edition) – Blu-Ray Review

I can probably count the number of memorable horror anthology films on one hand. For me, there is “Creepshow”, “Twilight Zone: The Movie”, “Trick ‘r Treat”, “Cat’s Eye” and “Tales from the Darkside: The Movie”, There are a few more that I do like, but none of them come even remotely close to the classics I just mentioned.  Arriving on Blu-ray for the first time this week is 1990’s “Tales from the Darkside: The Movie” and it was well worth the wait. John Harrison was tasked with helming the three segments that include “Lot 49” (written by Michael McDowell), “Cat from Hell” (based on Stephen King’s short story and written by George A. Romero), “Lover’s Vow” (written by Michael McDowell) and the wrap around segment that bookended the film.  Even more impressive is the cast that includes a young Steve Buscemi and Julianne Moore.  Rounding out the cast are Debbie Harry, Christian Slater, David Johansen, William Hickey, James Remar and Rae Dawn Chong. For an early 90’s horror flick, that roster is quite impressive.

Like most anthologies, not all the stories are on the same level, however each one remains interesting and never falls flat. The cast in “Lot 49” definitely elevates the material, but it is “Lover’s Vow” that always stuck with me and when I think of the film, the final moments in that segment are the ones I think of most.  The least interesting story here is surprisingly the one from the mind of Stephen King, “Cat from Hell”. The segment was originally supposed to be a part of “Creepshow 2” but was nixed, and I can understand why. Still, it is given a unique visual style that sets it apart from the others.

The HD transfer does look quite good here and should please the fans of the film. However, the true stand-out of this release is the new six-chapter documentary on the making of each segment. “Tales from the Darkside” is easily one of the best anthologies out there and if you have never seen it, I highly recommend checking it out. It delivers the right blend of humor and frights. Also, releasing this disk right before the Halloween season was definitely right choice by Scream Factory.

Bonus Features

• NEW Audio Commentary With Co-Producer David R. Kappes
• NEW Tales Behind The Darkside: The Making Of Four Ghoulish Fables – A Six-Chapter, Feature-Length Documentary Featuring Director John Harrison, Producer Mitchell Galin, Director Of Photography Robert Draper, Production Designer Ruth Ammon, Special Make-Up & Creature Effects Artists Robert Kurtzman, Greg Nicotero, And Howard Berger, Creature Performer Michael Deak, Actors James Remar And Rae Dawn Chong And Editor Harry B. Miller
• Audio Commentary With Director John Harrison And Co-Screenwriter George A. Romero
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• Radio Spots
• Stills Gallery
• Behind-The-Scenes Gallery
• Behind-The-Scenes Footage Compilation

By: Marc Ferman