I was one of the people who saw Dark City in theaters and liked it then. When the director’s cut came out in 2008 I was interested but didn’t notice that much difference. I appreciate how frustrating it must be to be asked to explain your film to viewers, but it’s not like the opening narration gives away the real twist. I never would have thought the Strangers were regular guys and their early conversations with Dr. Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland) confirm that. I do notice Jennifer Connelly’s singing voice in the director’s cut, otherwise I’m indifferent to either cut but like them both!
This film was made for 4K. Dark is even in the title. In color, it’s styled like noir with sci-fi enhancement so the shadows deepen in 4K. Doorways, smoky nightclub, hallways, the wet streets with green tint, even under the Strangers’ hats maximize the deep void in every shadow.
The surround und sound is mostly subtle background noises like when Murdock (Rufus Sewell) throws the suitcase in the water and it splashes behind you. The tuning and all the resulting destruction also reverberates.
New Line did extensive DVDs in the ‘90s and then again for the director’s cut in 2008 so most of those extras appear to remain.
I can’t compare all three of Alex Proyas’ commentaries but in his newest, he addresses a connection to Knowing, and post-Marvel blockbusters so that factors into his discussion of the sci-fi genre. He’s also employing LCD screens and some form of generative tech on his next adaptation. He also laments commentaries waning in favor of podcasts and social media. Interestingly, he still has reservations he’d change if given the full resources.
The critics commentary are podcasters from Film Versus Film. Unfortunately, Roger Ebert is no longer with us to update his but Craig Anderson, Bruce and Herschel Issacs point out influences of and on other movies with regard to Dark City.
The hour-long retrospective surely complements the previously released bonus features. Two video essays analyze the film with regard to film noir, the Sci-Fi concept of identity and Reality, and the Strangers’ experiment.