I loved Darkman the first time I saw it and have ever since. When Sam Raimi was hired for Spider-Man I knew he could do it because I already saw his superhero movie. But beyond that I related to the melodrama. We all feel like we’re the unlovable freak. Darkman feels that way because his face has been burned off and his pain receptors removed. Most of us aren’t that extreme but the feeling is true.
The new Scream Factory 4K UHD captures the original film release (which I saw again in a theater last year). You see the grain.
The figure of Darkman (Liam Neeson) was always so striking. Covered in bandages, wearing a black coat that functions as a cape essentially, and a fedora, he still cuts a mean figure in 4K. Then of course the unbandaged face. That makeup still holds up and looks like fresh wounds
Since he’s Darkman there is a lot of deep shadow. Raimi loves to show actions in shadow on wall. The first alley he sleeps in, his burnt out lab, the abandoned factory where he sets up shop, the sewer and the construction site finale all boast enhanced darkness in 4K.
The sound is mostly a stereo mix. Some musics stings in rear, and choice sound effects of the gas explosion, rain, some gunshots and the helicopter do hit the surrounds.
37 minutes deleted scenes are the closest we’ll probably get to a director’s cut. The are in good quality from work print film. Some of it is just inserts on the warehouse opening, scanning body parts for the skin machine and inserts of Darkman’s inner rage.
There is more friendship with his lab assistant Yakitito (Nelson Mashita). We see Julie (Frances McDormand) facing sexism with clients and negotiating for property, which beefs up her role but really doesn’t add to the story. Strack (Colin Friel)’s father was entirely deleted.
You see when Darkman kidnapped Rick (Ted Raimi) and rick has a whole subplot. Darkman does freed the stray cats in his factory laboratory. He also tries on a fat suit for his Pauly (Nicholas Worth) costume. Wonder what store he went to for that.
The Strack nude scene should absolutely have been left in. It’s magnificent mustache twirling.
You also see a bit of the business meeting before Darkman breaks through the window hanging from the helicopter.
With production sound it’s amazing how clearly Neeson could speak in the full makeup.
The new commentary with superfan Josh Ruben speaks to the VHS era that gave Darkman life beyond the theater. As a filmmaker himself, he points out subtleties that influenced him, like lighting of specific objets. With host Justin Beam, the commentary also works as an appreciation of Darkman as they get into aesthetics and prose special aspects of the film.
Plus, the Blu-ray includes the substantial previous interviews, like McDormand’s reflections of battles with Raimi.