DVD Collectors Online

Horror of Dracula, a review by Antares

Horror of Dracula (1958) 78/100 - For a Gothic horror film, this really didn't have the atmospheric setting I was used to. Gothic means gray, dingy, musty and loads of dark, creepy cobweb saturated passageways. This film looked like it could have been the setting for a Victorian period drama. But it does give the viewer the needed suspense that makes the Dracula story so popular. I've read that a lot of people feel that Christopher Lee is the consummate Count Dracula, but by judging by what little screen time he as in this film, I guess those people are talking about his subsequent outings in later Hammer films. This is really Peter Cushing's show as Dr. Van Helsing and as usual, he plays it with the reserved intensity that he was famous for in his heyday. The story itself, kind of moves at a somewhat breakneck pace and before you know it, it's over. I've always been a fan of economy in regards to a film's pace and length, but this film could have been given a bit more padding to the story and it wouldn't have been worse for the wear.

What the color coding means...

Teal = Masterpiece
Dark Green = Classic or someday will be
Lime Green = A good, entertaining film
Orange = Average
Red = Cinemuck
Brown = The color of crap, which this film is

(From Antares' Short Summations on October 14th, 2013)

On the Beach, a review by Rich

Underwater to Alaska...



Title: On the Beach

Runtime:198
Certificate:15
Year:2000
Genres:Science-Fiction, Drama, Television

Plot:It's 2006 and most of the world has been devastated by a catastrophic atomic war between China and America. Billions have been wiped out.
Australia is the only refuge for survivors, but radioactive fallout is drifting alarmingly closer. Anarchy and chaos are taking over as tension builds on the loot-ridden streets.
There is one glimmer of hope, a lone American submarine led by Commander Dwight Towers (Armand Assante) sets off in the desesperate search for a faint radio message traced to Alaska.
Their mission is chilling. They see the brutal devastation of the war. Can they see off the end of the world as we know it?
"On the Beach" is based on Nevil Shute's classic novel warning of a terrifying possible future.
This heartbreaking yet exhilarating epic stars ARMAND ASSANTE (Striptease, Hoffa), his love interest is played by RACHEL WARD (Double Jeopardy). Also co-starring STEVE BASTONI (Matrix Reloaded) and BRYAN BROWN (Cocktail).

My Review:
Remake of Kramers classic which starred Peck, Gardner and Astaire. Enjoyed this film, but whoa how depressing is this story! Not the greatest acting or cast list (good to see the lovely Jacqueline Mackenzie ) but Shute's story pulls it through. Let's be honest, we all grumble about sickly Hollywood happy endings, but when they aren't there you feel a bit gloomy! I will hunt down the original now for comparison, for this remake I would recommend it if bought from a bargain bin or to watch on cable/tv.


(From Around the World in 80 DVD's on March 11th, 2008)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

18. Double or Nothing
Original Air Date: 4/22/2002
Even as Fred, Cordelia and Angel come to Gunn's aid when a demon arrives to collect his soul, Wesley realizes his actions have cost him his job and his friends at Angel Investigations.

Guest Stars:
Mark Lutz
Jason Carter
Patrick St. Esprit

My Thoughts:
And we have another episode I enjoyed. This one is less on the season long arc and more a stand alone episode. I must admit I got a kick out of what Gunn sold his soul for. I somehow forgot about it since I last watched it.

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on March 15th, 2010)