- Director : Joel Schumacher
- Actors : Kimberly Scott, Julia Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, Hope Davis, William Baldwin
- Media Format : Anamorphic, NTSC, Surround Sound, Widescreen
- Run time : 1 hour and 54 minutes
- Studio : Arrow Video
- MPAA rating : R (Restricted)
- Country of Origin : USA
- Number of discs : 1
- Release date : August 2, 2022
After the gore-soaked horror films of the
1980s, which were more often interested in base entertainment above all else,
Flatliners was an intelligent alternative to start off the 1990s. Rather than scenes
focused on creative ways for characters to die, Flatliners asked questions
about what happens after death. Directed by Joel Schumacher (St. Elmo's Fire,
The Lost Boys), Flatliners is a psychological thriller that takes its
time to build suspense and develop characters before attempting to frighten the
audience with scenes of the supernatural. More than questions about death,
Flatliners explores the choices we make in life and the consequences that they
can have.
The film follows
five medical students whose hubris leads them to experiment with death by conducting
secret experiences in which they facilitate near-death experiences. What they
are essentially doing is dying, but with their friends nearby to revive them
before it is too late. Nelson Wright (Kiefer Sutherland) is the one to come up
with the plan, and the first to experience what it feels like to die, only to
find himself carrying guilt from memories of the past once revived. Without warning,
Joe Hurley (William Baldwin) is the next to try, followed by David Labraccio (Kevin
Bacon). When the friends finally share their unpleasant experience, it isn’t
before Rachel Manus (Julia Roberts) has also participated. The one glaring plot
hole of the film is the fact that they each allow their friends to be exposed
to the same negative side effects, with the exception of Randy Steckle (Oliver
Platt).
Given the realization
that they must face the errors of their past before they can stop themselves
from being haunted, it wouldn’t be surprising to discover that Flatliners had
an impact on The Sixth Sense. The element of danger is teased in Flatliners,
though it never really develops into full-blown horror. What makes the film is
the ensemble cast of talented and charismatic young actors, most of which went
on to have impressive careers. As a horror film, however, Flatliners lacks the edge
to be truly memorable, even for those who don’t need a high body count.
The 4K UHD
release of Flatliners by Arrow Video has a beautiful presentation of the movie,
restored from the original negative and approved by Director of Photography Jan
de Bont. It may not be enough to win over new fans but will impress those who already
appreciate the understated thriller. There is also lossless DTS-HD Master Audio
in 5.1 and 2.0 surround sound, with optional English subtitles for the hearing
impaired.
The package comes
with a reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin,
with the original theatrical poster artwork on the other side. Pullin’s new artwork
is also on a cardboard cover. Inside the package is a booklet with the cast and
crew info, info about the restoration, and two essays from film critics. This
includes “Land of the Almost-Dead: Flatliners and a Historical Overview of the
Near-Death Experience” by Amanda Reyes, and “‘See You Soon’: The Surprising
Spirituality of Joel Schumacher’s Flatliners” by Peter Tonguette.
The additional special
features on the disc include the following:
- Brand
new audio commentary by critics Bryan Reesman and Max Evry
- The
Conquest of our Generation, a brand new video interview with screenwriter Peter
Filardi
- Visions
of Light, a
brand new video interview with director of photography Jan de Bont and
chief lighting technician Edward Ayer
- Hereafter, a brand new video interview
with first assistant director John Kretchmer
- Restoration, a brand new video interview
with production designer Eugenio Zanetti and art director Larry Lundy
- Atonement, a brand new video interview
with composer James Newton Howard and orchestrator Chris Boardman
- Dressing
for Character,
a brand new interview with costume designer Susan Becker
- Theatrical
trailer
- Image
gallery
Entertainment Value:
6.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical
Significance: 7.5/10
Special Features: 8/10
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