SRP $26.98 2.35:1(16:9)) DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 COLUMBIA TRISTAR

There are some "big" problems with "DARKNESS FALLS," preventing it from realizing its great horror potential in the opening sequence.   The initial twisting of one of childhood's greatest myths, the "tooth fairy," actually has some great possibilities.  When parents tell their children not to open their eyes, or the tooth fairy won't come, "DARKNESS FALLS" pushes this idea to the extreme, because now if they open their eyes, they'll be gruesomely murdered. 

The opening sequence introduces the audience to the tooth fairy's ways in a highly charged, effective manner.  Director Jonathan Liebesman actually shows some remarkable restraint, at first, allowing the unknown to create a real sense of horror.  But, after a few glimpses of the tooth fairy, one wonders if the vagueness, while effective, is due more to budget limitations than style. 

Some scenes are highly stylized, whereas others appear to be almost amateur and cheezey.  The acting is, even for a horror film, pretty mediocre!

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided the film's correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement. A pan&scan version is also available as an option, but it cuts off a great deal of material.  Still, both look impressive, and grain is minimal on both. 

While colors are restrained, the image is generally well-polished.  The contrast is excellent, with great detail in many of the frequently dark  scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural. There are no artifacts.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has provided a "DEMONSTRATION QUALITY" soundmix.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix offers virtually non-stop sweeping, panning and directional effects.  While the film plays out like a PG-13 "Friday the 13th" at times, the creative mix raises the film's atmosphere above its low-budget limitations. There is a surprising amount of bass, and it will test the limits of even the best subwoofer. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.  

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has gone all out for this "Special Edition."  There are two separate audio commentaries here.  One commentary features the films director, producer and a screenwriter.  Another commentary features the other two screenwriters.  Both commentaries are filled with energy, funny comments and insight into either screenwriting or filmmaking.  The first commentary offers more overall information about the craft of filmmaking itself.  Unfortunately, neither commentaries wish to address the film's biggest problem lies in the horribly mediocre script!

Some featurettes are also offered. One, "THE LEGEND OF MATILDA DIXON," purporting to explain the film's "true" origins, is actually scarier than the whole film.  "THE MAKING OF DARKNESS FALLS," offers fans some behind-the-scenes tidbits, but again, the cast and crew doesn't seem to realize the mediocrity of the finished product. 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included some deleted scenes, but all of them are in mediocre condition, with intrusive timecodes.  Most are just extensions of already included scenes. The others try to delve into characters a bit more, but there's nothing worthwhile in the bunch. 

Our favorite extra is the "storyboard comparison" segment.  It offers storyboards and comparisons to three scenes. 

Those who've seen the film and enjoyed it, will certainly like the presentation given here.  However, it's only recommended, moderately, as a rental, when all the classic horror films are already out.