“NEAR DARK” won over a cult following, at least on VHS, during its initial release. And, it’s one of those rare films that actually did deserve a larger audience theatrically.  Now, thanks to ANCHOR BAY and their efforts to provide a top-notch transfer with all the bells and whistles, “NEAR DARK” should win many new fans having the chance to view it for the first time, as it should be, with its correct aspect ratio and amazing sound.

“NEAR DARK” is a great horror film because, like all “great” horror films, it transcends the genre.  While it deals with vampires, it never mentions them. Instead it just lets the viewer reel in horror at what these monsters do, again and again, on the screen, and worse than the cruel horrors they inflict, is the glee they display while doing so! 

Adrian Pasdar stars as a young man bitten and smitten, all due to a pretty girl, whom happens to be a vampire.  The pretty girl, Jenny, has some decent side to her. The same can’t be said of her ghoulish family, played by Lance Herniksen, Bill Paxton, Jeanette Goldstein, and Joshua Miller.  They’re truly some of the most evil and cruel vampires shown on film so far, and one scene in particular, taking place in a bar, will probably scar more than a few viewers with nightmares for some time. 

For a while, it really feels like “NEAR DARK” won’t stop alternatively shocking, surprising, and entertaining the audience.  Unfortunately, near the film’s last twenty minutes, some major flaws in the script occur, all but ruining the film. It’s a shame that such a great film is lessened due to a ridiculous plot device, but it happens.  Still, along with “POINT BREAK” this shows director Kathryn Bigelow has a real talent and gift for creating edge-of-the-seat suspense.  And, the film’s well worth watching, and it has enough going for it to recommend it as part of any serious dvd collection. 

ANCHOR BAY has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  It’s outstanding!  The image is solid throughout.  This is quite a dark film at times, and there’s impeccable detail in the darkest scenes!  Color values are excellent as well, offering vibrant colors where they’re called for, and perfectly leveled tints in every scene.  Fleshtones are always perfect. Contrast is flawless.  There are a few brief instances where artifacts show, but they’re minimal, and the transfer, otherwise, is terrific! 

While the original 2.0 stereo mix is offered, ANCHOR BAY has really upped the ante with this release, offering a DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 “and” a DTS 5.1 mix as well! 

The standard 2.0 mix is ok, and none of these mixes have an aggressive surround track, but the 5.1 mixes do offer tighter bass control, and some directional effects that add significantly to the film’s atmosphere. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.  The “DTS” mix offers slightly better clarity and bass.  Also, the wonderful Tangerine Dream score has more of an engulfing presence in the DTS version as well. 

ANCHOR BAY has offered this as a two-disc set, with an audio commentary featuring Bigelow as an option with the feature film.  While it’s not a “fun” commentary, aspiring filmmakers and “fans” of the film will learn from it! She imparts a good deal of information about the filmmaking process, as it applied to this film, and how certain scenes were accomplished.  There are some long lulls in the commentary, but it’s worth sitting through. 

A documentary, “LIVING IN DARKNESS”, is offered on the 2^nd disc.  Surprisingly, it’s offered in 1.78:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement!  It looks great!  For some unexplained reason, Jenny Wright isn’t here, but the rest of the original cast is, and it’s quite entertaining. 

The film’s trailers are offered with 16:9 enhancement, and they’re interesting from a nostalgic viewpoint.

A deleted scene is offered, but it’s bittersweet!  While the premise behind it(Caleb tries out his “vampire-sight” to see at great distance in dark)is terrific, it has no sound, and is in black&white!