DARK ANGEL / I COME IN PEACE (Craig R. Baxley, 1989)

[Jox]

[Jox]

Blu-ray.com Review
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Dark-Ang ... 05/#Review

Video Quality 4K: 4.5/5
1080p: 4.5/5



Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"Dark Angel" was originally issued on Blu-ray in 2013. It returns with a UHD release, listed as a "new 4K scan from the original camera negative." The Dolby Vision viewing experience is at its best with color, capturing intense blue and red lighting, with periodic offerings of hot neon. Primaries are distinct, exploring period style and costuming. Night activities carry a cooler look with deep blacks, preserving frame information. Odd visuals, such as the whiteness of drug injections and rainbow reflection on disc weaponry, are preserved. Skin tones are natural. Highlights are largely tasteful, with explosions delivering orangey brightness. Detail is generally maintained throughout the viewing experience, which does battle with technical limitations on the low-budget movie. Skin particulars are satisfactory, and clothing choices retain texture on both human and alien gear. Tours of offices, clubs, and living spaces retain depth, and street confrontations are dimensional. Grain is adequately resolved.

Audio Quality 3.5/5



The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix isn't exactly a powerhouse listening experience for an action film, but dialogue exchanges are mostly secure, protecting emotionality and whispered lines. More heated encounters remain balanced. Scoring carries along with clear synth support, but mostly remains frontal. The track itself seems slightly subdued, which may be an inherent issue, finding explosions limited in intensity, with a duller low-end presence at times. Sound effects register as intended.

Special Features and Extras 4/5



"Go in Pieces" (32:40, HD) is a making-of for "Dark Angel," featuring video conference interviews with editor Mark Helfrich, actor Brian Benben, special makeup effects artist Gabe Bartalos, and cinematographer Mark Irwin. The shoot took place in Houston, and Irwin encountered a lot of low-light demands, requiring the use of a special European film stock to bring out frame details. Casting is celebrated, with director Craig R. Baxley initially imagining star Dolph Lundgren as the villain, only to meet the actor, who had other ideas. Special effects are analyzed, spotlighting work on the alien discs and explosive stunt elements, with the production team pushing to make the endeavor more exciting. Car chases are also deconstructed, with Baxley seasoned in the ways of destroying automobiles, handling technical challenges. Physical demands are recalled, as Benben was recruited to do his own stunts, putting his faith in the Baxley family of action professionals. The conversation closes with a discussion of the title, as too many variations on "Dark Angel" inspired a U.S.-only change to "I Come in Peace," which Helfrich prefers.

Making Of (24:19, HD) is an older (around 2013?) overview of the "Dark Angel" shoot, featuring interviews with director Craig R. Baxley, and actors Brian Benben and Dolph Lundgren. Baxley opens with creative demands, finding producers expecting him to make a big film on a small budget, giving the helmer a challenge he happily accepted. Casting is highlighted, with the sheer physical presence of Lundgren noted, including an accident where his boot connected with a stuntman during a spin kick. Benben's contributions are noted as well, working with lifts and wit to remain in the frame with Lundgren. Matthias Hues offered his own level of stunt capability, handling major movements around pyrotechnics. An appreciation for special effects is offered, with Baxley trying to do plenty with little money, going for more visceral action.

Image Gallery (4:07) collects publicity shots, film stills, lobby cards, and poster art.

Alternate Main Title Sequence (6:53, HD) offers the "I Come in Peace" opening.

And a Theatrical Trailer (2:43, HD) for "Dark Angel" is included.

Screenshots
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Dark-Ang ... creenshots

[Jox]

I don't know how I haven't heard about it before but apparently the 2017 German NSM re-release includes a 3-minute vintage making of featurette
http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/f ... ?fid=24281

Blu-ray B Germany - NSM / AL!VE [2017 Release]
Limited Steelbook Edition
Extras:
"A Look Back at "Dark Angel" 2013 featurette (in English with optional German subtitles) (HD, 24:20)
"The Making of Dark Angel" vintage 1990 featurette (HD, 3:03)
English Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:43)
German Theatrical Trailer 1 (HD, 2:37)
German Theatrical Trailer 2 (HD, 2:43)
Filmographies (in German, HD):
- actor Brian Benben (1:21)
- director Craig R. Baxley (7:09)
- actor Dolph Lundgren (3:17)
- actor Matthias Hues (2:24)
- actor Michael J. Pollard (3:52)
- actor Sam Anderson (5:26)
Stills Gallery (14:12)
Subtitles:
English and German (optional)
Aspect Ratio:
1.78:1
Picture Format:
1080p24 AVC MPEG-4
Soundtrack(s):
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo
German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
German DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo
Case type:
Steelbook
Notes:
Includes a 24-page booklet including exclusive liner notes by Jérémie Damoiseau.

[Jox]

Whereas the 4K just hit the US, a standard BR release is coming in the UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Angel-Blu ... B0D9WLR8L5

[Jox]

35mm screening on September 15 in Christchurch (UK)!
https://www.theregent.co.uk/event/88910

And August 10 at Alamo Drafthouse Omaha, NE
https://drafthouse.com/omaha/event/the- ... onId=83145

[Jox]

I don't know how I haven't heard about it before but apparently the 2017 German NSM re-release includes a 3-minute vintage making of featurette
http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/f ... ?fid=24281

Blu-ray B Germany - NSM / AL!VE [2017 Release]
Limited Steelbook Edition
Extras:
"A Look Back at "Dark Angel" 2013 featurette (in English with optional German subtitles) (HD, 24:20)
"The Making of Dark Angel" vintage 1990 featurette (HD, 3:03)
English Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:43)
German Theatrical Trailer 1 (HD, 2:37)
German Theatrical Trailer 2 (HD, 2:43)
Filmographies (in German, HD):
- actor Brian Benben (1:21)
- director Craig R. Baxley (7:09)
- actor Dolph Lundgren (3:17)
- actor Matthias Hues (2:24)
- actor Michael J. Pollard (3:52)
- actor Sam Anderson (5:26)
Stills Gallery (14:12)
Subtitles:
English and German (optional)
Aspect Ratio:
1.78:1
Picture Format:
1080p24 AVC MPEG-4
Soundtrack(s):
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo
German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
German DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo
Case type:
Steelbook
Notes:
Includes a 24-page booklet including exclusive liner notes by Jérémie Damoiseau.

It's a mistake because what it is is my own liner notes which I had written, here translated into German and shown on several screen shots for a duration of 3:03...

[Jox]

Rare Colombian lobby cards:

[bomaz]

[Jox]

4K review
https://crypticrock.com/dark-angel-4k-u ... on-review/

[bomaz]

It's a completely useless information, but : there is a quite cool series of french YouTube video Konbini called "Video Club" where directors (and actors) stroll through a vintage video club in Paris picking movies and explaining why they love them. Guests varied from Hirokazu KoreEda, to Brad Pitt, to David Cronenberg, Pierre Niney or Viggo Mortensen. Like shown in the latest episode(with French actress and director Noemie Merlant), the Dark Angel DVD is often visible (I noticed it in a couple other episodes). Jump to 37mn.
I recommend watching the series, it gives good ideas for discovering movies (and also to see that some directors/actors have quite dull choices too )

[Jox]

Like shown in the latest episode(with French actress and director Noemie Merlant), the Dark Angel DVD is often visible (I noticed it in a couple other episodes). Jump to 37mn.

That's funny, I watched/listened to it this week-end and also noticed the DA DVD

I recommend watching the series, it gives good ideas for discovering movies (and also to see that some directors/actors have quite dull choices too )

I don't watch every episode but once in a while...

[bomaz]

My favorite movie of all time ("Idi i Smotri" - Come and see) has been quoted a couple of times (by Gaspar Noé, and even by someone I don't particularly like : Gilles Lelouche).
I don't think any Dolph movie has ever been quoted though (maybe Rocky IV, but i'm not sure).

[Leigh2704]

Finally got around to picking up the recent UK blu release. Although Final Cut are branching into self produced special features recently, unfortunately Dark Angel is barebones

[Jox]

The French edition has the most extras (some by yours truly)...

There is a screening tomorrow in Houston (where it was filmed)
https://www.facebook.com/events/563614219738900