Search - Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Graphic Violence, Brief Nudity, Not For Children, Profanity, Gore Movie Release: 1995 DVD Release: 08/28/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 31 mins Studio: MGM Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Slasher Film

This sequel to director Bernard Rose's superb, metaphorical Candyman is a more straightforward Gothic horror project, discarding any association with the events of the previous film (which was based on the short story "-The Forbidden" by horror surrealist Clive Barker) aside from the title entity, played again by the imposing Tony Todd. A melancholy but extremely deadly ghost, Candyman is revealed -- in a compelling sequence of flashbacks -- as the vengeful spirit of Daniel Robitaille, a black portraitist in post-Civil War Louisiana who was set upon and horribly mutilated by an angry white mob in retaliation for his affair with a plantation owner's daughter. In present-day New Orleans, at the height of Mardi Gras festivities (the film's title refers to the literal translation of the Latin "Carnival"), Candyman walks the realm of the undead, with a hook in place of the hand he lost to the lynch mob, waiting to be summoned by the recitation of his name five times into a mirror. The latest victims of his evisceration skills include members of the Tarrant family, with young schoolteacher Annie (Kelly Rowan) next in line. Her family's connection with the Candyman legend is eventually revealed when Annie visits the family estate to uncover the link between her ancestors and Daniel Robitaille himself. This is a well-executed horror film, with fine performances and good use of the subtle menace underlying the Mardi Gras ambience, but the deft hand of Barker is clearly absent, leaving a standard horror plot without the mythical resonance of the original. The chilling Philip Glass score is a definite plus, though. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Tony Todd - Candyman
Kelly Rowan - Annie Tarrant
Timothy Carhart - Paul McKeever
Veronica Cartwright - Octavia Tarrant
William O'Leary - Ethan Tarrant

The demonic Candyman is back in the horror sequel Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh. MGM has done a fine job at making sure that this 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is clear of most hindering defects or imperfections (save for a small amount of grain and dirt in the image). The colors and black levels in this picture are all very solid and evenly saturated with flesh tones accurately represented. Overall this is a sharp and clean transfer which should please horror sequel fans. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround in English. This is a mildly well produced sound mix that features little-to-no directional sounds. However, what the track lacks in fidelity or dynamic range it makes up for with crystal clear dialogue, music and effects. Also included on this disc are French and Spanish subtitles. The extra features for Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh are minimal, though fans are treated to a commentary track by director Bill Condon. The track is filled with a lot of fun info about the film and its origins, as well as some tidbits about the production. Also included on this disc is a theatrical trailer for the film. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide