Search - Needful Things [Widescreen] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Nudity, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Profanity Movie Release: 1993 DVD Release: 08/27/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 0 hrs 2 mins Studio: MGM Members Wishing: 2 Genres: Horror, Supernatural Horror See Also: Needful Things

Satan opens an antique shop in a small town and lures the residents into evil actions in this supernatural chiller. Based on a novel by the prolific Stephen King, the film bears many of the author's trademarks, such as the New England setting and the focus on regular people tempted by the forces of supernatural evil. Here, the enticements toward bad behavior comes from the "Needful Things" shop, owned by new resident Leland Gaunt (Max von Sydow). Gaunt's shop offers an odd collection of goods, each of which happens to be the object of desire of a local resident. Instead of money, however, Gaunt demands that townspeople perform a series of simple pranks. He has a plan, and these actions escalate until the town is at violent war with itself. The residents are brought to life by a talented cast, led by von Sydow's suave devil and including Ed Harris as the local sheriff, J.T. Walsh as a corrupt politician, and Amanda Plummer as a seemingly innocent baker. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

Max von Sydow - Leland Gaunt
Ed Harris - Sheriff Alan Pangborn
Bonnie Bedelia - Polly Chambers
Amanda Plummer - Nettie Cobb
J.T. Walsh - Danforth Keeton III

The sleepy town of Castle Rock is about to have a hell of a time in the thriller Needful Things. The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and appears to be in only decent shape. Unfortunately, the transfer sports a good deal of grain and dirt, as well as muted colors and some edge enhancement. While the picture is good enough to watch, MGM could have spent a little more time cleaning up this print. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround and sounds pleasant enough. While directional effects are generally absent, the track does kick in when composer Patrick Doyle's lush music score swells. The bulk of this mix is clear of any excessive hiss or distortion. Also included on this DVD are subtitles in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. The only extra feature available on this disc is a theatrical trailer for the film. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide