Search - The Dark Half on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Graphic Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Profanity Movie Release: 1991 DVD Release: 09/28/1999 Format: DVD - Pan and Scan - Closed Captioned Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 1 mins Studio: MGM Members Wishing: 3 Genres: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Psychological Thriller

Marking the first collaboration between horror legends George A. Romero and Stephen King since 1982's Creepshow, this moody, atmospheric adaptation of King's novel was actually completed in 1991, but the highly-publicized bankruptcy of its distributor Orion Pictures in that same year nearly doomed The Dark Half to distribution limbo. King's story revolves around successful author Thad Beaumont (Timothy Hutton), whose popularity on the college circuit owes a great deal to the financial success of a series of violent pulp thrillers written under the pseudonym of "George Stark." When he decides to cast aside his disreputable alter-ego by "killing" Stark off in a mock ceremony, it precipitates a string of sadistic murders matching those in his pulp novels, which are discovered to be the work of Stark himself (also played by Hutton). Looking like a maniacal white-trash version of his counterpart, Stark is not so willing to quit the writing game -- even if it means coming after Thad's wife (Amy Madigan) and their baby. It's only a matter of time before suspicions turn to Thad, who is the only one who knows the real origins of his hideous twin. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Timothy Hutton - Thad Beaumont
Amy Madigan - Liz Beaumont
Michael Rooker - Sheriff Alan Pangborn
Julie Harris - Reggie DeLesseps
Robert Joy - Fred Clawson

It is extremely distressing to see even a mid-level release like The Dark Half receive such a lackluster transfer. The pan-and-scan format does not help this film, which would benefit considerably from wider frame. Articles have indicated that George Romero preferred the pan-and-scan format, but it seems difficult to imagine his reasons. This transfer contains plenty of grainy moments and a limited amount of sharpness within the images. Nothing distracts completely from the viewing, but few positives exist.

Considering the unfortunate visual transfer, this 2.0-channel Dolby Surround track actually works relatively well. The audio remains centralized and rarely moves through the sound field, but it springs quite clearly from the speakers. The dialogue is easily understandable, and the scare effects serve their purpose. While not a superior effort, this transfer does offer a worthwhile listening experience.

The only saving grace of this minimal release is a two-page collectible booklet that provides a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The included material remains brief, but several interesting items do appear. The lone additional feature is the full-frame trailer, which gives away plenty of information in typical fashion. ~ Dan Heaton, All Movie Guide