Eureka (1983)
Starting: Rutger Hauer, Joe Pesci, Theresa Russell, Mickey
Rourke, Jane Lapotaire, Ed Lauter, Gene Hackman
My Review and Thoughts:
My Rating: 4 out of 5
I have always thought this film was very underrated. One of
those movies you don't hear much about. This has a dynamic cast of characters.
Wonderful performances throughout. I was super happy when I learned that it was
coming to Blu-ray by Twilight Time. It’s one of those movies I tend to watch
over and over. It’s a complex, odd plot that just lingers. The characters are
the personal glue to the film. Like always Twilight Time has done an amazing
job bringing it out on its 3,000 Unit Special Edition Blu-rays.
The basic plot to the story is the character McCann who is a
Klondike prospector. One day he strikes it rich. Now he fears that his daughter
and her husband are out to get him. They want the riches by any means possible.
Now believe it or note this is actually somewhat based on a
real life story. A true crime that happened in 1943 which was the murder of Sir
Harry Oakes in the Bahamas. Although this movie changes from the real ordeal,
it still maintains somewhat a true crime clarity to it.
Like I stated before this is probably one of the most
underrated and underappreciated films out there. Thankfully Twilight Time
Blu-ray has honored this somewhat Masterpiece with a high quality Blu-ray
transfer. Wonderful audio and video. Wonderful extras. It's one of those
Blu-rays that I feel is a must-own for any movie buff, movie fiend, or for
anyone who really likes top quality Cinema.
Directed by Nicolas Roeg. Nicolas Roeg is a fabulous
director. He is one of those directors that I think has never gotten the
Limelight that he deserves. When watching his films, you are a part of the
feelings that are very intense at times, very dramatic and oftentimes times
mysterious. He captures an underlying Darkness to his subject matters. He has
directed some of my favorite films such as Walkabout, Don't Look Now, The Man
Who Fell to Earth. And one of my personal favorites from my childhood and even
still today, the amazing 1990 The Witches. He is a Flawless Visionary that
captures perfection in his Cinema and I'm so happy that Twilight Time has
brought this wonderful Blu-ray out of this forgotten about film.
The cast alone should draw you in. The brilliance of Joe
Pesci, Ed Lauter, Mickey Rourke. Also the main star, one and only Gene Hackman.
Hackman is a passionate beast when it comes to his performances. He is able to
meld himself into the part and most of all make the viewer feel for that
character in some fashion, may it be hatred, love of character, or a relatable
reality of those characters he plays. Hackman to me is a pioneer of acting
cinema. He is of the powerhouse performances that few, this day and age can
understand or ever become a part of that reality. Also starring the very
talented and beautiful Jane Lapotaire. I have always been a fan of hers, and is
always a treat to see her in films. As of this writing still acting today. Also
starring the very beautiful and sexy Theresa Russell. Russell also is a treat
to see in movies or TV. The whole cast is perfection, which makes this film
stand out.
This was adapted from the book Who Killed Sir Harry Oakes by
author Marshall Houts. What is so interesting about Hout is that his personal
life was like a good book itself. He was an attorney and worked for the FBI and
CIA and was also a Municipal Judge. He wrote well over 40 books. Classic
television fans will know that he was a pivotal part of the creation of the
classic TV series Quincy M.E.
Audio/Video:
My Rating: 4 out of 5
This has never looked any better. Being a movie buff I have
seen this in many different ways. VHS, DVD, but this Blu-ray stands out in both
qualities of video and audio. I thought the transfer to High Definition was
amazing, looked crisp. I thought the audio was great, crystal clear dialogue
and sound effects. Again I feel Twilight did another amazing job.
LANGUAGE: English
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
AUDIO: English 1.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
Extras:
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Isolated Music & Effects Track (with Partial Isolated
Score). The person behind the music is a master British film composer. His
mastery transcended many styles of film. Working on well over 60 movies
throughout his life. Sadly, this music master is no longer with us. If you know
me I am a diehard Horror movie fan. Majorly in the Drive-in, B-grade style of
classic cheesy cinema. Stanley mastered this reality working on such classic
cult films as House of Whipcord, Frightmare, Schizo and many others. Now to me
one of his greatest works was on the masterpiece film 1978’s The Deer Hunter.
That shows you his ultimate beauty in music making. Also he did the music for
one of my favorite TV miniseries The Martian Chronicles. He also worked on one
of my favorite underrated and forgotten about Walt Disney Produced horror movie's,
1980’s The Watcher in the Woods. His style radiates off screen while you watch
the films he was involved with. He also joined Nicolas Roeg again for the
classic The Witches. This isolated music is a great special feature on this Twilight Time Blu-ray.
Q&A Audio Commentary with Director Nicolas Roeg at the
World Premiere (104 Minutes)
Writer Paul Mayersberg on Eureka, has a runtime of a little
over 53 minutes. Great, very informative.
Producer Jeremy Thomas on Eureka, with a runtime of a little
over 13 minutes.
Editor Tony Lawson on Eureka, with a run time of a little
over 13 minutes.
Original Theatrical Trailer
And most desired the wonderful little booklet from Film Historian
and cinema guru Julia Kirgo. Always a treat every month to read her Liner Notes
on the film being watched.
Overall:
Another fantastic watch on a wonderful high quality Blu-ray.
Twilight Time never misses a beat in bringing forgotten cinema, classic cinema,
cult cinema to the 1080p High Definition power. I loved watching this film in a
whole new setting. Eureka is one of those films that never gets the limelight
it deserves, but thankfully companies like Twilight Time honors these films
that seem to be lost. A lovely Blu-ray I highly recommend.
INFO:
Make sure you head over to www.screenarchives.com to buy all
the wonderful Twilight Time Blu-rays. The main page that gives you these
beautiful releases on top quality Special Editions.
Also head over and like Twilight Time on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies