A DVD Review of... Images (C) Dimension Genre: Horror/Thriller Cast: Gerard Butler, Justine Waddell, Christopher Plummer, Johnny Lee Miller, Jeri Ryan, Jennifer Esposito Synopsis: True evil cannot be destroyed...but there is a chance it can forever be contained. A team of techno-savvy thieves break into a high-security vault, hoping to steal priceless artworks. To their utter disbelief, the vault instead hides a well-protected crypt, a crypt that has not been opened in 100 years, a crypt that will unleash Dracula's ancient terror upon the modern world - and all who come into contact with him. Dracula, freed at last from a century in confinement, finds himself in a 21st century of chaos and temptation, of Virgin record stores and subterranean nightclubs, where he fits right in. His first destination is the United States Ð the ultimate location for his charismatic seductions of beautiful young women and his unceasing quest for power Ð but there is another reason he has come here. Somewhere in New Orleans is a young woman Dracula must find . . . the only person on earth with whom he truly shares his dark legacy. Film Review: I admit it, I'm a sucker for bad movies. "Dracula 2000" may well have been direct to video, the quality is pretty much at that level - the script is bad, some of the acting way over the top and so forth, but its still good cornball fun. A shame really as the film kicks off with the intriguing and original premise that Dracula has been sealed in his coffin in a huge hi-tech underground vault which thieves break into thinking there are riches. A great setup and enjoyable opening sequence however are pretty much all this has going for it. The actors involved in this know its schlock and play it for what it is - that's a good thing actually. Jeri Ryan, Jennifer Esposito, Vitamin C, Johnny Lee Miller and Christopher Plummer all have solid yet fun supporting parts, and if you get into the cheesiness of the whole thing you'll go along for the ride. Ultimately the action falls on the two leads which, combined with a weak script, is where the film falls down. Gerard Butler is an interesting actor, he's got that handsome & brooding look downpat but in a rather unconventional movie star way. When he's got his normal face on he works in the role, but when the Drac eyes and wild grinning comes up its more laughable than even remotely scary. Waddell is an average heroinne, nothing more or less but the biggest problem is that both really lack any chemistry which ultimately is the film's downfall and even a clever ending twist can't save it. "Dracula 2000" DVD Details In Brief (Region 1) Rating: R Runtime: 99mins Versions: 16:9 Enhanced Widescreen, 4:3 Letterboxed Aspect Ratio: 2.35: 1 Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Language & Sub-Titles: English, French, Spanish Commentary: Director Patrick Lussier & Writer Joel Soisson Documentaries: 'Making Of' Featurette Clips: Deleted & Extended Scenes (with optional commentary), Theatrical Trailer, Audition Videos Other: Storyboards Region 1 vs. Region 4: No Region 4 Available. DVD Review: DVD proves a solid format for this kind of film as its more suited for the home theatre. Helping it along is a great transfer which, aside from the only very occasional bit of grain, looks and sounds great. The commentary track proves interesting with Lussier clearly explaining how certain shots were done and its very watchable as they're both up for a good laugh whilst also clearly explain how some shots which looked pretty easy to film were actually quite tough to shoot. There's three extended scenes, two of which should've been kept in as they improve on the scenes - especially Jeri Ryan's news shoot (this extended version features Drac rising out of the bijou to get her). The four deleted scenes feature a lesbian kiss between Waddell and Vitamin C, an additonal bit to the flashback twist, a great bit with Jeri Ryan luring Miller through the crowds, and an alternate and quite creepily shot opening sequence which shows more of the capture and locking away of the Count (with a very cool monologue by Plummer which was included in the trailer). The highlight of the disc, and something there should be more of, is the audition home videos of the various actors in the film. Butler is in makeup in this and looks quite scary, Waddell is Ok, she does the serious look very well but isn't as convincing in that 'scared' way, and not surprisingly its the canary yellow haired Vitamin C proving the best of the three. There's eight sequences of storyboards that are presented well and the underrated theatrical trailer. Solid extras topped off with an above average 'making of' video that's good fun (there's a great bit with Butler being launched out of the water on set, his first words? "F**king hell!!!"). Those who've had misgivings or who don't understand/get the appeal of Butler in the film should check this out to see how he naturally talks/acts as he is quite different and much more relaxed/casual in real life (from this one can picture him as Bond a bit better). So this may not have proven to be a film worth seeing at the cinema, but its a very solid DVD release that looks great and has a great collection of extras that definitely make it worth checking out. - Garth Franklin News & Rumours || Films of 2002 || Films of 2001 || Films of 2000 || Films of 1999 || Films of 1998 || Films of 1997 Film Trailers || Film Reviews || DVD Reviews || This Week: US || This Week: UK || This Week: Australia TV Guide || Site Links || Release Dates/Box-Office || Advertise With DH || Submit Info || Main Index || Privacy Policy