I’ve always been a fan of John Carpenter’s DARK STAR, and every chance I have had to watch it on TV, I’ve sat down and tuned in. Now John Carpenter’s cult sci-fi classic Dark Star gets a 4K UHD release and a Blu-ray edition from Fabulous Films, featuring two cuts of the film, and packed with brand new and archive extras (including a feature-length documentary), along with repro stills and posters, and a Limited Edition online exclusive clamshell/o-card package with a highly collectable Dark Star patch.
From John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) and Dan O’Bannon (Alien, Total Recall) comes a brilliantly clever and darkly funny parody of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Originally a 72-minute USC student film, Dark Star tells the story of astronauts on a dysfunctional intergalactic mission. After producer Jack Harris encouraged Carpenter and O’Bannon to add an extra 15 minutes, the film was expanded into a theatrical release. This special edition includes both versions of the film and is packed with exclusive bonus features that explore the movie’s controversial production, groundbreaking special effects, and lasting legacy.
This definitive 4K restoration has been expertly crafted from the original 35mm film reels. The soundtrack has been digitally enhanced and fully restored in Dolby Digital 5.1, ensuring the most immersive viewing experience available. So, sit back and embark on an exciting space journey with picture quality so sharp it could puncture an alien beach ball!
Having only seen Dark Star on VHS and TV, I was very excited about this remastered release, and I wasn’t disappointed. The box set comes with a 4K UHD disc and a Blu-ray disc, so don’t worry if you haven’t taken the step up to the 4K player world yet; the Blu-ray disc is still a great watch, plus you get loads of extras in the set to add to your collection of movies.
The 4K restoration looks and sounds great, the colours are vibrant, and the darker tones don’t bleed; edges in many of the scenes are sharp, and you certainly get to pick up more detail on this release than what I have seen in the past on video and TV.
When it comes to the sound on this release, you can’t go wrong with Dolby Digital 5.1, and this certainly adds to the enjoyment of watching Dark Star on a big TV or a good 4K UHD projector.
If you are a fan of John Carpenter and have been wanting to get your hands on Dark Star, then this is the time to grab a copy now. Don’t miss having this release in your collection with its amazing amount of extras.
EXTRAS:
- Let There Be Light: The Odyssey of Dark Star: 2010’s feature-length documentary, directed by Daniel Griffith, exploring the making of Dark Star, featuring exclusive interviews with actor Brian Narelle (Lt. Doolittle), cinematographer Doug Knapp, art director Tommy Lee Wallace, visual effects artist Greg Jein, voice artist Cookie Knapp, producer Jack Harris, and USC alumni Jeff Burr. Also includes archival interviews with John Carpenter and the final recorded interview with Dan O’Bannon
- Sci-fi author Alan Dean Foster discusses Dark Star‘s impact.
- Brian Narelle (Lt. Doolittle) shares behind-the-scenes stories.
- Trivia
- 3D Guide to the Dark Star Ship.
- Full-Length Audio Commentary by Super Fan Andrew Gilchrist.
- Written Introduction by Dan O’Bannon.
- NEW Reproduction of the original press book.
- NEW Mission Log
- NEW Essay by journalist and author Michael Doyle, from his forthcoming book Bringing Darkness Instead of Light: Conversations with John Carpenter
- NEW Two reproduction UK quad posters
- NEW Reprinted set of 8 Original Publicity Lobby Cards
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: A strictly Limited Edition (of 500) clamshell and o-ring 4K UHD package, including a Dark Star Mission sew-on patch, is available only via the Fabulous Film Website.