Children of the Corn Blu-ray DVD Review
Children of the Corn Blu-ray DVD Review
Find it in the husky department.
|
Children of the Corn is an early-80s horror movie based on a Stephen King story. It caught star Linda Hamilton on the precipice of fame (which she'd reap thoroughly a few months later in The Terminator), and made cult icons of actors John Franklin and Courtney Gains. But you probably knew all of that. After all, it's not like Children of the Corn is unheard of — and shucks, it's even being remade. (OK, no more corny puns!)
So, it's nothing altogether revelatory. But it is the first time the movie has been offered up on anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen Blu-ray, with all-new featurettes and interviews. The question is, is it worth buying?
Personally, the movie was never one of my favorites. After many years without seeing it, I still found the evil-kiddies plot line pretty dull and predictable. However, I feel a little more generous towards Children of the Corn as a whole thanks to the perspectives from producer Donald P. Borchers (who admits he's the one who decided to change King's original storyline by adding the two cute little kids, and the upbeat ending), composer Jonathan Elias (who admits that his score seems dated now thanks to the techno-trend of the time), and Hamilton (for the sage phase, "It was the 80s!").
It was the 80s… no doubt! The big hair, shoulder pads, acid wash denim and overall cheesiness can attest. But the upgrade in the picture is all now — the restoration for Blu-ray (I saw it on a Sony Playstation and HD TV) is impressive. If you haven't yet seen this tale of pagan terror set amongst the isolated cornfields of Nebraska, this is your best chance. Although nothing can restore its unironic datedness, it's never looked better picture-wise (DP Raul Lomas, who only went on to shoot one other film, can be proud), and the featurettes are worthwhile:
• NEW "It Was The Eighties!" (HD) — Linda Hamilton talks about working on the film, offering some very humorous anecdotes about happenstance and circumstance. At first glance she comes off a bit kooky, but if you really listen to what she's saying I think you'll agree she's actually a pretty smart cookie.
• NEW "Stephen King on a Shoestring" (HD) — Interview with producer Donald Borchers. Borchers is big enough to admit his mistakes, but he also makes some good arguments as to why the film still works.
• NEW "Welcome to Gatlin: The Sights and Sounds of Children of the Corn" (HD) — Interview with Production Designer Craig Stearns and Composer Jonathan Elias. Although not quite as entertaining as Hamilton's flashbacks, these two are a funny and candid pair. I had no idea how very little they each had to work with, and what an uphill battle it was to make the film. I learned a lot.
• Repurposed Audio commentary with Director Fritz Kiersch, Producer Terrence Kirby, and Stars John Franklin and Courtney Gains.
• Repurposed "Harvesting Horror: The Making of Children of the Corn" featuring stars Courtney Gains and John Franklin.
• Repurposed Fast Film Facts.
• Repurposed Original theatrical trailer.
• Repurposed Poster and still gallery.
• Original storyboard and original title sequence art.
= = =
Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson