Blu-ray Review “Queen of the Damned”

Directed by: Michael Rymer
Starring: Stuart Townsend, Aaliyah, Marguerite Moreau, Vincent Pérez, Paul McGann, Lena Olin
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Running Time: 101 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Interview with the Vampire” is a very hard film to follow-up.  “Queen of the Damned” had high expectations surrounding it, especially for an Anne Rice adaption.  It’s also took a risky move of casting R&B singer,  Aaliyah, to lead the film.  Unfortunately, then she end dying in a plane crash months before the film’s release, which added to it’s issues.  The film is very ambitious and Gothic but it’s overall end product has too many issues.  What the film does have doing for it is one of the best soundtracks in a horror film.  The film’s music is also created by Korn’s Jonathan Davis and is nothing short of amazing!  Not the best film ever but definitely worth the HD upgrade.

Warner’s definitely delivers a very impressive Blu-ray.  It’s 1080p transfer comes with a lot of love.  It is presented a sharp picture and works well with the dark scenes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track works perfectly in sync with the score and the heavy metal tunes in the film.  The special features are ported from the DVD release and do not disappoint at all.  First we have a decent commentary track with director Michael Rymer, producer Jorge Saralegui, and composer Richard Gibbs. Next up, there are 13 deleted scenes that are decent also cut for a good reason.  There are three documentaries focusing on the behind-the-scenes aspect of the film.  “Creating the Vampires” features cast/crew talking about their roles in the film. “Aaliyah Remembered” is a memorial for the late singer.  Lastly “The Music of Lestat” has interviews with composer Richard Gibbs and lyricist Jonathan Davis. To compliment that feature, there are three music videos for Lestat (“Redeemer,” “Forsaken,” “System”), a music video by Static X’s “Cold,” and also extended Lestat’s concert footage. Lastly there is a gag reel, photo galleries and a theatrical trailer for the film.

After years of slumber, the legendary vampire has awakened and found acceptance in a tattooed, pierced and black-clad world. He’s a rock star. And his awesome goth-riffed sound has echoed around the globe…and stirred to life the fearsome Mother of All Vampires. Based on “The Vampire Chronicles” by Anne Rice, whose work previously came to the screen in “Interview with the Vampire.”

Buy It 9/18 on Blu-ray
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