TL;DR
John Carpenter's *Prince of Darkness* attempts a return to indie horror but gets lost in its own lore. While it boasts solid performances from Victor Wong, Dennis Dun, and Donald Pleasence, and even a cameo from Alice Cooper, the film suffers from a weak protagonist, a slow pace, and illogical plot points. It's a bit of a mess, but the Blu-ray edition shines with extensive special features, including a unique Carpenter commentary. If you're a die-hard Carpenter fan or collector, the extras might be worth it, but the film itself is a mixed bag. Discover if the unique special features make *Prince of Darkness* a must-own, or if it’s best left in the dark.
A group of students stumbles upon a mysterious capsule within the confines of an abandoned church. Driven by curiosity, they investigate, only to discover that it contains a malevolent entity. Now, they must fight to survive the night and contain the darkness before it is unleashed upon the world.
Prince of Darkness was envisioned as director John Carpenter’s return to the horror genre and a step back towards independent filmmaking. He sought to escape the perceived constraints of larger film studios and reconnect with his creative roots. However, the resulting film falls short of his best work.
Prince of Darkness occupies an odd space in Carpenter’s filmography, arriving between the masterful Big Trouble in Little China (1986) and the compelling dystopia of They Live (1988). The film struggles to find its footing, lacking a clear protagonist and exhibiting a somewhat disjointed structure. Consequently, it’s difficult to connect with the characters. The narrative progresses slowly, burdened by excessive exposition, and the characters’ choices often seem illogical, artificially prolonging the plot. The final product feels somewhat underdeveloped, as if the initial script was never revisited for refinement.
Despite its shortcomings, even Carpenter’s lesser works contain moments of brilliance. In Prince of Darkness, these moments are embodied by Victor Wong, Dennis Dun, and the legendary Donald Pleasence. These seasoned actors elevate the material, delivering compelling performances despite the script’s flaws. The film also features a supporting role by rock star Alice Cooper, a notable addition.
Studio S Entertainment is known for its comprehensive special features, and this release is no exception. It includes several insightful documentaries and an engaging commentary track. Of particular interest is a unique segment featuring Carpenter discussing the film while watching it on an older television. The source of this clip remains a mystery, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the director’s perspective. The picture quality is acceptable, considering the film’s age and low-budget production. The DTS 2.0 audio track is functional, delivering adequate impact and effectively showcasing John Carpenter’s score.
In conclusion, while Prince of Darkness does not fully warrant a strong recommendation, its overall score is elevated by the quality and depth of this Blu-ray edition.
