Dark City Director's Cut (BD)

Dark City is a 1998 film starring Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly, Kiefer Sutherland, William Hurt, Ian Richardson, and Richard O'Brien. It also features Colin Friels and Melissa George in supporting roles. It was directed by Proyas and written by Proyas, Lem Dobbs, and David S. Goyer. The film is difficult to describe without giving too much away, but the basic plotline revolves around a man named John Murdoch (Sewell), who wakes up in a hotel bathtub with no memory of who he is or why he is there. After receiving a call from a doctor (Sutherland) telling him that someone is coming for him and to get out of the hotel now, he tries to piece his life together and while evading the police inspector (played by Hurt) trying to arrest him, reconnect with a wife he does not remember (Connelly), avoid a weird group of people called "The Strangers" who are after him, and trying to figure out what is going on in a strange city where the sun never comes up. The 4 4k set is a two-disc set released by Arrow Films in 2025, containing two UHD discs: one with the theatrical version of the film and one with the director's cut. The significant difference between the two is that the director's cut eliminates the voice-over that opens the theatrical version and reveals a substantial portion of the plot upfront. It also includes some deleted and extended scenes that add about 10 minutes to the runtime of the theatrical version. Each disc features bonus content, including multiple commentary tracks (five on the director's cut disc and two on the theatrical version disc), behind-the-scenes and making-of material, and the trailer. Most of the bonus content is archival material from the 2008 release, but a couple of commentary tracks and featurettes are new for this 2025 release. The discs are held in a keep case that also includes a postcard from Shell Beach, Dr. Schreber's business card, a couple of art cards, and a poster. It also has a 60-page booklet with facts and commentary about the film. The keep case and booklet are held in a decorative outer box. The bonus material on the discs is very good. It would have been nice if Connelly and Sutherland had been included in the updated content (although one of the new bonus features does include Sewell being interviewed). The movie is difficult to categorize, as it blends genres. It combines horror, action, sci-fi, dystopian nightmare, and film noir elements. It is often compared to The Matrix, which was released a year after this one and overshadowed it. While there are definitely many similarities to The Matrix, this film tells a much different story. It is well-written and acted, and the story has some twists in it that are not predictable. Ultimately, it is a very good and very underrated film that got lost in the shuffle after The Matrix became a huge hit. It is absolutely worth watching.

A awesome movie, lots of great performances and a dark and interesting storyline.

Great story and effects for it's day,no spoilers but the surprises start from the beginning and don't end until it's over. Highly recommend this for all.

This review originally appeared on my blog ([...]) Dark City is a gloriously wonderful film, which pays homage to Film Noir from the ’40s and ’50s, German Expressionist film of the 1920s and ’30s, and (to a degree), psychic battle manga like Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira and Domu, along with the series Locke the Superman (which in turn inspired the first two works). The film focuses on six characters, three leads who I can describe, and three supporting characters whose character descriptions are significant spoilers. The main three are John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), Inspector Frank Bumstead (William Hurt), and Emma Murdoch (Jennifer Connelly). The other two characters being Dr. Daniel Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland), Mr. Hand (Richard O’Brian), and Mr. Book (Ian Richardson). John is a man who wakes up in a hotel with no memory, and spends the film trying to figure out who he is. Bumstead is a world weary police detective investigating a series of murders in which John is the prime suspect. finally, Emma is John’s spouse who is worried about his sudden instability. Then there’s Hand, Book, and Schreber. Again, these characters, or rather what they are, are spoilers, so I don’t want to get too much into that. Yes, this film is almost 20 years old, but just like The Usual Suspects, this is a film that benefits from going in cold. Without going into spoilers, let’s just say that the film goes into Cabinet of Doctor Caligari territory when it comes to definitions of reality and memory, and these characters are fundimental to that part of the plot. The acting performancse in the film are great. In particular, I thought Richard O’Brian and Kiefer Sutherland’s formulances were standout. O’Brian brings an air of unearthly creepyness to the role of Mr. Hand, to the point that I really wish he got more horror film roles, particularly as a villain. Sutherland also does an amazing job as Schreiber, completely disappearing into the role to such a point that I’m utterly shocked that he received precisely no nominations from anywhere for his performance. Not even a Saturn award. If that’s not highway robbery, then I don’t know what it is. The other performances in the film are good, but not quite as mindblowing. Hunt pulls off tired and world-weary well, though I suspect he was cast to type. Connelly does a great job as a woman who is in over her head, but is doing her best to get by. It also bears mentioning that the film’s set design, wardrobe, and art are fantastic, and while the film’s CG has aged questionably, the practical effects look great, and the miniatures in particular are wonderful. My caveat for the film is that the theatrical cut adds material to the beginning of the film which gives away the film’s twist, so go with the film’s director’s cut.

I was lucky enough to see Dark City during its theatrical run in 1998 and have watched several times over the last ten years. I wouldn't call it one of my favorite films but I definitely think its a classic of its genre and was happy to see that it was not only recieving a new dvd just in time for its ten year anniversary, but more features to replace the old ones which were mostly audio commetaries and two essays from Neil Gaiman and H.G. Wells. So how does the directors cut compare to the original film? Watching it again for the first time in years there might not be anything noticeable in the changes. This isn't like the Kingdom of Heaven or Blade Runner cuts where whole sequences were taken out of the film creating disharmony in the flow of the story. As far as I could notice most of the cuts to the film were more inserts and extensions than anything else. The narration at the begining of the film is the most famous cut while the only added scene I could tell was showing Murdoch and Bumstead taking Schreber to Shell Beach at the finale. Other scenes included an extensions like a bit of dialogue between the husband and wife who go from middle class to wealthy during the tuning, a scene with Emma finding a little girl in the murdered prostitutes apartment, and a longer ending as Bumstead floats into outer space after discovering the truth about Dark City. I also noticed in some scenes that Trevor Jones score seemed to be dialed down and for the scenes where she sings Jennifer Connely's actual voice is heard. As whole how do all of the cuts add up. I don't think they change my opinion of the film. Its neither better or worse in my opinion. The film is still a good one and thankfully the additions weren't as bad as to hurt the film like Appocalypse Now Redux and its great seeing them reinserted into the film. So hows the dvd itself.Of course the film itself has recieved a newer transfer that is brighter and more colorful. You never really notice the added scenes like you do on some other films. I never really listen to commentaries but I heard that Roger Ebert recorded a new one for the dvd. I notice that theres three with Ebert and Proyas having their own tracks while Lem Dobbs and David Goyer share a track so for fans I'd assume they're newly recorded. Theres also a spattering of documentaries that taken together roll for over two hours. On the first it has the general making of where filmmakers and actors talk about the film itself. On the second its mainly film professors with Roger Ebert, Lem Dobbs, and Alex Proyas discussing meanings and ideas in the film. In the end this is a great disc for fans of the film. It might not pick up newer fans but with both cuts collected on the disc as well as the added bonus content I'd definitely recommend this as an easy purchase to those thinking about it. A little bit more. I recently picked up the Blu-Ray (one of the first movies I buy on DVD becomes one of the first movies I buy on Blu) which has the actual two cuts of the film as well as the other special features. It also has a feature I really liked in the fact track that provides a little window to explain the difference between the theatrical and directors cut as well as background information on inspirations. This was a neat feature especially for this fan of both cuts, and highlights a lot more scenes I missed on my first viewing. As its now 7.99 on Amazon fans of the film or just those who are generally interested have no reason not to pick the disc up.

This is the definitive version of the film, the director’s cut is better because you are left in suspense for longer due to changes to the scripting. In the theatrical version, you are spoon-fed some plot points which the movie shows you at a later time. Get this version. You won’t regret it.

A mesmerizing and mind-bending science fiction noir that leaves audiences spellbound from start to finish. Director Alex Proyas' vision is brilliantly showcased, elevating the film to new heights and making it an essential watch for fans of both sci-fi and film noir genres.Set in a surreal and mysterious urban landscape, "Dark City" follows the journey of John Murdoch, portrayed masterfully by Rufus Sewell, as he awakens with amnesia and finds himself entangled in a dark conspiracy involving memory manipulation and a race against time.The film's atmospheric visuals and art direction are captivating, seamlessly blending elements of classic noir with dystopian futurism. The city itself becomes a character, enveloping the viewer in its enigmatic and haunting atmosphere.One of the film's strongest assets lies in its thought-provoking themes. It explores questions of identity, free will, and the nature of reality, all wrapped in a gripping detective-style narrative. The revelations and twists throughout the plot are brilliantly executed, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.The Director's Cut version provides a more cohesive and immersive experience than the theatrical release, allowing the story to unfold with greater depth and clarity. It adds extra layers to the characters and unveils new dimensions of the enthralling storyline.The performances by the cast, including Jennifer Connelly and Kiefer Sutherland, are top-notch, adding emotional depth to the complex characters they portray.While "Dark City" might not have received the recognition it deserved upon its initial release, the Director's Cut has rightfully solidified it as a cult classic and a true gem in the science fiction genre.In conclusion, "Dark City (Director's Cut)" is an intellectually stimulating and visually captivating cinematic triumph. Its seamless fusion of sci-fi and noir elements, combined with strong performances and an intriguing narrative, make it a must-watch for film enthusiasts seeking an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Prepare to be taken on an unforgettable journey into the depths of the human psyche.

I was concerned after reading that some disks didn't work well. However, this disk worked perfectly fine. Quick delivery too!

Steelbook bellissima. Qualità disco ottima, contiene le due versioni cinematografica e directors cut. Nota dolente : presente solo audio originale e francese, sottotitoli solo in francese. Mi domando perché la cecchi gori non riproponga questa titolo, fuori catalogo e introvabile nella prima edizione dvd. Parlando del film poco da dire, capolavoro assoluto del cyberpunk e del cinema. Possibile trovare un filo artistico che lega dark city, Matrix, blade runner, Gattaca, tredicesimo piano, Existenz... Imperdibile. P. S Directors cut molto migliore della versione cinematografica

Klasyk.

Must watch if you are into science fiction

La version longue, une autre dimension du film.

Gran BD, con muy buena imagen. El sonido sobresale con 7.1 en v.o. Edición alemana con pista en castellano. Un película que todo aficionado a la ciencia ficción debe tener. Si eres uno de ello@s , no te lo pienses,.comprala Ya.