Plot: What’s it about?
As you probably know, the bible is filled with all manner of predictions and prophecies, most of which we can’t seem to unlock or understand. But what if, using the most advanced technologies and brightest minds available, we were able to crack the code inside the writings, and reveal what the future holds? That is the basic premise of The Omega Code, which offers a perspective on the struggle that occurs after this code is unlocked and a vacuum of power is opened. The bible does detail some information in plain wordings, such as that whoever controls Jerusalem in the final days, will have control of the entire world. That type of power will not just lay around, as many men would kill for that ruling right, and surely many others would die in attempts of their own. Friends would turn against friends, brother against brother, with this type of power, riches, and influence, bonds will be tested, with most of them breaking. Those who seem to be helping are truly causing the most harm, and sometimes those are on the wrong side of the law are those who are trying to serve the people. With the final days looming ahead, will the code reveal the truth about our future, or will the supreme power turn the world onto an unknown path?
This movie has been plagued by the fact it was funded by a Christian organization. I have heard people call it propaganda and even worse names, but they tend to forget, nearly every movie has a message, but you focus on letting the film entertain you, right? I think many people allow the source of funding to cloud their opinions on this movie, since it turns out to be an enjoyable film. Certainly not the best movie out there, but one of the better films to take home from a rental location. It does an underlying religious message, but the message is not crammed down your throat via intense doctrine and dogma. The film has an interesting storyline, based on biblical record, and plays like a suspense/thriller. There are some small elements of science fiction, but not enough to enter the movie into the genre even a little. The acting is very good, the writing is good, but those special effects, they gotta go. There are some three dimensional graphics that are featured, which look mediocre at best, but this due to the budget constraints more than anything, so I will overlook it. When it comes to this movie, don’t listen to others, rent the disc and judge for yourself.
The director of this film, Robert Marcarelli, has a couple other movies under his belt, but I am not familiar with either of them. I believe that Marcarelli has many limitations when it came to making this movie, since it was funded by a Christian organization who wanted a film that entire families could enjoy. He still manages to pull off a decent trick here, with enough tension to keep adults interested, yet sex and profanity never rear their heads. The cast is quite a good one, with some names you’re sure to recognize. While many people criticize the work of Casper Van Dien (Modern Vampires, Shark Attack), I think he has brought a fun edge to all the films he has worked on. Sure, you don’t take him seriously, but he plays the role in a way that you’re not supposed to. Catherine Oxenberg (The Lair of the White Worm, Arthur’s Quest) is one actress I never thought I would see in a religious movie, but here she is. Usually her skills are shown in soft-core porn flicks, but she does an above average turn, given her previous efforts. Also giving a fine supporting performance is Michael Ironside (The Next Karate Kid, Starship Troopers), who seems right at home in this type of film. Stealing the show however is Michael York (Austin Powers, Logan’s Run), who gives a tour de force performance here. Some critics claim his work here is over the top, but I think it fits the character perfectly. I feel this one of York’s finer performances, even if not among the best overall films he has starred in.
Well, it looks like that time, when I discuss the overall value of the movie and disc. This is not an easy task with this film, as many will keep away from it based on the religious basis, which is a shame. I am not claiming this to be a great movie, but I feel it holds some good entertainment value, and should be viewed before a judgment is made. Don’t think this is a Sunday morning sermon, because it isn’t. It has a religious basis, but that’s all, it tries to be a normal movie with a message, and I feel it succeeds. As for the disc itself, I recommend it without hesitation to those who liked the movie, and it will make a superb addition to their collections. While Goodtimes has a bad reputation with some, I feel they have some excellent releases, with this disc being their finest work to date. A controversial title, one I never expected to be released on this format anytime soon, with a nice treatment as well. I hope this trend continues with future Goodtimes products, perhaps they will revisit some earlier releases and give them this type of release.
Video: How does it look?
The Omega Code is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. This is a low budget film, so the overall image is not as sharp as better funded pictures. As such, some grain and print wear shows, but not to an extreme degree. Flesh tones are natural, and colors appear vivid, with no distortion evident at all. Black levels seem a little on the bright side, but detail is still high thankfully, though the shadows seem wispy at times. I noted some edge enhancement, but no other compression errors emerge.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is presented via a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which gives the fullest audio experience I could hope for with this type of flick. There are some gunshots and other scattered effects, which fire up the surrounds nicely, and some bass kicks are present also. The dialogue is clear and at a reasonable volume, so no remote work needed here.
Supplements: What are the extras?
While not a full blown special edition, this disc features some nice bonus materials, more than I expected at any rate. There is a behind the scenes featurette, which contains interviews and on set footage, and runs about thirty minutes in duration. This is better than most fluff pieces, and shows some good insight into the production. A web link, talent files, some text notes on the real Omega Code, and the theatrical trailer round out the goodies.
