Plot: What’s it about?
The Hive is a high-tech lab where viral research is done to enhance bio-weapons, the kind of stuff no one wants to experience first hand. The compound is state of the art and is run by a super computer, which means there is little room for human error, which is good, since this place houses viral toxins that could end mankind. But when someone looses a dangerous virus in The Hive, even the cutting edge lockdown methods and security measures can’t promise a safe end to the tense situation. This is just what happens when a virus is leaked into the atmosphere and while the computer enacts a total system lockdown, even then it will take a small miracle to ensure the continued safety of the world. A special military team is sent in to neutralize the threat, but with only three hours and some unexpected problems, that could be asking them to make the impossible a reality. The workers have been infected by the virus and turned into the walking dead, wanting nothing else but human flesh. Can even the elite team sent in manage to overcome this situation, or is the world doomed to be flooded with the undead?
The realm of video games holds a lot of material with motion picture potential, but the move to the big screen hasn’t often been a smooth one. So even with a title as popular and acclaimed as Resident Evil, it was no sure bet that the movie would be worthwhile. I had some doubts, but when director Paul W.S. Anderson and stars Milla Jovovich, Eric Mabius, and Michelle Rodriguez all signed on, the outlook was better than expected. The storyline does not mirror the one in the game, but takes place in the same situation and has the same elements, though it happens a few days prior to the events within the video game. As expected, the movie has wicked visuals, some cool zombies, and even decent blood & skin levels, as far as mainstream cinema goes. I was quite pleased with Resident Evil and found it to be a blast to watch, though it won’t win any traditional awards any time soon. Anderson has stated a new two disc edition is slated for release at some point, so let’s hope that version includes his unrated cut of the film itself. This new Deluxe Edition is ok, but doesn’t have enough to warrant a purchase in most cases.
The ideal director for this movie would have been zombie master George A. Romero and he signed on at the start, but after some script conflicts, he dropped out of the project. While Paul W.S. Anderson doesn’t have the resume of Romero, he has some films that seem to paint him as a wise choice to helm this picture. Anderson loves to use dynamic visuals, a frenetic pace, excellent atmosphere, and a wide range of visual tricks, all of which come into play as needed elements in the Resident Evil movie, of course. He is able to produce a solid storyline, draw out some good performances, and above all else, deliver a fun, wild ride of a film, just the kind of direction this movie needed. Other films by Anderson include Mortal Kombat, Soldier, Shopping, and the underrated Event Horizon. The cast here includes Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element, The Million Dollar Hotel), Eric Mabius (Cruel Intentions, The Crow: Salvation), and the awesome Michelle Rodriguez (Girlfight, The Fast and the Furious).
Video: How does it look?
The audio remains the same also, though the awesome DTS option from the SuperBit edition has been dropped here. The tense and action driven scenes put the speakers through the paces and then some, with creative and highly effective presence, which adds to the eerie, offbeat atmosphere. The more reserved scenes also sound terrific, while the musical score is tight & immersive here, a very memorable audio treatment indeed.Although the included Dolby Digital 5.1 option doesn’t reach reference status, it comes close and ranks as a damn impressive audio experience. This disc also includes French and Portuguese soundtracks, as well as subtitles in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio remains the same also, though the awesome DTS option from the SuperBit edition has been dropped here. The tense and action driven scenes put the speakers through the paces and then some, with creative and highly effective presence, which adds to the eerie, offbeat atmosphere. The more reserved scenes also sound terrific, while the musical score is tight & immersive here, a very memorable audio treatment indeed.Although the included Dolby Digital 5.1 option doesn’t reach reference status, it comes close and ranks as a damn impressive audio experience. This disc also includes French and Portuguese soundtracks, as well as subtitles in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Anderson is joined by producer Jeremy Bolt and stars Milla Jovovich & Michelle Rodriguez on an audio commentary track, which proves to be quite memorable. This is by no means a technical session, as the focus seems to be more on fun and humorous moments, which works out well enough. Of course, those in search of in depth production details will be left in the cold, but this still deserves a listen, without question. A second commentary track features members of the visual effects staff, who provide a more technical discussion. You’ll learn about how certain effects were created, as well as some that were in the original plans, but weren’t completed. A total of eleven featurettes, some new, some old can be also found here, plus some talent files and an alternate end sequence. Anderson supplies an introduction for the alternate ending, which better sets up the sequel, no doubt about it. This disc also includes a preview of Resident Evil: Apocalypse, as well as the film’s theatrical trailer.
