Plot: What’s it about?
Lawrence Angelo (Pierce Brosnan) has been working on some very interesting scientific projects, including one that has him in a state of almost obsession. Angelo has been running experiments and tests to create an intelligence enhancer, which does what it’s name says, it makes the subject smarter. His tests on animals have been somewhat successful, but his work has been targeted for something he never intended, military use. After one his newest subjects, a chimp, goes into a violent rage after taking some chemicals, Angelo decides the time has come to withdraw his services from the project, wanting no part of a military implementation of his work. While he is at his home, he makes an important choice, he decides to continue his experiments on his own time, right in his basement. In order to make the results of this new work valid, he needs a subject, and local simpleton Jobe Smith (Jeff Fahey) seems perfect for the part. Angelo’s research really produces results with Jobe, and soon the subject is even more intelligent that the doctor himself. The military is not out of contention yet however, and manage to force a drug switch, unknown to Angelo, which increases Jobe’s violent side, much like what happened to the chimp. With Jobe becoming smarter and more aggressive each day, Angelo’s experiment gone awry has put the fate of the world in jeopardy.
Ah yes, I do love to review science fiction. Even though it seems like a few come out every year, there just aren’t that many good ones that get released, at least ones worth watching more than once. This is one of the good ones, with all the elements sci/fi needs to be good. The storyline is classic sci/fi, with a potentially helpful experiment gone bad endangering mankind, and the effects/visuals are excellent as well. I am especially fond of the virtual reality sequences, which are a real treat for the eyes, and a great choice to show off your home theater’s power. The visuals are truly impressive, not just with the computer animation, but also with color use, lighting schemes, placement/arrangement, and camera angles. While this isn’t the best example of sci/fi, this is a fun jaunt through the classic elements of the genre, and worth a look for fans of thrillers, action, and of course, sci/fi. Suffice to say that I recommend the movie highly, and while the movie is not widely regarded in high esteem, there is a large cult fanbase behind the movie. I give my highest recommendation for the disc as well, as it gives a wonderful treatment to the film, and gives the viewer excellent audio and video, as well as a plethora of supplements.
Unlike many science fiction movies, The Lawnmower Man features a very solid cast, including talented leads and a decent supporting cast. Pierce Brosnan takes a break from playing swashbuckling spies and tough guys here, and he brings a nice, controlled performance to the movie. Brosnan (Taffin, The World Is Not Enough) is convincing, which makes me wonder when he will expand his resume a bit with some varied roles. Playing the role of village idiot is Jeff Fahey (Extramarital, Eye of the Wolf), who turns in a powerful performance. While his hair does look ridiculous, Fahey’s acting is very good here, never taking the character too deeply into absurdity. The supporting cast includes performances by Jeremy Slate (Girls! Girls! Girls!, Dream Machine), Mark Bringelson (Dead Man), Jenny Wright (A Shock To The System, Twister), Geoffrey Lewis (Maverick, Heaven’s Gate), and Dean Norris (Without Limits, Starship Troopers). The director of The Lawnmower Man is Brett Leonard, who went on to direct science fiction fare such as Virtuosity and Hideaway.
Video: How does it look?
The main draw of this Blu-ray is the new 4K transfer which has breathed new life into the film. Having seen this movie in the theaters (has it really been 25 years?), the once impressive visual effects are now corny and dated. But that’s OK. The new 1.85:1 AVC HD image really does rejuvenate the dated look that the older New Line DVD possessed. Adding to that, the film features both live action scenes and computer animation sequences, so while the “virtual reality” aspect of the film does look dated, it also looks the best it ever has. The colors look bright, with no bleeding, and flesh tones appear natural. Contrast levels are sharp and correct, with high visible detail level and accurate shadow depth.
Audio: How does it sound?
New to this Blu-ray is a DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack. While the surrounds will be pounding the most during the cyberspace scenes, even during the low key segments the LFE is alive and well. There are a few instances in which the surrounds really do add some extra emphasis, but again we look at the age of the movie and have to factor that in. Having said that, vocals sound natural and it makes for a pleasing overall experience.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This new two disc version has two different cuts of the film. The theatrical cut and some supplements are on the first disc while the Director’s Cut and the remaining features are on disc two. Of note, most of these supplements come from New Line’s DVD, though one new supplement has been added.
Disc 1 – Theatrical Cut:
- Cybergod: Creating The Lawnmower Man – This is the lone new supplement, but it’s a good one. Featuring interviews with co-writer/director Brett Leonard, actor Jeff Fahey, editor Alan Baumgarten, make-up effects artist Michael Deak and special effects coordinator Frank Ceglia, this group takes a look back at the film and what made it so ahead of its time.
- Audio Commentary – Writer/director Brett Leonard and writer/producer Gimel Everett collaborate for a commentary track. This is the same one that appears on New Line’s DVD of the film, but they do give some insight into the picture. There are no serious gaps, and plenty of information is to be found, a must listen for fans of the flick.
- Deleted Scenes – These appear to be the same dozen deleted scenes that were also on New Line’s DVD.
- Original Electronic Press Kit – Some things never change. Cast interviews and behind-the-scenes footage are shown here, albeit in early 90’s lore.
- Edited animated sequences – Just that. About four minutes’ worth.
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spot
Disc 2 – Director’s Cut:
- Audio Commentary -Writer/director Brett Leonard and writer/producer Gimel Everett collaborate for a commentary track. This is the same one that appears on New Line’s DVD of the film, but they do give some insight into the picture. There are no serious gaps, and plenty of information is to be found, a must listen for fans of the flick.
- Conceptual art and Design sketches – About three minutes’ worth of some sketches, mostly VR-related, about the film.
- Behind the scenes and production stills – Bear in mind these are twenty five years old and aren’t of the quality today, but still good to have nonetheless.
- Storyboard Comparison – Again, mostly VR-related, but interesting to see how they translated from storyboard to final product.
The Bottom Line
There’s a campy nostalgia associated with this film. I remember seeing it in the theater and being somewhat “blown away” by the visual effects. Those same effects now seem antiquated and dated, but such is life. The new disc pulls out the stops with a dazzling new transfer, a new feature and both versions of the film. Odds are that fans of the film won’t think twice about adding this to their collection.
