Plot: What’s it about?
The movie starts out in space and a group of Cosmonauts are working on a Space Station when a sudden object is approaching them. The object looks like a gas cloud of some sort. It disrupts the space station and sends an electrical current to the boat that is in direct contact with the space station crew. The movie then shifts to a crew who are on a high tech tugboat that is towing in a cargo ship. They are caught in the middle of a storm and ship is damaged. They make it through the storm and they look for help as the boat takes on water.They find a ship on radar and they go to see if they can get some help and repair their ship. What they stumble upon is something they can’t possibly imagine… even in their worst nightmare.
They stumble upon an outer space entity that lives through electrical current. It learns through the computer files on deck and finds the strengths and weaknesses of its enemy, humans. It’s object is to use man to help the entity live and take over the world. (Or so it seems) The entity uses an existing machine shop to construct small robotic machines to make robots that are half human and half machine. They also make small spider looking machines that are used to defend their lair.
This is a fairly entertaining movie that moves at a good pace. I doubt that you will ever be on the edge of your seat, but you should be entertained if you can buy the basic science fiction story line and theme. The special effects in the movie are pretty good and nothing was computer generated. All of the robots were actually constructed for the movie by hand. The movie was based on the comic book with the same title, “Virus”. This movie is worth a rent and maybe a purchase if you like these kind of science fiction movies. The only thing that keeps this DVD from getting five discs across the board is the so so movie, but the awesome sound and picture will make you like it more than you should. (I did)
Video: How does it look?
This is a great looking picture. The darks are very true and crystal clear and there are alot of them. This is a very dark filmed movie with very little light. I didn’t see a hint of grain or any flaw in the picture what so ever. A very well done transfer.
Audio: How does it sound?
All right batten down the hatches and seal the air tight doors. This 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack is going to rock the house. This is a reference quality soundtrack and there is plenty of action to go around for all of your speakers. I can’t remember the last time the surround sound speakers received so much attention. This is definitely one of the best sounding DVD’s I have heard. You will find yourself smack dab in the middle of a storm and right on board with the crew during the battles. An inveloping soundtrack to say the least.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Although the packaging doesn’t say it is a Special Edition, it definitely is. It has almost everything a Special Edition should have. A behind the scenes documentary, deleted scenes with explanations as to why they were deleted, (and rightfuly so) audio commentary from the director John Bruno and a featurette.
