Review of End of Days

Introduction

End Of Days is a big budget, lavish horror/action film starring Arnold “I know now why you cry, but it is something I can never do” Schwarzenegger. This is his first major movie in two years, and I was a little apprehensive as to how big Arnie would cope with a film of the Omen/Stigmata ilk. Gabriel Byrne plays the Devil in this film, contrasting his role in the recent similar movie Stigmata as the God fearing priest.

However the usual traits of an expensive Arnie epic are all there as you would expect – lots of explosions, guns, shootouts and European accents. At the end of the day it is an expensive action flick, and is liberally sprinkled with lit candles, chanting, demonic possession and lots of blood.

The plot revolves around ‘the stranger’ (Byrne) and his quest to track down his mortal bride Christine York (Robin Tunney). York “whose destiny involves death, the devil and the fate of mankind” (the inlay proudly states in true Hollywood style. When do we ever get action movies whose characters do NOT hold the fate of mankind ?!!) is sought after by Byrne in order to give birth to the anti-Christ. Uncle Arnie as a tired cop in NYC must save love interest Christine, with lots of fun and special effects along the way.

Now I tend to enjoy these religious type movies – the Omen Trilogy, Stigmata and The Seventh Sign have all concentrated on similar themes. But to my mind, you have to go a long way to beat the original Omen movie with its chilling story line and haunting musical score.

End Of Days is similarly ominous and chilling, with dark overtones and sinister ideas. Add to that Arnie in the lead role, and all the signs are there for a successful movie. Similarly, Byrne’s portrayal of the Devil in human form is wonderfully cold and cruel, and his power over the other characters is eminently enviable! The scene in the restaurant early on to my mind enforced Byrne in this role, and blew away the mental comparisons I had already made to his Stigmata character.

Video

This DVD is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and is divided into 20 chapter stops.

A very clean print was used in the transfer, there being no discernable blips or flaws in the video quality. Generally the movie is often dark, as you would expect from this type of story line, and the DVD does not suffer as a result of this. Images are pin sharp and are never overly black, thus the shadowy scenes in the church of candles reflect the atmosphere and mood of the movie well. The director’s use of light and colour contribute hugely to the atmosphere generated by the movie, and the emotions of the audience.

No compression issues were noted, and no grain was seen. All in all a marvellous transfer.

Audio

In common with the mood of the film itself, the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track does much to enhance the mood and atmosphere of the story. Surround effects are used to the full, and none more so than with gunfire, rain and the chanting. Each channel is wonderfully defined and on closing your eyes you can follow the sounds around the room effortlessly.

Subwoofer signals provide the deep impact on certain scenes – the explosions in New York City reverberate with stomach thumping bass. The sub also adds warm depth to the dialogue and atmospheric sounds throughout the film – from the rainstorms through to the New York City traffic.

Never do you get the impression that the rear channels are overly used just because they are there. I have experienced some films like this where the rear channel signals are positively offensive to the ear (for instance ‘Bram Stokers Dracula’) as they seem constantly louder than the main front channels. End Of Days has really benefited from a planned audio spectrum and the movie itself is uplifted because of this.

Features

Some spectacular animated menus are provided on this DVD. The haunting audio that accompanies them prepares the viewer for the atmospheric movie that they are about to watch, and some superb animation completes them nicely. Check out the transition between the main and the ‘Bonus Features’ menus. Very slick.

‘Spotlight on Location’ is your typical cast and crew interviews documentary that is well above average as ‘making-ofs’ go. There are plenty of insights into the special effects and the intricacies of the story, and lasts almost half an hour.

My favourite extra on any DVD is usually a commentary track – and a highly informative and interesting director’s commentary is provided, revealing many further insights into the making of the movie.

‘Special Effects: The Devils Playground’ takes you further into certain scenes of the film, individually selectable. It is a real comprehensive set of special effects features with interviews and clips.

You also get some in depth information on the Book of Revelation, the Theatrical Trailer and two videos by Everlast and Rob Zombie. Also, there are production notes, cast and crew, Universal Showcase (advertising!), Recommendations and various DVD ROM only features.

Conclusion

The timing of the release of this film was impeccable – towards the end of 1999 there were many predictions of Y2K computer crashes, planetary alignments and the destruction of the world by earthquakes and meteor showers. The story has capitalised on the mood of the public at that time and Arnold Schwarzenegger comments that “Everyone’s very aware about the millennium and this is the only movie coming out now that explores all the themes”.

A very different role for Arnie then – probably his most ‘vulnerable’ role he has ever played. He is troubled with the Demons in his past and is virtually at the end of his tether. And my concerns noted in the first section above were not justified. The part was written for Schwarzenegger, and he seems to relish the chance to play this kind of role.

Byrne too, has to cope with a role where much of the audience will have their own pre-conceptions of what they perceive the image of ‘the Devil’ to be. He is one of the most interesting characters in the film, and often steals the scene with his menacing persona.

The DVD is excellent in both audio and video quality, and a comprehensive collection of extras rounds off an excellent overall package. This title has to be recommended!