DVD Review: 1408
Garnering $72 million at the box-office, John Cusack (Identity, Runaway Jury) and Samuel L. Jackson (Snakes on a Plane, Star Wars films) star in the paranormal thriller 1408 from Dimension Films and Genius Products. Special features include commentary by Director Mikael Hafstrom and Writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, two alternate endings, deleted scenes with optional commentary, The Secrets of 1408 and webisodes with John Cusack on 1408 and inside room 1408, in addition to the theatrical trailer. The disc is presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD and English 5.1 Dolby Digital with English CC and Spanish subtitles.
Review:
1408 is the best film adaption of a Stephen King novel that I’ve ever seen. While most horror movies come off being cliche and predictable, 1408 presents a story that is terrifying in a realistic way. A roller coaster ride of emotions into a world of paranoia is what’s in store for you.
What I liked most about this film was that there wasn’t an excessive amount of blood, no crazy people running around with giant sharp objects, and not a whole lot of violence. The best horror films are the ones that send chills down your spine, play with your mind, and keep you on the edge of your seat.
John Cusack brings a great deal of depth to the lead role which is another reason this film works as well as it does. Cusack plays Mike Enslin, a writer who is investigating the reportedly haunted room of 1408. Apparently, no one has ever survived a full hour in this room. A tad skeptical, Enslin dismisses the warnings of the hotel manager and soon finds himself facing evil worse than he could have imagined.
The pace of the film is consistent throughout and the writing was intelligent. Combined, you get a movie that is riveting, engrossing, and will leave you with nightmares. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, then this film is for you. Check out the Blu-ray release for a number of extra featurettes, deleted scenes, alternate endings, commentaries, and the best-looking viewing experience. There’s no other way to watch to this film.
Review by Emma Loggins
Grade: A-
Official site: http://www.1408-themovie.com/
Buy on Amazon: 1408
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