John Carpenter’s 1998 film, Vampires, is a movie that often divides audiences. Some hail it as a thrilling, action-packed horror western, while others find it a less compelling entry in Carpenter’s otherwise stellar filmography. Having revisited Vampires on Blu-ray, it’s clear that regardless of personal preference, the film is undeniably well-crafted and deserves a closer look. This review delves into the film itself, its characters, themes, and the quality of the Shout Factory Blu-ray release, offering a comprehensive analysis for fans and newcomers alike.
Synopsis and Plot Breakdown: A Modern Vampire Hunt
John Carpenter’s Vampires throws us into the sun-scorched landscapes of the American Southwest, where a hardened team of vampire hunters, led by the gruff and uncompromising Jack Crow (James Woods), operates with brutal efficiency. Their methods are far from subtle: crossbow bolts attached to steel cables drag vampires into the blinding sunlight, where they erupt into flames. This initial sequence establishes the film’s tone – a blend of visceral action and dark humor.
The Hunter’s Fall: An Attack on Sacred Ground
After successfully eradicating a vampire nest in an abandoned desert dwelling, Crow and his team, including his trusted second-in-command Tony Montoya (Daniel Baldwin), and a group of women, celebrate their victory with a raucous party at a motel. However, their celebration is violently cut short by the arrival of Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), a powerful “master” vampire. In a brutal and swift attack, Valek decimates the team, leaving only Crow, Tony, and a prostitute named Katrina (Sheryl Lee) alive. Katrina, having been bitten by Valek, is now infected and begins a terrifying transformation.
The Chase Begins: Desperation and Alliance
Escaping Valek’s wrath, the survivors are forced to flee, their truck wrecked in the process. In a moment of dark comedy, they commandeer a car from an unfortunate bystander (a cameo by director Frank Darabont). Returning to the ravaged motel, Crow, ever pragmatic, sets about the grim task of disposing of the bodies. Seeking resources and guidance, Crow meets with Cardinal Alba (Maximilian Schell), his Vatican liaison, who assigns the skeptical and initially reluctant Father Guiteau (Tim Guinee) to accompany him. Crow’s abrasive demeanor extends to both Katrina and Guiteau, yet he remains focused on his mission: eliminating Valek and preventing a greater evil.
Meanwhile, Tony finds himself guarding Katrina, witnessing her agonizing transformation firsthand. Developing an unexpected empathy for her plight, Tony saves Katrina from a suicide attempt, inadvertently getting bitten himself in the process, further complicating their already desperate situation.
Sheryl Lee in John Carpenter's Vampires
Showdown and Aftermath: Faith, Betrayal, and Explosive Finale
Now a quartet – Crow, Tony, Katrina, and Guiteau – they embark on a desperate hunt for Valek. Katrina’s psychic link to Valek, a consequence of his bite, becomes a crucial tool, allowing them to glimpse his actions and intentions. They discover Valek’s pursuit of the Bérziers Cross, an ancient artifact that would grant him the ability to walk in daylight. Valek’s ruthless acquisition of the cross involves violence and manipulation, highlighting his ancient and malevolent nature.
Despite dwindling resources and Katrina’s accelerating transformation, the team confronts Valek and his vampire brood. In a series of intense confrontations, they manage to eliminate several vampires, showcasing Father Guiteau’s unexpected turn towards action. However, as night falls, the remaining vampires overwhelm them. Tony and Katrina escape, but Katrina fully succumbs to vampirism, biting Tony before their getaway car crashes. Katrina joins Valek’s ranks, while Tony becomes a reluctant observer of their growing power.
Crow himself is captured, revealing a shocking betrayal: Cardinal Alba is in league with Valek, seeking immortality through the vampire master. Crow is to be sacrificed in a ritual using the Bérziers Cross. But Father Guiteau, having embraced a more proactive role, intervenes, taking a dramatic shot that eliminates Alba. As dawn approaches, Crow taunts Valek, revealing Alba’s necessity for the ritual. Valek, however, intends to force Guiteau to perform it.
Just as Valek is about to kill Crow, Tony returns, launching a cable-attached arrow that yanks Crow free. In the ensuing chaos, Guiteau frees Crow, and the vampires scatter from the rising sun. Crow and Valek engage in a final, brutal showdown. Crow, in a moment of resourceful violence, destroys part of the building’s roof, exposing Valek to the sunlight, causing him to erupt in flames and explode with supernatural force.
Tony rescues Katrina from the sun’s deadly rays, placing her in the van. Crow, recognizing Tony’s changed character and act of loyalty, grants them a two-day head start before hunting them. As Tony and Katrina drive off, Crow and Guiteau, now a hardened duo, return to the fight, ready to face the remaining vampires, embracing their roles as relentless hunters.
James Woods in John Carpenter's Vampires
Character Analysis: Flawed Heroes and Ancient Evil
While John Carpenter’s Vampires delivers visceral thrills and action, it’s the characters, particularly their flaws and transformations, that add depth to the narrative.
Jack Crow: The Anti-Heroic Hunter
Jack Crow is intentionally unlikeable. He’s abrasive, misogynistic, and treats his allies with disdain. Yet, he is also undeniably effective and dedicated to his mission. Carpenter presents Crow as a man hardened by a lifetime of fighting monsters, a figure embodying a toxic masculinity, perhaps, but also a grim determination necessary for his dangerous profession. He’s not meant to be a traditional hero like Snake Plissken; Crow is a survivalist, a pragmatist in a world overrun by supernatural threats.
Valek: The Ancient Evil
Valek is the embodiment of ancient vampire evil. Thomas Ian Griffith portrays him with a chilling stillness and understated menace. He’s not a charismatic villain; Valek is an old, powerful force driven by a desire to transcend his limitations, seeking the Bérziers Cross to conquer daylight itself. His scenes are marked by a palpable sense of dread, and his interactions, particularly with Katrina, are unsettling and predatory.
Katrina: Transformation and Temptation
Katrina’s journey is one of the most compelling aspects of the film. Sheryl Lee portrays her transformation from a victim to a creature of the night with chilling vulnerability and burgeoning animalistic intensity. Her psychic link to Valek and her internal struggle against the vampire infection create a fascinating dynamic. Her scenes with both Valek and Tony highlight different facets of her character, showcasing her fear, temptation, and eventual surrender to her vampiric nature.
Father Guiteau: From Faith to Action
Father Guiteau’s arc is a classic transformation from a man of faith to a man of action. Initially a bookish and reluctant participant, he evolves into a capable vampire hunter. While the film portrays his shift towards action as a positive development, it also subtly questions the abandonment of his intellectual and spiritual side. Tim Guinee’s portrayal captures this evolution, providing moments of both humor and unexpected badassery.
Tony: Redemption and Sacrifice
Tony undergoes a significant character arc, arguably more profound than Crow’s. Starting as somewhat callous and mirroring Crow’s initial demeanor, Tony develops empathy and compassion, particularly for Katrina. His act of saving Crow at the climax, despite his own infection, is a moment of genuine heroism and sacrifice, marking a significant departure from his earlier persona.
Western Themes in Vampires: A Modern Frontier
Carpenter explicitly conceived Vampires as a western, drawing parallels to classic films like Red River. This influence is evident in the film’s visual style, the vast, sun-drenched landscapes, and the themes of frontier justice and relentless pursuit.
The vampire hunters operate like a posse in the Old West, dispensing their own brutal form of law in a lawless territory overrun by monsters. The desolate locations and the characters’ rugged individualism further reinforce this western motif. However, unlike traditional westerns with clear-cut heroes, Vampires presents morally ambiguous characters operating in a morally gray world, blurring the lines between good and evil, much like revisionist westerns of the late 20th century.
Blu-ray Review: Shout Factory Collector’s Edition
The Shout Factory Blu-ray release of John Carpenter’s Vampires is a solid offering for fans, providing a noticeable upgrade in visual and audio quality compared to previous home video releases.
Video and Audio Quality: A Dark Film Shines
The Blu-ray print showcases the film’s visuals effectively. While much of the film takes place at night, the transfer handles the darker scenes well, providing a good level of detail and clarity. The contrast is improved, though as noted in the original review, nighttime scenes on video can still lack the depth of film projection. Watching in a darkened room is definitely recommended to fully appreciate the visual presentation.
The audio options include both 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks. Both tracks deliver a robust and immersive sound experience, highlighting Carpenter’s score and the film’s sound design. The isolated score track is a welcome addition for fans of Carpenter’s music, offering a chance to appreciate the score independently.
Special Features: A Treasure Trove for Carpenter Fans
The Blu-ray boasts a comprehensive set of extras, providing valuable insights into the making of John Carpenter’s Vampires:
- Audio Commentary with John Carpenter (1999): This commentary is a highlight, with Carpenter offering production details, anecdotes, and his thoughts on the film. While he may sound slightly detached at times, his insights are always informative and engaging.
- Featurette (1998): This vintage 24-minute featurette, presented in 4:3 aspect ratio, is a collection of shorter promotional pieces, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Carpenter and the cast. It provides a glimpse into the film’s production and the promotional atmosphere at the time of release.
- “Time to Kill Some Vampires” Interviews: A newly produced 12.5-minute featurette with interviews featuring John Carpenter, producer Sandy King, and cinematographer Gary B. Kibbe. This provides a more contemporary perspective on the film’s creation and legacy.
- “Jack the Vampire Slayer” Interview with James Woods: A 22-minute interview with James Woods, who discusses his role as Jack Crow, his appreciation for Carpenter, and anecdotes from the set. His enthusiasm for the role is evident, even if some of his recollections are slightly embellished.
- “The First Vampire” Interview with Thomas Ian Griffith: A 10-minute interview with Thomas Ian Griffith, who shares his experiences playing Valek and working with Carpenter. He expresses his enjoyment of the role and the unique approach Carpenter took with his character.
- “Raising the Stakes” Interview with Greg Nicotero: A 10-minute interview with special effects makeup artist Greg Nicotero, detailing the practical effects work in the film, particularly the impressive burning vampire effects inspired by The Thing. This interview could easily have been longer given the richness of the topic.
- “Padre” Interview with Tim Guinee: A 13-minute interview with Tim Guinee, offering his fond recollections of working with Carpenter and James Woods, and sharing humorous anecdotes from the set.
- Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots, Photo Gallery: Standard but welcome additions, including the original theatrical trailer, five TV spots, and a photo gallery with production stills, press kit materials, and international posters.
John Carpenter's Vampires Blu-ray Cover
Legacy and Reception of John Carpenter’s Vampires
John Carpenter’s Vampires, while not as universally acclaimed as some of Carpenter’s other works like Halloween or The Thing, has developed a strong cult following over the years. Its unique blend of horror and western elements, combined with Carpenter’s signature style and a cast of memorable characters, has ensured its place in genre cinema. While some critics and audiences found Jack Crow’s character off-putting and the film’s tone uneven, many appreciate its action-packed approach to vampire lore and its distinct visual style.
The film spawned a direct-to-video sequel and a loose spin-off, but neither captured the same gritty charm of the original. The Shout Factory Blu-ray release has further solidified the film’s legacy, offering fans the definitive home video version and introducing it to a new generation of viewers.
Bottom Line: A Must-Have for Carpenter and Horror Fans
Despite its polarizing nature, John Carpenter’s Vampires is a compelling and well-made film that deserves to be seen and appreciated, especially in this excellent Shout Factory Blu-ray edition. While Jack Crow may be an abrasive protagonist, the film’s action, visual style, and supporting characters offer plenty to enjoy. For fans of John Carpenter, vampire movies, or horror westerns, this Blu-ray is an essential addition to their collection. It’s a solid release of a psychotronic gem that, regardless of any character flaws, remains a thrilling and unique cinematic experience. If you have any appreciation for Carpenter’s work or genre-bending horror, John Carpenter’s Vampires is definitely worth picking up.
