Vampire in Brooklyn on DVD

Eddie Murphy isn't the only thing in this movie that sucks.

In fact, just about everything about Wes Craven's Vampire in Brooklyn, starring Eddie Murphy, sucks.

The story revolves around a fellow named Maximillian. He's one of those undead vampires we hear so much about; in this retelling of the legend he comes to Brooklyn looking for the woman of his dreams, the woman who can help him reach his goal of ruling the world.

There's a catch, though. Eddie, er, Maximilian can't just find his dream girl and nibble on her neck as he would normally. Nope, she has to give herself to him willingly. amd what self respecting American woman would fall for his "fangs for the memories" act?

So Max pretends he isn't a vile beast, and pitches woo by way of saving her life numerous times and doing normal male things like pretending to enjoy the same things she does.

Sounds almost like "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus," doesn't it?

Directed by Wes Craven, the movie claims to be a comedy/horror flick, but it's neither scary nor funny and that's the bite of death even for a vampire. Not only that, but it's Eddie Murphy just isn't believable as a vampire, despite his obvious talents.

Angela Basset is good as the object of Max's affectoin, but the rest of the cast seems to be along only for comic relief - though it would have relieved us a lot more if it was actually comic.

Even the DVD lacks bite. The picture is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, 16x9 TV compatible, but it looks grainy. It may have something to do with the original print of this fairly low budget film, but so what?

Some readers may have heard that the 5.1 Dolby Digital track is messed up on this disc. We heard stories that the right front channel has somehow been swapped with the left rear channel, and perhaps it was. We didn't notice it on our review DVD, however. That said, however, the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio on this disc still isn't that great. Much of the soundtrack is low and muffled, and there doesn't seem to be much action coming from the rear speakers.

The lone extra is the theatrical trailer.

Vampire in Brooklyn, from Paramount Home Entertainment
102 minutes, anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) 16 X 9 enhanced, 5.1 Dolby Digital
Starring Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, Zakes Mokae
Produced by Eddie Murphy and Mark Lipsky
Screenplay by Charles Murphy and Michael Lucker & Chris Parker
Directed by Wes Craven

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