Bride of Chucky (1998) - Universal Pictures

Director :Ronny Yu

Starring : Jennifer Tilly, Brad Dourif, Katherine Heigl, Nick Stabile and John Ritter

Picture 1.85:1 Anamorphic, DD 5.1, Dual-Layer, Keep Case

Running Time : 99 mins

The story:

Chucky Gets Lucky!

Its a classic story. Girl meets boy. Boy dies in bloodbath. Boys spirit enters a doll and embarks on a killing spree to get revenge for his untimely death. Girl retrieves mangled remains of doll 10 years later to resurrect him and rekindle their love. Unfortunately its not to be as physical differences get in the way so Chucky decides that Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly) should be his barbie !. This is when the fun begins. Chucky must get to the remains of his dead self in order to be reanimated and a friendly eloping couple are the perfect ride across country. Together with a wicked sheriff stepfather (John Ritter) in tow this sets the scene for a splendid road movie killing spree. Full of naïve teenagers and foul mouthed quips. Chucky and bride deliver a non stop, fun fuelled, monster of a movie.......and watch out for that ending! (I will say no more)

The summary:

I must make a confession first. There I was in my local multiplex. Popcorn in hand, when all of a sudden Chucky appears on the screen in a 60 second pile of rubbish that someone later explained was a trailer. Chucky was back and this time he was in it for the money. Chucky was the eighties. He was everything we held dear gone mad in a feast of foul language& gore. How could they bring him into the nineties for yet another sequel? Someone smelt money at Universal& I wasn't buying in. Then came the DVD. "OK I'll put it on", I said. But Just to gloat at another horror icon falling foul of one to many sequels.....and the weirdest thing happened. I loved it! Its really the simplicity of the movie that makes it work. Its loud, brash and funny - everything that we have come to expect from Chucky. Its this that is the key. Here is a film that really does not take itself at all seriously and it shows. Its set pieces are all wonderfully overplayed and its "human" stars are all like caricatures of the modern American horror stereotype. Its is also filled with great one liners from its smaller cast members - "are you wearing a rubber chucky ?", "Honey, I'm made of rubber".

Extras:

* Filmmakers' Audio Commentary - You get two for your money here, one from Ronny Yu and one from Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly & Don Mancini. Ronny tries....and fails. Stick with Brad and Jennifer - amusing and insightful.

* Production notes - Ok it explains some stuff! But do we need it ? Well you will look at it when you first play the disc but dont expect too much.

* History of Chucky - Now this is more like it. A full history of all the Child Play outing's thus far (including the stupidly banned 3rd film). Could have done with some clips or trailers but a useful little extra for those of you stepping into the franchise at this point (tut! tut!).

* Jennifer's Diary - This is a copy of the article that appeared in Premier magazine. Looks at Jennifers experiences whilst making the film......Ummm, well, maybe..

* Theatrical Trailer - Surprisingly short. Teaser trailer really.

* Cast & Crew - Usual stuff, although seems to be a few omissions.......I mean call me Mr picky but we all saw Brad Dourif in Urban Legend. Not according to this !.

* Spotlight on Location - 10 minute docu-promo. Watch out for the computer controlled dolls. Freaky !!

Our Verdict...

Never going to win an Oscar but full of first class, cross country escapism. Take a chance, sit back and enjoy!. 8/10

Impressive looking with no grain at all and Anamorphic too. 9/10

Horror films really do seem to be impressing recently with a wonderful soundtrack full of split surround treats and wonderful bass extensions and this is up there with the best. 8/10

A colourful and feature packed array of extra's . Not perhaps the best i've seen but well worthy of a mention. - 8/10

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