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DVD Review: Tales from the Crypt: Ritual
By HammerFanatic
Jun 13, 2006, 21:52

Filmed in 2001 by director Avi Nesher, but not released until May 2006 and as a direct-to-DVD release is the film; Tales From the Crypt: Ritual. In an attempt to cash in on the success of the first entry in the Tales From the Crypt film and the TV series, this film does boast some quality names in the acting business, but for one reason or another, never saw a theatrical release in the United States. The film stars; Jennifer Grey (Dr. Alice Dodgson), Craig Sheffer (Paul Claybourne), Daniel Lapaine (Wesley Claybourne), Kristen Wilson (Caro Lamb) and Tim Curry (Matthew Hope).

Dr. Alice Dodgson (Grey) has had her medical license revoked for two years following a misdiagnosis and the death of the patient. Needing a job, she accepts a job as a private physician to a wealthy man, Paul Claybourne (Sheffer), located in Jamaica. Claybourne informs Alice that she's here to treat his brother, Wesley (Lapaine), who believes himself to be a zombie. Alice isn't put off by the thought of working with Wesley and is actually fascinated by the prospect. The first night at the home, Alice suffers a horrible nightmare where she is tied up, gagged and has several large spiders dropped onto her body and then witnesses the death of Paul's assistant, Caro (Wilson). The following day, Alice meets brother Wesley and while the meeting of Dr. and patient isn't overly hostile, it also doesn't get off to a good start. Alice does impress Wesley with her knowledge of poets, but she accomplishes little else with Wesley. As Alice's nightmares continue to intensify, several murders of whites with a machete in the area take place and one begins to wonder if Wesley is behind the murders or if Alice is under a voodoo spell?

Tales From the Crypt: Ritual is offered in non-anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and generally looks OK, nothing spectacular, but certainly not a horrible presentation, either. English (Dolby Digital 5.1) is the only spoken language offered with English captions and Spanish subtitles. Bonus features are non-existent for this feature, it's completely bare-bones. 

Tales From the Crypt: Ritual has one interesting point, the film is a loose...remake or adaptation of the 1943 film; I Walked With A Zombie and is even given screen credit in the opening sequences of the film. Sadly, this film carries none of the atmosphere of the earlier film nor does it have any of the cheesy fun associated with the Tales From the Crypt TV series. I'm sure you noticed in the credits for the film, Tim Curry is mentioned, but his character does little more than wander through the film and make teenage sexual innuendos, so his involvement in the film is also wasted. Unfortunately, this film seems very 'empty' and lacks any real sense of tension or horror. In my opinion, if you're looking for an enjoyable 'Tales From the Crypt' film, check out the 1972 Amicus effort...it may not have the Cryptkeeper most fans have come to enjoy to offer wisecracks or introduce each segment, but the 1972 Amicus film does have some excellent stories and a wonderful cast. If this is the only DVD available on the rental shelf or if it's even found in a bargain-bin.....I'd walk....no, I'd run past this effort.

Buy Tales from the Crypt: Ritual on DVD from Amazon.com