DVD Reviews

Carrie (2002)

For some reason, Stephen King doesn't seem to like the original films based on his work. Lately a lot of his stories that have already been made into films have been remade as a TV movie or miniseries. Arguably these films do not need to be remade, but try telling that to Stephen King, whose has just about every one of his stories adapted into film, sometimes leaving him disappointed because it is different from the original material. Take Carrie for example; it was the first of King's novels to be adapted, and the result was rather thrilling. Directed by Brian De Palma, the original filmed-version of Carrie was effective as a horror film and was a success at the box office. Obviously a lot of people liked the film. So why remake it? Maybe King didn't like the original version; it's tough to say. Regardless Carrie has been remade as a TV movie that premiered late 2002. And unfortunately this new version is nowhere near as good the original. Lacking effective scares and a cohesive plot that is broken up with commercial breaks, the new version of Carrie does not measure up to the original. But for the few that may have enjoyed this version, possibly because it is a friendlier version with less blood and more morals, it is now available on DVD.

For starters the cover is deceivingly similar to the cover for the original Carrie on DVD, so be weary about which version you are getting. The film was shot on video and it shows on the image quality. You can actually at times detect scan lines in the bland, sometimes shaky image, which results in a picture quality that lacks sharpness. The 5.1 Dolby Digital track is adequate but is inconsistent in the mix at times. Only the trailer is offered as a feature. So what is the benefit of owning this DVD? If you liked the movie, you can watch it without the annoying commercial breaks. That's about it.

There is no reason to watch this new version of Carrie. There was no reason to remake the film either, but it's too late for that. The film is not scary, the acting is lukewarm, and the altered plotline is not as compelling. The DVD is just as dismal as the movie. Forget this lackluster TV version of Carrie and stick with the original.

Review By Chris Emery