reviews by Terry Wickham

Stylish production design, eye catching cinematography and a good looking cast drive this film based on Anne Rice's THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES.  From a visual standpoint the film pulsates with rich, intricate detail.  You certainly will enjoy looking at this film. 

From a story perspective, I found it somewhat predictable and familiar.  It's not really the actors faults as Stuart Townsend is absorbed in playing Lestat and Aaliyah is convincing as the super powerful vampire queen Akasha.  The diminutive actress registered considerable  on screen presence .  It is sad that Aaliyah's career was cut short, she undoubtedly was on her way to a full fledged career as an entertainer in both movies and music. 

Warner Home Video has put together special features that will attract any DVD viewer.  Audio commentary from Michael Rymer, producer Jorge Saralegui and composer Richard Gibbs is informative and fun.  "The Unseen" is the deleted scenes section which includes an alternate opening, which I think worked better than what was used in the film.  "The Vampire Annuals" focuses on the elements that visually contributed to the vampires on screen.  It's in this section that there is a tribute to Aaliyah called "Aaliyah Remembered."  

"Music of Lestat" breaks down the songs created specifically for the film, the huge concert in the film and the instrumental score.  I found it interesting that the songs were not just pulled off miscellaneously records, the norm in most big budget films..  The concert was filmed in the  Australian desert where 3,000 extras showed up for three nights.  There are four music videos of which 3 are Lestat videos and "Cold" from Static X. 

There is an outtakes reel, photo still gallery and bios of cast and crew. 

If you feel like sitting down and watching something that will keep your interest for an hour and a half, this will certainly do the trick.

Official Website:
www.queenofthedamned.com
www.warnervideo.com 

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