End of Days

	Review by Howard Anderson © 2000 Howard Anderson

Synopsis

And when the thousand years has ended
Satan shall be loosed from his prison.
- Revelations, 20:7

New York City, 1979: In a Manhattan hospital, a newborn child enters the world, a beautiful baby girl. That same day in a lofty cathedral in the Vatican City, a young pontiff informs the Pope of the birth of the child. Her birth has been feared for centuries. The scripture has indeed proven true: the child, Christine, bears the birthmark of the anti-Christ, and has been chosen for an unholy union.

New York City, December 28, 1999: Jericho Cane (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a beaten down ex-cop, wakes up to another day, oblivious to the struggle that he soon must face. His job as a security specialist alongside his partner Chicago (Kevin Pollak) has become a tireless routine of seedy surveillance jobs, and since the death of his wife and child, everything in life which once held any meaning to him is now gone.

Following a bizarre confrontation with a crazed homeless man warning him of impending doom, Cane rescues a young woman from attackers who have invaded her home. A woman by the name of Christine York (Robin Tunney). He soon finds himself drawn into a heart-stopping game of cat and mouse, as he realizes that she is the key to a supernatural force of terror, born of prophecy long ago foretold. As the world approaches the end of a century and the end of a millennium, it is the beginning of the end.

Review

"End of Days" is a hybrid film made up of mainly three different genres: supernatural thriller, horror and action. It's a though combination to get just right, but I feel that director Peter Hyams managed to pull it off exceedingly well. In the beginning "End of Days" reminds me very much of " The Omen", as you see the birth of the child, the Satanic worshipers baptizing said child in a darkened morgue, and the introduction of Gabriel Byrne's character. But then it starts changing its beat, and after an incredible action sequence set in uptown New York, the film then transcends more into the realm of "Fallen" or "Angel Heart", becoming more of an investigative supernatural thriller with a mystery to be unraveled. But before long all hell breaks loose, and as the ultimate battle between good and evil commences, with the twentieth century slowly drawing to a close, a vast array of stunning and staggering imagery is launched at the viewer.

The world of "End of Days" is a place of deep darkness and long shadows, richly bathed in warm colors and beautiful cinematography. And this is another element to "End of Days" that I find very appealing - the cinematography by Peter Hyams. The atmosphere created by his use of photography, set designs, and the all-out visual assault of some of the film's more powerful imagery, just help tying the diversities of the film together and making it all work. That and the amazing music written by John Debney.

The actors aren't too shabby either, with Gabriel Byrne lending a terrific performance as the Prince of Darkness. And it seems very apparent that Byrne had a lot of fun delving into that dark and villainous, yet humorous side of his character. Robin Tunney and Kevin Pollak also deliver some good performances, but it was especially interesting to see Arnold Schwarzenegger tackle the role of this tormented man who, at his core, is basically as human as the next guy. And I must say that I really liked what I saw.

Image

Universal knows how to do amazing transfers, and "End of Days" is no exception. Actually, this 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer might be their very best yet. The shadows, the darkness, the colors, and the incredible depth of the image, it is all rendered perfectly. The cinematography of Peter Hyams has never been represented better. Flawless is a word that comes to mind concerning the picture quality this DVD.

Sound

Sit down, relax, then listen to the sounds of heaven and hell colliding. This Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is one of the most powerful and all-enveloping mixes that I have heard in a long time. The bass reaches into the very depths of hell and beyond, and the soundstage is as wide and active as they come. Not since "Saving Private Ryan" have I heard such an incredible Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. If you're looking for a 5.1 demo disc, then look no further.

Features

"End of Days: Collector's Edition" comes with an audio commentary with Peter Hyams, a Spotlight on Location documentary, a look at the special effects called The Devil's Playground, 2 music videos, some information on the Book of Revelations, the original theatrical trailer, Universal's Showcase (this time giving you the trailer to the upcoming "U 571"), and some additional DVD-Rom features. What more can one possibly ask for?

Overall Opinion

"End of Days" might not be everyone's cup of tea, but having seen it a few times now, I have actually found myself liking it more and more for each individual viewing. Take it for what it is, and you're sure to have a good time. The action set pieces are spectacular, the special effects are good enough to knock you off your feet, it has a great cast and a good story. And if that's not enough, the DVD really shines. Loaded to the hilt and presented with impeccable quality, this DVD will make you a believer.