Silver Bullet DVD

Directed by Daniel Attias

Writing credits Stephen King (novel & screenplay)

DVD by Paramount

Runtime 95 minutes Rated R

Starring:
Gary Busey as Uncle Red
Everett McGill as Reverend Lowe
Corey Haim as Marty Coslaw
Megan Follows as Jane Coslaw
Robin Groves as Nan Coslaw
Leon Russom as Bob Coslaw
Terry O'Quinn as Sheriff Joe Haller

The Story:

Based on the Stephen King novella "Cycle of the Werewolf", "Silver Bullet" was one of many King adaptations to the screen during the 1980's. Set in the town of Tarker's Mills Maine (what King story is not set in Maine?), the death of a rail worker who also happened to be the town drunk begins a series of killings terrorizing the poor townsfolk. The story is initially told from the point of view of Jane Coslaw, a young teenage girl saddled with the responsibilty of assisting her brother Marty who is confined to a wheelchair.

As the death toll mounts, tensions in the town increase between the frightened citizens and the town's sheriff. Townspeople attempt to rid the town of the killer with disasterous results. A side story is that of Marty and his Uncle Red, a alcoholic whose relationships are strained with everybody but Marty. The Silver Bullet is actually the name of Marty's motorized wheelchair, which eventually is replaced by Uncle Red with one right out of a dragstrip! Soon in the story Marty decides to go on the trail of the killer, who knows Marty is after him as well.

Picture Quality:

The movie is presented in a anamorphic widescreen 2.35.1 ratio. Paramount has done a beautiful job on the transfer. I had seen the movie years ago on VHS and did not enjoy it nearly as much. My rating 4/5

Audio Quality:

The soundtrack is Dolby Digital mono, nothing spectacular, but very nice! My rating 3/5

Extra's: A French soundtrack and English subtitles. No trailer included! My rating 1/5

Peter West's Danger Seeking Summary:

I liked this movie! Sure there was a lot of so-so movies released from King's stories. This one is strickly a classic werewolf tale. It's uncomplicated, old fashioned, horror fun! I'm disappointed that a trailer is not included, but this movie really doesn't need a ton of extras. If the retail price of $24.95 is too steep, make sure you at least rent this one!