Dreamscape

Dreamscape boasts an impressive cast while managing to entertain with a smart and thrilling story.

Official Synopsis:

“Close Your Eyes And The Adventure Begins.

 Alex Gardner (Dennis Quaid) is a man with an incredible psychic gift… but for years has used it solely for personal gain. Reuniting with his old mentor, Dr. Novotny (Max von Sydow), Gardner joins a government project in which he learns to channel his abilities in order to enter peoples’ subconscious through their dreams. As his powers grow, the young psychic soon finds himself in a living nightmare of conspiracy and murder… and the only way out is to go back in.

 A sleeper hit on its initial release, Dreamscape’s reputation as a classic of ’80s genre entertainment has only grown over the years. From its impressive cast – including Christopher Plummer, Kate Capshaw, Eddie Albert, David Patrick Kelly, and George Wendt – to behind-the-camera talent such as director Joseph Ruben (The Stepfather) and co-writer Chuck Russell (A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, 1988’s The Blob), Dreamscape is a rousing mix of science fiction, adventure, and horror beyond your wildest imagination.”

Dreamscape is one of those films you wonder how you never knew existed; at least it was for me, anyway. With a very impressive cast to boast, the film also includes a smart and thrilling story, bringing some unique ideas and themes to the genre.

The subject of dreams and lucid dreaming hasn’t been a forefront theme in science fiction. Although dreams present an endless possibility of stories, a reason for exploration of them relating to the real world is often hard to explain in terms of science fiction. Our dreams being an extension of ourselves and our deepest, darkest secrets or fantasies, an invasion of that needs a proper motivation to do so. Dreamscape presents this in a very benevolent way, using it to help troubled people having nightmares to find peace. Of course, the project garners the attention of people with sinister intentions, and it turns a well-intentioned process into a nightmare.

Perfectly cast for the role of Alex Gardner, Dennis Quaid plays an ego-crazed young man who believes he is on top of the world thanks to his psychic gift he uses to his advantage through gambling. Although this is a science fiction film first and foremost, it is the journey of this character from a self-absorbed con man into a hero in more ways than one. Thanks to a phenomenal cast, Dreamscape manages to entertain on so many different levels, science fiction, action and fantasy.

Video

Dreamscape is presented in High Definition Widescreen 1080p 1.85:1 with a new 2k scan from the negative. The transfer looks great, with a good balance in color and it has been cleaned up nicely. In some of the darker scenes there is some noticeable grain issues, but that does not detract from the experience.

Audio

The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Levels sound good, with the majority coming through the center channel. The score is a bit dated at times, but comes through the surrounds nicely.

Special Features

There is a great set of special features on this Collector’s Edition, all worth taking a look at. On this set you’re going to get:

• NEW 2K Scan Of The Film
• NEW “The Actor’s Journey” – Interview With Dennis Quaid
• NEW “Dreamscapes And Dreammakers” Retrospective Including Brand-New Interviews With Director Joseph Ruben, Co-Writer David Loughery, Actor David Patrick Kelly And Other Members Of The Special Effects Team
• NEW “Nightmares And Dreamsnakes” – Looking Back At The Snakeman With Craig Reardon, David Patrick Kelley And Others
• NEW In-Depth Conversation Between Bruce Cohn Curtis And Co-Writer/Producer Chuck Russell
• Audio Commentary With Bruce Cohn Curtis, David Loughery And Craig Reardon
• Snake Man Test Footage
• Still Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer

Dreamscape is given an excellent treatment by Scream Factory, and it’s great to see this film will find a new audience in a new generation.