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A mixed bag that received mixed reviews when released in 1994, this lavish film works overtime to honor the spirit and style of the vintage pulp novels and radio shows that made The Shadow a household name in the 1930s and '40s. Alec Baldwin plays the Shadow, a.k.a. Lamont Cranston, who arrives in New York from his decadent life in Tibet, fully reformed and disciplined in his ability "to cloud men's minds." A crime fighter who lurks in the dark recesses of the city, the Shadow faces his most deadly challenge when Shiwan Khan (John Lone), the last surviving descendant of Genghis Khan, hatches a plot to conquer the world. The scheme involves a madman (Tim Curry), a hapless scientist (Ian McKellen), and various traps designed to catch and kill the Shadow, who must also contend with his blossoming romance with Margo Lane (Penelope Ann Miller), a slender beauty capable of a little mind play of her own. The movie's art deco production design turns out to be a scene-stealer when the plot drags, and in the title role Baldwin is never given enough good material to create a compelling character. Still, The Shadow is true to the legacy that inspired it, admirably avoiding any conspicuous compromise of its 1930s style and setting. If you can't get into the story, you're sure to be hooked by the look of the production, which is never less than dazzling. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
While I am a widescreen lover. It should be noted that The Shadow was originally filmed in FULL FRAME. The intended Aspect ratio for theater was 1:85.1 the full image was matted for theaterical release. So your not really losing any image like you normally would. This was also done with the Batman films.
While widescreen will always rule wether you lose picture or not ( Due to the fact that theaterical/Directors presentation is what matters more) it's important to let people know who would like to own this film on DVD that the issue is not that bad.
1. It's Full Frame not Pan Scaned ( Your not missing any image)
If you must have the widescreen image make your own 1:85.1 mats.
2. It probably won't be re-released by Universal any time soon.
Poor Box office and Vhs/Dvd sales are to blame. Although it would be nice to see an Universal ULTIMIT EDITION 2 disc set featuring box Matted and Full Frame versions with extras.
3. This edition is almost out of print.
While widescreen will always rule wether you lose picture or not ( Due to the fact that theaterical/Directors presentation is what matters more) it's important to let people know who would like to own this film on DVD that the issue is not that bad.
1. It's Full Frame not Pan Scaned ( Your not missing any image)
If you must have the widescreen image make your own 1:85.1 mats.
2. It probably won't be re-released by Universal any time soon.
Poor Box office and Vhs/Dvd sales are to blame. Although it would be nice to see an Universal ULTIMIT EDITION 2 disc set featuring box Matted and Full Frame versions with extras.
3. This edition is almost out of print.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"The Shadow" was a popular radio program (before television sets were made for the home). It began on the Dectective Story Hour on July 31, 1930 as a character in the story. James La Curto was the voice 1930-31 and then Frank Readick Jr (1931-37), Orson Welles (1937-38), Bill Johnstone (1938-43), Bret Morrison in 1943, John Archer in 1944 and Bret Morrison again in 1945-54. The last radio program of "The Shadow" was broadcast December 26, 1954.
Two motion picutres were made with Rod La Rocque as "Lamont Cranston"/"The Shadow", THE SHADOW STRIKES (1937), INTERNATIONAL CRIME (1938). They also made a movie serial in 1940. In 1958, Richard Derr played the role in INVISIBLE AVENGER (1958).
In 1994, they tried to resurrect the character of "Lamont Cranston" with Alec Baldwin in "THE SHADOW" (1994). Imagine the Invisible Man and Kung Fu in the land of film noir. And oh yes, the rainy mist and full moon. While on a case searching for the chinese and there taste for opium, Lamont is captured by the "emperor". He is spared and taught mystical powers. he is now able to continue finding and fighting the crooks and keeping his own identity a secret.
Also in the cast: Johnathan Winters, John Lone, Penelope Ann Miller, Ian McKellen and Tim Curry.
No extras, no bonuses on this DVD.
Two motion picutres were made with Rod La Rocque as "Lamont Cranston"/"The Shadow", THE SHADOW STRIKES (1937), INTERNATIONAL CRIME (1938). They also made a movie serial in 1940. In 1958, Richard Derr played the role in INVISIBLE AVENGER (1958).
In 1994, they tried to resurrect the character of "Lamont Cranston" with Alec Baldwin in "THE SHADOW" (1994). Imagine the Invisible Man and Kung Fu in the land of film noir. And oh yes, the rainy mist and full moon. While on a case searching for the chinese and there taste for opium, Lamont is captured by the "emperor". He is spared and taught mystical powers. he is now able to continue finding and fighting the crooks and keeping his own identity a secret.
Also in the cast: Johnathan Winters, John Lone, Penelope Ann Miller, Ian McKellen and Tim Curry.
No extras, no bonuses on this DVD.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By falcon
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
i thought his was a great movie all around.Alec Baldwin was a great
choice to play the The Shadow/Lamont Cranston.Penelope Ann Miller is
also good as his sometimes sidekick Margo Lane.and Peter Boyle is
hilarious as Moe Shrevnitz,the Shadow's personal taxi driver. the movie
moves along at a good pace and i never found it boring.i'm not sure,but
i think it sticks pretty close to its source material.Russel
Mulcahy(Resident Evil:Extinction)directed the movie.for me,this movie
is just all around fun from start to finish.but i also liked the look
of the film.i think they put a lot of effort into recreating the 1930's
look and atmosphere,and for the life of me,i can't figure out why it
wasn't very well received.anyway,for me The Shadow is a strong 4/5.
choice to play the The Shadow/Lamont Cranston.Penelope Ann Miller is
also good as his sometimes sidekick Margo Lane.and Peter Boyle is
hilarious as Moe Shrevnitz,the Shadow's personal taxi driver. the movie
moves along at a good pace and i never found it boring.i'm not sure,but
i think it sticks pretty close to its source material.Russel
Mulcahy(Resident Evil:Extinction)directed the movie.for me,this movie
is just all around fun from start to finish.but i also liked the look
of the film.i think they put a lot of effort into recreating the 1930's
look and atmosphere,and for the life of me,i can't figure out why it
wasn't very well received.anyway,for me The Shadow is a strong 4/5.
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3.9 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Movie
Terrific movie. Been looking for it for a long time. Bought 2 for my sons, only problem it does not come in blue ray for one son, so kept the extra movie for myself. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Catherine Marleau
2.0 out of 5 stars
It's FULL SCREEN.
Let's say the movie deserves 4 stars at least. It's beautiful and the plot stays true to the original characters. Read more
Published on Mar 13 2004 by S. Granger
2.0 out of 5 stars
"The Shadow"
A film of grandiose design with a camera that can't capture it. From beginning to end, we're constantly (and painfully) aware of the great film it might have been had it been... Read more
Published on Feb 23 2004 by Rm31d
4.0 out of 5 stars
My Shadow Review
Other movie sites panned this movie, but in my opion
it's great. The art deco look of this film is fantastic!
along with the score, the acting is first rate also. Read more
it's great. The art deco look of this film is fantastic!
along with the score, the acting is first rate also. Read more
Published on Feb 8 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb recreation of a superhero
Along with "The Phantom", "The Shadow" is a lavish showcase of Art Deco settings and opulent epoch recreation. Read more
Published on Feb 4 2004 by Carol H.
2.0 out of 5 stars
4 star film 0 star DVD
This is a truly fun film. I'm NOT an Alec Baldwin fan but for a change I found him engaging and enjoyable in this film. Not to mention he really does make an excellent Shadow. Read more
Published on Jan 29 2004 by Cybele A. Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Shadow strikes!
Im a long time fan of the Shadow and I am very pleased with this film. As with all super hero films there have been changes made, but this film combines elements from the Shadow... Read more
Published on Jan 12 2004 by Ripper
2.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie, but Fullscreen only?
WTF? How could you take a cool movie like the Shadow, with all the flair and style that Baldwin brings to it, along with John Lone, and make it pan-and-scan?!?! Read more
Published on Dec 17 2003 by Raymond G. Rossknecht
1.0 out of 5 stars
They Think He's A Genius In France
Alec, you said it and the money has been offer. Leave this country now and take your rotten movies with you. You never know, they may appreciate you in France.
Published on Oct 29 2003
1.0 out of 5 stars
where's the widescreen????
A prayer to the powers that be; PLEASE, get these movies out in letterboxed version. As Linus said in charlie Brown's Christmas (when he was looking at the poor little Christmas... Read more
Published on Sep 22 2003 by Richard I. Caplan
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