The Lift wasn’t a very good movie with poor pacing and absolutely unnecessary scenes such as the main character’s family drama which could’ve been cut out with no problem. But the horror elements were alright but this is a case where I actually prefer the remake.
The Lift
— Collector’s Edition —
(1983)
Genre(s): Horror, Science Fiction
Blue Underground | R – 99 min. – $39.98 | October 31, 2017
Date Published: 10/24/2017 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 2.5/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: There is something very wrong with the elevator in a stylish office high-rise – passengers end up dead. When elevator repairman Felix (HUMB STAPEL) investigates the faulty deathtrap, he uncovers some dark, distorted power has gained control of the elevator for its own evil design. After his horrifying discovery is given the shaft by the authorities, he joins a beautiful, tabloid journalist (WILLEKE VAN AMMELROOY) to battle the unholy force. Quick Hit Review: The Lift is the 1983 film written and directed by Dick Maas who also helmed Amstersdamned which wasn’t a bad horror film but a bit lackluster in the entertainment value. The Lift is much the same and, as you might know from my recent review, got an American remake titled Down a.k.a. The Shaft (put that together and I dare you not to snicker). Honestly, although I wasn’t wild about that movie, I felt it did a better job embracing its silliness; this one however drags on in many spots and some unnecessary scenes like a contrived family drama in which the main character’s wife believes he is having an affair with the female reporter investigating the deaths and rather than explaining the situation, he puts up a half-hearted protest and she eventually leaves with their two kids. JUST EXPLAIN THE SITUATION FOR FUCK’S SAKE. Anyway, The Lift is a slow moving film with a half-baked screenplay, such as adding in a conspiracy involving the elevator company owner and a scientist, which was handled far better in Down, to the aforementioned family drama, thankfully absent in the remake… However, there are shades of a Stephen King like story here and probably worthy of a viewing, though I would give the remake a shot as well. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.5/5 |
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This two-disc release comes in a clear HD keep case and comes with a nice booklet. Audio Commentary – Writer/Director Dick Maas and Editor Hans van Dongen, with David Gregory moderating, sit down for a conversation going down memory lane on how the movie was made and influences on the story. Going Up (9:09; HD) is a new interview with actor Huub Stapel discussing his work on the movie and his minimal experience in film acting having only a background in stage plays. “Long Distance” (4:13; HD) is a short film by Dick Maas from 2003. Last up is the Dutch (3:30; HD) and U.S. Trailers (1:39; HD) and a Poster & Stills Gallery. |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| The Lift comes to Blu-ray, like the remake, through Blue Underground and is shown with a 1.66 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer culled from a new 2K restoration from the original negative. I was rather impressed with the picture here, detail is sharp and nicely defined and there is a fine layer of natural film grain helping giving it that theatrical look. Colors aren’t overly vibrant but still decent and skin tones do appear natural looking. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The movie comes equipped with the original Dutch language 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track as well as an English dubbed DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, as always, I prefer watching a movie in its native language so I only did a brief test with the latter. With the original track, the dialogue did come through the center channel with good clarity and while the depth isn’t anything amazing, nor did I expect it to be for an independent foreign horror movie from the 1980s, it was still impressive such as hearing the creaks of the elevator as well as the music making use of the other speakers. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
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Overall, The Lift wasn’t a very good movie with poor pacing and absolutely unnecessary scenes such as the main character’s family drama which could’ve been cut out with no problem. But the horror elements were alright but this is a case where I actually prefer the remake, Down, versus the original. The Blue Underground release has high-quality video/audio transfers and an okay selection of bonus features. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.