D.A.R.Y.L.

Beautiful Set

Another one where I picked up a copy later, as I'd been thinking about it since. I rarely own the larger box releases, but the artwork on this is particularly impressive. The film itself is really good and much better than a lot of similar films which came out around the same time, but for whatever reason are better known. Highly recommended!

Peak ’80s sci-fi adventure nostalgia 😁

D. A. R. Y. L. is exactly the kind of ’80s movie that still works for me because it mixes family adventure with just enough darker sci-fi stuff underneath. Barret Oliver is great as Daryl, and the movie does a good job making you care about him before the whole government-experiment angle really kicks in. I also love how it shifts from this warm suburban family story into car chases, military cover-ups, and full-on escape-movie territory. It has that very specific ’80s balance where a movie can be kid-friendly and still feel a little dangerous. Michael McKean, Mary Beth Hurt, and Colleen Camp are all great in it too. The 4K is a huge upgrade. Vinegar Syndrome restored it from the original 35mm camera negative with HDR, and it looks clean and detailed without losing the film texture. The 55-minute making-of documentary and Simon Wincer commentary are exactly the kind of extras I want on a nostalgia title like this. And the VSU packaging is ridiculous in the best way — magnetic box, Robert Sammelin artwork, booklet, the whole deal. Pure ’80s comfort food with a killer collector edition. Easy 5/5 for me. 😁

D. A. R. Y. L

One of my favourite childhood films, shown such love and reverence! I am beyond impressed with Vinegar Syndrome releases, and will be purchasing many, many more!