CHRISTINE Greased Frightening
released OUT NOW! 1983 | 18 | Blu-ray/dVd (dual format)
Director John Carpenter Cast Keith Gordon, John stockwell, alexandra Paul, Harry dean stanton blu-ray debut Christine could’ve been a campy mess. The plot’s pretty daft: nerdy Arnie (Keith Gordon) buys a clapped-out old banger and, in restoring it, finds himself becoming cooler, meaner, and more able to stand up to bullies – especially because his car is sentient and can run them over for him.
Another director might’ve let you laugh at Christine revving her engine and winking her headlights. Not John Carpenter. He approaches Stephen King’s story with deadly seriousness. Arnie’s transformation is striking and scary, and though there’s not much on-screen violence, the threat is crystal clear: this is a story about boys coming of age.
The soundtrack combines ’50s rock and roll hits with Carpenter’s trademark synths in a way that’s alternatively atmospheric and funny, and this crisp new Blu-ray transfer looks as pristine as Christine herself when she first rolled off the production line. This film isn’t usually cited among Carpenter’s best, but maybe it’s time for a rethink.
Extras Commentary by Carpenter and Gordon; a Making Of, from 2003 (48 minutes); deleted scenes (26 minutes); isolated score; trailers; gallery; a booklet. Sarah Dobbs
Twenty-four cars played Christine onscreen – a mixture of Plymouth Furys, Belvederes and Savoys.