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Geek Vibes Nation
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'The Golden Child' 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review - Supernatural Eddie Murphy Adventure Gets A Premium Release
The eighties were a white-hot time for Eddie Murphy, who had broken out of Saturday Night Live to become one of the most bankable stars in the business. Nestled between early decade breakouts such as Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop and the phenomenon that was Coming to America, there is a title that is often labeled as the odd creative miss from this decade. The Golden Child is an oddity no matter how you look at it; this was Murphy's first foray into the realm of the fantastical, and it was also the first time he deviated from his standard R-rating in favor of a more audience-friendly PG-13. The results were not a complete disaster financially – it comfortably made its money back – but the response was more muted than everyone had become accustomed to for Murphy. As we are nearing the 40th anniversary of this polarizing film and Vinegar Syndrome has finally deemed it worthy of a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release, we take a look and see if the ambivalence towards this film is warranted. The titular 'Golden Child' is a mysterious young boy in a remote Tibetan temple who is capable of carrying out some truly astonishing miracles that have to be seen to be believed. When you have anyone with this type of power, there is also bound to be people mobilizing to control it or eliminate it. The group in opposition to this child is led by the devious Sardo Numspa (Charles Dance, Game of Thrones), who leads a deadly raid on the temple that leaves countless slaughtered monks and the miracle child abducted. Halfway around the world in Los Angeles, we meet social worker Chandler Jarrell (Eddie Murphy), a caring, unyielding man who seeks to protect the safety of children with everything in his power. Jarrell actually happens to have more power than he even knows, as he is told when the tantalizing Kee Nang (Charlotte Lewis) shows up to reveal his destiny as 'the Chosen One' who will save 'the Golden Child.' While this news sounds patently ridiculous to Jarrell, evidence starts to pile up that she may not be entirely off her rocker. Chandler Jarrell was considered a very atypical role for Murphy at this point in his career. Murphy was known for being loud and brash and unrepentantly shocking with his off-color humor. Jarrell, on the other hand, exhibited traces of these attributes while mostly remaining way more reserved than normal. This allowed Murphy to showcase a softer, sweeter side than audiences had seen, but it did not help in the comedy department. There are a few solid laughs in The Golden Child, but the film is extremely plot-driven in a way that stifles the natural charisma of Murphy. This might not be such an issue if the plot was compelling, but it really lacks momentum in that department, as well. There are so many elements that are introduced and shoved into the lore that it starts to become more than a bit convoluted. The basic elements are in place for the film to be good, but the script does not give anyone much to latch onto. Charles Dance is a really great villain, but inconsistent writing holds him back from being truly menacing. There are moments in this film that scream to be seen by a certain type of fan, but morbid curiosity might not be enough of a driving force for most viewers. As mentioned, this was the first time that Murphy delved more into the realm of fantasy, and it is understandable if this experience soured him on the genre for a little while. When you sit down for an Eddie Murphy film, you do not exactly expect to see a half-snake lady or full-on shape-shifting demons, but there the movie is getting more and more outlandish. I would argue that some of these elements could have been sort of cool, but some extremely rocky special effects just make everything laughable. The film is not a complete disaster, which we have seen on occasion from Murphy, but there are numerous script issues and technical choices that leave a lot to be desired. This film will never be known as top-tier Eddie Murphy, but it does deserve some recognition for inspiring Murphy to have a greater hand in writing many of his future films – many of which ARE extremely entertaining. Video Quality The Golden Child makes its 4K UHD Blu-Ray debut with an exceptional 2160p transfer in Dolby Vision/HDR newly scanned and restored in 4K from the 35mm Original Camera Negative. One of the biggest benefits of this new transfer is the splendid implementation of Dolby Vision for expanded color output. There are a lot of bold hues in the film that radiate off the screen with an immaculate vibrancy. The black levels are extremely deep and allow for true detail to come through well. Highlights likewise hold firm with nothing veering into blooming. Skin tones are natural and lend themselves to showcasing an amazing amount of detail. This presentation is a powerhouse that preserves the filmic look with proper film grain and texture throughout. The level of clarity and detail on this release is unbelievable, with only the occasional shot that looks a bit on the soft side due to optical effects. There are very subtle details in the lush production design that are more clearly visible than ever from minute details on outfits to some of the production design on display in the temples. Vinegar Syndrome has done an excellent job of restoring this, as all print damage has been cleaned up without messing with the natural look of the film. Those who have been waiting for this one to be given the ultimate treatment on 4K UHD Blu-Ray should be thrilled by the results Audio Quality The 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with both a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless soundtrack that sonically represents the film quite wonderfully. The activity focuses heavily on the front channels with the synth-based score from Michel Colombier filling the room appropriately. Music is used skillfully throughout the presentation, but it never overpowers the dialogue or other important information. The grandiose dialogue comes through clearly and never falls victim to any digital anomalies. Rear speakers get some occasional activity with ambient sounds, but it is not a standout in that regard. There is a substantial amount of low-end support when the scene calls for it, as well. Both tracks accomplish everything they need to do with great ease. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. Special Features Audio Commentary: Author/screenwriter Kelly Goodner and film historian Jim Hemphill provide a new commentary track in which they discuss the production of the film, the challenges of shooting on location, the career of Eddie Murphy, the background of the ensemble, the notes from the studio, and more. Throwing Elbows – Writer/Co-Producer Dennis Feldman on Writing, Selling, and Making It To Hollywood: A new 19-minute interview with the screenwriter in which he discusses his career, developing the idea for The Golden Child , the process of selling the script, getting Eddie Murphy attached, the legacy of the film, and more. Lover of Realism – An Interview with Matte Painter Caroleen 'Jett' Green: A new 13-minute interview with the artist in which she discusses discovering the art of matte painting, her background in art, working at LucasFilms, the paintings she worked on, and more. FX Man – An Interview with Academy Sci-Tech Award Winner Mark Noel: A new 13-minute interview with the creative in which he discusses creating some intricate special effects moments for the film including overcoming some difficult moments. The Demon I Wanted To Make – Designer and Sculptor Randal Dutra on Creating Sardo Numspa's Demon Form: A new 12-minute interview with the artist in which he discusses his background working on Star Wars and Gremlins , what he wanted to accomplish on The Golden Child , the challenges that stood in his way, and more. Master of a Lost Art – Go-Motion Supervisor Harry Walton on Animating The Golden Child's Go-Motion Sequences: A new 15-minute interview with the artist in which he discusses turning down working on Star Wars (twice), his specialty in stop-motion, working on The Golden Child , and more. The Chosen Ones: A seven-minute vintage featurette in which the cast and crew take a closer look at the script, characters, performances and more. Daggers, Design & Demons: The second half of this featurette runs seven minutes and takes the viewer on a journey through the technical details including the production design, costumes, stunt work, special effects and more. Archival Interview with Harry Walton: A five-minute archival interview in which the artist discusses the go-motion process as it pertains to the film. Theatrical Trailer (2:04) Image Gallery Final Thoughts The new release of The Golden Child brings a notable title from Eddie Murphy to 4K UHD for the first time. The film itself may not be a top-tier effort, but there are some elements that Murphy fans may want to check out if they have never caught this one. The 4K UHD Blu-Ray itself is quite wonderful with a stellar A/V presentation and a striking array of special features. If you are already a fan of the film, you will be very pleased by this release. The Golden Child is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack. Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Vinegar Syndrome has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
South China Morning Post
12 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Will return of Indian pilgrims to Tibet help ease long-running border tensions with China?
China has been urged to use the resumption of visits to Tibet by Indian pilgrims to improve relations between the two countries after years of tensions. Earlier this year, China said it would allow pilgrims to return to the Tibet autonomous region this summer to follow two pilgrimage routes after a five-year suspension caused by Covid controls and ongoing cross-border tensions. It is open to Indian citizens with valid passports who wish to travel to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar for religious reasons. The sites are sacred to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon. The pilgrimages are usually organised by the Indian government and involve treks through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand or Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. This year, 5,561 people applied to make the journey, 750 of whom will be allowed to travel along the two routes between June and August, India's Ministry of External Affairs said last month. 'Pilgrimages by Indian devotees to Tibet have played a positive role in restoring stability in China-India relations during times of crisis,' Yang Yabo, director of the Institute of South Asia Studies at the Tibet Academy of Social Sciences in Lhasa, wrote in an article published in news platform ThePaper on Thursday.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Dalai Lama to deliver message July 2 ahead of 90th birthday and succession talks
NEW DELHI, June 19 — The Dalai Lama will issue a message on July 2, Tibet's government in exile said yesterday, days ahead of his 90th birthday and a hugely anticipated decision as to whether he will have an eventual successor. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk is expected to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6 with huge crowds in northern India, his base since leaving his homeland fleeing Chinese troops in 1959. He has said his landmark birthday will also be a time to encourage people to plan for an eventual future without him and to address whether the Tibetan people want, in time, another Dalai Lama. While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally-recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a 'simple Buddhist monk'. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name a successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. The Dalai Lama stepped down as his people's political head in 2011, passing the baton of secular power to a government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans around the world. 'Free world' Penpa Tsering, the sikyong or head of the government based in India's Himalayan hill town of McLeod Ganj, said that on July 2 there would be a meeting of the most senior Tibetan religious elders, or lamas. 'There will be a brief meeting of all the head lamas, which is about nine of them, meeting with His Holiness (the Dalai Lama)', Tsering told reporters, adding that after that, they would open a religious meeting. 'At the opening of the religious conference there will be a video message from His Holiness', he added. No details were given as to what the message will be, but there is widespread support among Tibetans in exile for the post of Dalai Lama to continue. The Dalai Lama has already said that if there 'is a consensus that the Dalai Lama institution should continue', then the Office of the Dalai Lama — the Gaden Phodrang Trust in McLeod Ganj — would hold the responsibility for the recognition of the next leader. He has also made it clear that any successor would by necessity be 'born in the free world'. The Dalai Lama has said it does not seek full independence for Tibet, but rather to pursue a long-standing 'Middle Way' policy seeking greater autonomy. The current Dalai Lama was identified in 1936 when, aged two, he passed a test by pointing to objects that had belonged to the post's previous occupier. He was hailed as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, a role that stretches back more than 600 years. — AFP
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Dalai Lama to issue July 2 message, expected to address succession
The Dalai Lama will issue a message on July 2, Tibet's government in exile said on Wednesday, days ahead of his 90th birthday and a hugely anticipated decision as to whether he will have an eventual successor. Advertisement The Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk is expected to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6 with huge crowds in northern India, his base since leaving his homeland fleeing Chinese troops in 1959. He has said his landmark birthday will also be a time to encourage people to plan for an eventual future without him and to address whether the Tibetan people want, in time, another Dalai Lama. While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally-recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a 'simple Buddhist monk'. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name a successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. Advertisement The Dalai Lama stepped down as his people's political head in 2011, passing the baton of secular power to a government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans around the world.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Science
- New York Times
Mysterious Ancient Humans Now Have a Face
When Qiaomei Fu discovered a new kind of human 15 years ago, she had no idea what it looked like. There was only a fragment of a pinkie bone to go on. The fossil chip, found in a Siberian cave called Denisova, looked as if it might have come from a 66,000-year-old relative of today's humans, or maybe a Neanderthal. But Dr. Fu, then a graduate student at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, and her colleagues found DNA in the fossil that told a different story. The bone had belonged to a girl who was part of a third human lineage never seen before. They named her people the Denisovans. In the years since, Dr. Fu has helped to discover more Denisovan DNA: in teeth and bone fragments from the Denisova cave, in the sediment of a cave floor in Tibet and even in people living today in Asia and the Pacific — evidence of interbreeding tens of thousands of years ago. But without clues from a skeleton or a skull, the physical appearance of these humans remained a mystery, said Dr. Fu, now a geneticist at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing. 'After 15 years, people want to know, who are the Denisovans?' Now she can put a face to the name. Dr. Fu and her colleagues announced Wednesday that a skull found in China contains both Denisovan DNA and Denisovan protein. 'This moment is special to me,' Dr. Fu said. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
