Stylish Stephen King adaptation Firestarter coming to Blu-ray from Scream Factory
When it came to horror and dark fantasy, Stephen King’s words pretty much defined a good portion of the 1980s, especially the years between 1982-1988. And while not every cinematic stab at the source material successfully translated King’s “inner monologue” voice (Children of the Corn, Graveyard Shift, etc.) there were a few choice standouts, Mark L. Lester’s 1984 thriller Firestarter among them.
Admittedly, I have not read the book. But Firestarter always felt supremely King-esque and the film has both a rich production design and a top-notch cast. Firestarter chronicles the extraordinary life of Charlene “Charlie” McGee, played by an 8-year-old Drew Barrymore (only two years out of her breakthrough in E.T.). Charlie has the amazing ability to start fires with just a glance. Can her psychic power and the love of her father save her from “The Shop,” the threatening government agency which wants to control her… or destroy her?
Filled with dazzling special effects and featuring an all-star cast including Martin Sheen, Heather Locklear, Art Carney, Louise Fletcher, David Keith and George C. Scott (whose sadistic, nose-crushing henchman is chilling). Also of note is the amazing score by Tangerine Dream, who were at their peak making soundtracks for film at this point (The Keep, Risky Business, Near Dark, et al).
Available on Blu-ray on March 14, 2017 from Scream Factory, the Collector’s Edition of Firestarter comes loaded with bonus features, including a new 2k scan of the inter-positive film element, new interviews with director Mark L. Lester, actors Freddie Jones and Drew Snyder, stuntman/actor Dick Warlock and Johannes Schmoelling of Tangerine Dream, a new exclusive performance of “Charlie’s Theme” by Johannes Schmoelling of Tangerine Dream, radio spots, and more.
You can pre-order Firestarter here.
