This is what Michael Mann said in a recent interview: Question: "I know that when you directed The Keep , you originally had a much longer cut, but it's never seen the light of day. Do you still have a copy of the longer cut, or does it no longer exist? MANN: "I don't even know. I’d have to dig into our archives to find out. We have a pretty spectacular archive. We saved everything, but I don't know how much I've saved on The Keep. The poignant tragedy that came was that the visual effects genius who worked on it, Wally Veevers - who was a spectacular guy, who goes all the way back from The Shape of Things to Come all the way through 2001 [A Space Odyssey] - died halfway through post. He had many esoteric forms of creating some of the visual effects, and it was only through the generosity of the visual effects community in England that we were able even to finish the picture. A lot of people who knew and respected Wally dove in to try to figure some of this out. So, it was a bizarre project." So a new "director's cut" may be possible, but admittedly it's very unlikely.
Back in the mid-90s, my mom worked at Blockbuster and she was allowed to get 10 free movies a week -- old only, no new releases -- so she let me go to town on all the older horror flicks. She recommended this one when I was about 15 or 16 and it has been seared into my memory ever since. Such a fantastic film!
I hear ya brother. So ahead of its time. Thats why the test screening didn’t work. It was a bunch of normies/sheep and they f_cked us!!! We need Directors cut.
I met F Paul Wilson at a convention. The guy was awesome. He hates the movie though. Absolutely despised the movie but also recognized the cult following. He signed my rare trade paper back of his book. Really nice dude, and way down to earth.
You need to see ‘The Forgotten One’. It’s a 1989 movie with Kristy McNichol and Terry O’Quinn. One of the best ghost stories not very many people have seen. I think it’s available here on UA-cam.
The Keep could be viewed as the music video of the Tangerine Dream score, rather than a movie. Whatever, it's a brilliant film in so many ways, and I love it.
I recorded this on VHS when it was broadcast on TV in the U.K back in the 90s. It blew my mind and I never forgot it. A real gem of a movie and very underrated in my opinion.
The quarry where site of the keep & bridge was near where I lived in the early 90s. I visited the quarry a few times & walked on the bridge over the chasm. The chasm is actually very shallow. I wonder if the bridge is still there after all this time?
The film the keep is one of the most requested or most wanted movie not to be available on any format other the a VHS tape or a laser disk release up to now. And now the keep has finally gotten physical release on 4k now. Don't be surprised in January when the keep gets a wide release it could be one of the biggest 4k catalog titles sellers in 2025. Bc of the demand for this film to be released on bluray & 4k. And the keep finally getting a physical release after all these years that is big for physical media & maybe this will open the doors for other films to finally get a bluray or a 4k release in 2025
This book can take you down a rabbit hole that'll take years to get through. It's the genesis of both The Adversary Cycle and Repairman Jack (which splits off after the second book in the first series). If Wilson isn't my favorite author, he's certainly the one I've read the most.
I had a group of friends back in the mid-80's and we must have watched this movie 100 times. There were weeks we'd watch it 5 nights, with 2 nights switching over to "The Wall" for a break. There was always some small detail we'd catch that nobody had noticed before. We especially liked the extended version. I credit THIS movie, and the ever amazing Alberta Watson for imprinting on me what the perfect woman looked like. Her love scenes with Scott Glenn were so incredibly passionate. I'm interested in seeing this in 4K because the DVD I bought looks like it was copied from a bad VHS.
The Keep is the first book in F .Paul Wilsons ."Adversary "series. #2 'The Tomb" is my favorite. Wilson wrote the seven books between 1981 and the last one in 2020, which was more or less a prequel.The thing is nobody realized the books were connected until 1991/92 with "Reprisal" and"Nightworld."All books are available from Amazon So you young folks don't have to spend 20 years reading him. PS many of the protagonists you thought dead , might not be .PSS PLEASE BUY THE BOOKS! Audiobooks ain't reading!
Turn the volume on my black heart moving right along. I will never forget these assholes putting down Indiana Jones and the raiders of the Lost ark and every other imaginative film that they could think of at the time to say everyone should go sit through ordinary people. Yes you have a milk toast husband a bull Dyke wife and the younger son who can't seem to exist anymore because his older brother just died if I want to see shit like that I won't.
I'm not like a little monkey I don't follow the ass in front of me blindly if I want to go see a movie it's because I want to go see a movie and if I don't like it I'm going to talk about it and if I do like it I'm going to scream about it from the mountain tops but I've never seen hunger games I've never seen Harry Potter I've never seen pirates of the Caribbean I've never seen anything that all the fucking teenyboppers think is Oscar Worthy.
You know what I honestly wish vinegar syndrome would get ahold of. Fade to Black. 1980 I believe? A movie fan named Eric goes to extreme lengths to live out his fantasies. Along the way he kills his enemies while dressed as his movie heroes. He even gets a girlfriend who resembles Marilyn Monroe I believe it was Yvonne de Carlos last film.
I loved the book and the movie blew me away. I have read all the books from F. Paul Wilson. Wish they would make a movie on his book The Tomb. ❤️ from 🇨🇦
His ppl and also David Eddings’ ppl (Belgariad, Malloreon) protected the source materials, come to think Anne Mccaffrey’s Dragonriders series too would be great in film. Repairman Jack, and Harry Dresden too would be great. They made a halfway decent attempt at Harry Dresden tv series, but it didn’t play well.
I saw this movie when it came out, and visually it is one of my fav movies of all time that I still watch a few times a year. The Keep is one of the reasons to own a laserdisc player. You are absolutely right about the audio: the digital transfer is all over the place (this is also the case on the laserdisc btw), BUT the second audio track on it, is the original anolog Dolby Stereo track from the theatre, which not only hits differently, but for some reason is way more balanced. I’m glad for those like you who’ve never seen it, that it finally came out on a modern format, but if you want to experience it differently, it is totally worth tracking down the laserdisc although it has gone up a bit in price over the last few years.
I watched this on a vhs rental in the 90’s and it blew my mind. I’d never seen anything like it before. I liked it so much I bought it but it wasn’t easy to find.
I remember seeing this to rent at the little Mom and Pop store in my town. Almost rented it a few times but never did so I'm really glad you reviewed it.
New subscriber here. Watching your vids is like hanging out with a friend chatting about movies. I love it! I'm so glad I found your channel. Your love for movies is eclectic like mine. I love anything from the silent era to today, foreign horror, independent horror, and cheesy B movies from the 70s/80s. I've heard about "The Keep" but never saw it. Thanks for mentioning that it's supposed to be dream like so when I watch it, I'll understand it more. 😊
Mine’s finally shipping out. I’m so excited to finally see it. I’ve always loved films with an eerie, dreamlike vibe. VS already scratched that itch once for me this year with Phase IV and I’m hoping The Keep can do the same.
I absolutely unironically LOVE this movie! I heard about this almost immediately and still missed the special limited edition. I got a pre-order for January of the standard edition. But damn, I really wanted that behind the scenes book.
I got it with the book before they sold out. I’ve always loved the movie even if some don’t. It came out during the time of my love for anything with Tangerine Dream in it. Also loved Sorcerer even if it’s not a fantasy film.
@@orinanime It has a few articles about the film, an interview with Michael Mann and some photos. It is only about 22 pages so it is more like a pamphlet, but it is nice to have along with the film. I haven’t watched the 4K or blu-ray yet but I’m familiar with the film. I actually had it on VHS and use to watch that with it’s rather murky picture quality. This should be a big improvement.
@ I just counted each page, not each side, so I guess you could say it is 44 pages. The photos aren’t the of the greatest quality but it is probably all they had to use. As I mentioned, it isn’t really a book but probably more like a souvenir of the movie. I have lots of Vinegar Syndrome titles that add stuff like this to make them more collectible.
That wasn't a dream like fairy tail it was a fever dream. And I loved it!!! Speaking of amazing I am so glad I found your site cobwebs. Your take on filmmaking the process and the ability to rejoice the product or astounding I have been a media baby since I was three years old on 59 now and I applaud your attention to detail and I look forward to continuing loving your website thank you.
Tangerine Dream did the score, don't forget. That's another positive reason to even watch this. The movie is a mixed bag, but the novel is still a classic as is The Tomb. Reborn wasn't bad, either. Not sure why some of F. Paul's other novels haven't been adapted for films or miniseries. Most of his novels are quite good. But The Keep is my favorite. I met F. Paul Wilson a few years ago briefly at the Stoker Horror Writers (HWA) Convention on LI that year, we ran into him in the elevator at the hotel! He was an affable guy, for sure.
Finally! Nice to see. However, we really need the original longer uncut version that was butchered by the studio. Perhaps Mann will eventually give in and provide us with a director's cut one day.
This falls in and out of various streaming services which is where I discovered it. Very beautiful fairytale thriller. It was made in that magical time much like The Sentinel, The Legacy, and Looking For Mr. Goodbar whereas a lot of big time soon to be stars appear in one place. Michael Mann I believe disowned this film. I'd also compare to cult classics like The Man Who Fell to Earth and Legend in the interesting visuals as well as the equally interesting story. I'm a huge fan of this kind of style. The EFX are unbelievable for early to mid eighties. I believe the first film to use CGI was Dragonslayer and it was still a very expensive process. Too bad the wizard in charge of the EFX in The Keep never made anymore beyond this.
I went to see this on opening night at my local theater with my buddy who's since passed away. I loved the creature design of the Molasar and Scott Glenn's portrayal of the Glaeken to battle this ancient evil that is the Molasar. I too loved thee Tangerine Dream score. I'd been a fan since hearing their scoring of 1977's Sorcerer... If you've never seen Sorcerer, give it a try. It's not horror, but rather action thriller with awesome special practical effects.
This one has been a long-time favorite, and I’m glad it’s finally gotten the love it deserves from Vinegar Syndrome. The packaging is fantastic. I wonder if Vinegar Syndrome could pull some strings to find the director’s cut of The 13th Warrior. That would be incredible.
Thanks for the review! Hadn't seen this one since I was a VERY little kid. Don't remember it too well other then it having that dreamy quality like Legend of even Labyrinth to a degree.
I've always loved The Keep, even with its flaws. Well, since the movie bombed upon release, Mann himself has disavowed his own creation, so I don't think we'll ever see a restored dircetor's cut. Same thing happened with the movie Mike's Murder (1984). It was supposed to be a dark-gritty/murder/romance three hour long masterpice with a terrific Joe Jackson soundtrack but it was chopped and shelved by WB for two years before it was finally released in 1984 - with a 109 minutes copy instead of its original 3 hour run.
I love this film, I had this originally on VHS when it was released in the U.K. and sold only by the company 'HMV', I bought bootleg DVD copies over the years since, I didn't know that this was being released in 4K, I'll have to see if I can get a copy.
It sold out back in November. Standard Edition has come in and sells out almost immediately. 3rd Party sure has it though for 3+ times the amount. There was an attempt a few years ago to bring together a director's cut by a 3rd party, including the scenes that were shown on TV and such but they couldn't get the funding.
I really want to see it now! I read the book and loved it. It seems like what you are describing is what I saw in my mind, in fact I saw it so clearly I thought I had seen the film but I didn't. The vibe just sounds so amazing. I have to look for it. Thanks for reviewing this one.
I haven’t seen this film for years. but I do remember some scenes and details that stuck with me all this time. I remember Scott Glen’s performance and I remember the imagery. I recognized Scott from the right stuff and this film was so different. I was so surprised that he did this film because it was such a departure compared to the right stuff. I believe that this was even before Silverado.
Because they don't own the film, under contract from the movie's owners the Director has to deliver a cut of the movie. Unless the Director owns or part owns the production company then having a production copy of a movie that you don't own is liable to be theft, breach of copyright and breach of contract.
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Of course, that may be because I read the book first. I wish they'd do the whole Adversary Cycle of books this is part of.
I'm old enough to remember seeing this in the theaters and was blown away by it. I didn't understand it, but I really liked it. I still haven't read the novel though. I've heard that it has Cthulhuian elements.
I saw this movie on the shelf at the video store for decades as I was growing up...but for some reason never rented it. This video was exactly what I needed to finally get me there!
I'm a big fan of F Paul Wilson, The Keep, as a novel kind of starts a series about a character called Repair Man Jack. That movie and Cutthroat Island are the two test screenings I got passes to back in the day, and I loved them both.
We need to remember the Days renting VHS tapes and putting up with flickering, worn out tapes, thick grain and some scenes even loosing audio and visuals😂. It was frustrating as hell .....I hope they find those lost tapes.
Imprint timed their release, perfectly! I was SO bummed about missing this at VS, but felt a HUGE relief when I saw Imprints announcement! This is even cooler, as it will be in their big box format, that I just LOVE.
In the 90's I watched this film on TV. Made a copy of it in a VCR tape. And after this I copied my copy on a DVD disc I still watch after all these yerars. I love this film and I hope I resurface here in Brazil in a DVD or Blu-Ray edition. I always cared a lot about The Keep.
It would be nice to see the long extended full version of The Keep. Maybe we'll get a release in the near future. Perhaps they will remix the audio to balance out the sound and dialog.
I really enjoyed the Keep when I saw it on VHS all those years ago. And now that I've had the chance to watch it again, I still enjoy it. And you remind me that it's been too long since I've read any of F. Paul Wilson's books.
I am 54 years old and when this came out I was 13, my brother brought it over to our house on VHS from a rental store. I literally watched it from Friday night till Sunday when he left to go back to Seattle, nonstop. To say I was obsessed would be an understatement, I’m also a huge Michael Mann fan of Miami Vice, last the Mohicans, Heat and many other of his movies. I pray that his original Directors cut comes out and is released digitally or otherwise on another format. Please tell me where I can get a 4K DVD of this? Or Blu-ray? Thank you. “Do not touch the crosses”
Oh fierceness yes!! Can we please get the alternative ended added?? I saw that alternative ending twice and had to drag my mom down to see it the second time.
I love Michael Mann. I think this is an interesting film and it has lots of good stuff in it but its more in the vein of a beautiful mess then something truly great or even good. I also love the soundtrack by Tangerine Dream.
The movie makes more sense after reading the novel. I can see why some of the changes were made. The history of the story is very rich as someone in the comments mentioned that it is part of the "The Adversary" cycle and the "Repairmen Jack" series of books. Just from the screenshots the movie looks awesomely restored, much better than the VHS copy. SPOILERS: A note about one of the TV edits, the original cut has Glaeken dying or being taken to the abyss at the end since Molasar is "dead". The TV edit at the end has Glaeken returning as a mortal (both Glaeken and Molasar are immortals during The Game) to live out his days with Magda, the professor's daughter. I hope they have another pressing of the release, I so want one. There is a comic adaption scripted by F. Paul Wilson, the author of the book, that much like a melding of the movie and the book though it is hard to find (I only have the first comic).
Woop woop. Michael Mann slaps af. Btw: Im trying to get my hands on manhunter. Does anyone know where I can stream it? I will buy the bluray when the econ is available. But I need to see it like yesterday. 😂 OK. Thanks bye 😊
I'm just happy that a better copy is finally out now. I bought a streaming copy from Apple and the quality isn't very good. You can see the great shots that Mann had created, but the video quality is substandard. I hope it hits streaming soon. I'd like to get this new version for sure.
There's been a fan made documentary* on The Keep in the works for years (they interviewed nearly every single person involved in it's production), hopefully this release will be enough of a boost to finally get it released. *A World War II Fairytale: The Making of Michael Mann's 'The Keep'
Ah so jealous. The special edition was sold out by the time I got on the website, so I had to order the standard edition. Still excited to see it though. I can't wait for my copy.
This is such a great movie, I’m glad a 4K version came out but disappointed it wasn’t a better cut. Flippers bought most of the collector’s editions up and are now charge 5x the price plus. Lowest of the low.
I know Michael Mann has said that if he ever did a blu-ray release of this he wanted to include the full cut of the film or he wouldn't be interested. As far as I've heard it don't include the directors cut so I guess he changed his thought process on the release. However I would love to see the unreleased footage even in a workprint.
The book was amazing. The film, not so much. Feelings of it being cut up, rushed and unfinished. But the look was spot on. And Mann hit on many key points from the book. There were certain moments while reading that stuck with you. And it was exciting to see those in the film.
Mine arrived a week ago in the mail directly from Vinegar Syndrome. Ater buying licensed and unlicensed DVD's through the years, and even a Blu-ray made from the Amazon streaming version, it's nice to FINALLY own a proper remastered HD version of The Keep. One of the most visually interesting films to come out of the 1980's. The special features are kind of weak (we learn almost nothing from the interview with the producer) but to have the film in a proper remastered release is plenty.
It's weird, I never heard of this movie, until they released the trailer for the release on black Friday. And when I looked into it, I saw nothing but negative reviews about it. How the story makes zero sense. But I'll definitely check it out
I’m not sure a 3 hour version would make any more sense. I’m a Mann fan, but I’m afraid The Keep is one of those movies where the reputation of a “cult classic” is just not visible for me. I think people remember this as a better film than it actually is. Like Highlander or Lifeforce. I think if The Keep had both Queen music AND a constantly naked vampire woman, we might have a real cult classic.
One of my favorite flicks. Yes, an atmosphere that was so compelling, just think of what the entire project would have been. Hopefully the cut bought bootlegs of the bluray as well years ago. would love an extended cut if he ever could get it together. there was a fan of the flick years ago who was trying to have this released. i was a Tangerine Dream fan and was excited they did the score. I have the cd soundtrack. The Sorcerer was a great film with a Tangerine dream score. That would be a great 4k release!
I loved the book back in the day, as I did the movie. On VHS. I accepted the change to the main villain from vampire to more of an HPL kind of evil being. That was really the main change. I am sure more of the book's other details were in the cuts. I don't remember experiencing any issues with sound back in the day or with the VHS copy I picked up a few years ago. Maybe there aren't problems watching it on old tech that there is on new tech? I'm going to dig up the VHS and player and get ready to compare sound issues.
I was a fan from the book and remember looking forward to the film back in the day. I saw loads of behind the scenes photos in magazines which promised something very special from the movie. When the movie came out a lot of those scenes had been cut. Regardless, I loved the film. My friends hated it! I was lucky enough to talk to Ian McKellen about it years ago - I told him I loved it and he said “Oh, you were the one!” so I gathered he was not a fan of it himself. BTW, the story of The Keep has several sequels from original author F. Paul Wilson called The Adversary Cycle which make good reading!
This movie was a very noble failure. I wish there was a way to watch Mann's original vision. I bet Wilson would have liked it better as well, although he did also have problems with the creature design. There is always something that brings me back to it every few years.
I've heard of this, think I had it slated to watch from physical disc through Netflix before the company went straight digital, so knowing it has a premium release is good. The visuals are indeed incredible and for that alone I'll need to check it out (much like I did with Razorback).
A pity they didn't get Mann involved for the final editing. A mere shell of what it should've been. At least we finally got an official release. I guess it'll have to do for now or forever.
Jeez I just seen this!!!But I don't remember how.....Maybe streaming free on Pluto at the beginning of summer or so?It was a weird freaky movie but it,s definitely worth a watch,Very unique film
I think that may have been where I saw it too, although I had also seen it years before. Great movie, very much a fever-dream fairy tail! Definitely a Mann film (although mutilated) and Tangerine Dream is *Chef’s Kiss*.
I actually found the DVD on Amazon about 3 years ago, bought it when I had the chance. I remember seeing some of that when HBO was the only movie channel available on cable way back in the day (yes, I’m old lol)
This is what Michael Mann said in a recent interview:
Question: "I know that when you directed The Keep , you originally had a much longer cut, but it's never seen the light of day. Do you still have a copy of the longer cut, or does it no longer exist?
MANN: "I don't even know. I’d have to dig into our archives to find out. We have a pretty spectacular archive. We saved everything, but I don't know how much I've saved on The Keep. The poignant tragedy that came was that the visual effects genius who worked on it, Wally Veevers - who was a spectacular guy, who goes all the way back from The Shape of Things to Come all the way through 2001 [A Space Odyssey] - died halfway through post. He had many esoteric forms of creating some of the visual effects, and it was only through the generosity of the visual effects community in England that we were able even to finish the picture. A lot of people who knew and respected Wally dove in to try to figure some of this out. So, it was a bizarre project."
So a new "director's cut" may be possible, but admittedly it's very unlikely.
I would pay whatever they asked for a Michael Mann version. Maybe if the money is ever right, he'd do it if he still has the materials.
@@MaconMedia Even if it were $100USD+ it would sell-out in a day!
We need the original uncut longer version that was cutdown by the studio! 💯🎬
Yes, I'll hold out till the 'directors cut' is released; and I'd want to see the alternate ending(s) too.
Sadly Michael Mann said he won't revisit the movie.
Not going to happen
@@dcanmore We Need ..A-Team to force him to do it!
Let's just hope that the Greg Nicotero remake now in developement won't get cancelled for some reason and that it will be more faithful to the book.
Back in the mid-90s, my mom worked at Blockbuster and she was allowed to get 10 free movies a week -- old only, no new releases -- so she let me go to town on all the older horror flicks. She recommended this one when I was about 15 or 16 and it has been seared into my memory ever since. Such a fantastic film!
What a cool memory!
That was cool of your mum
@@amb163 talk about a cool time Period. Bc the 80's & 90's & early 2000's was the best time to be a physical media collector
I hear ya brother. So ahead of its time. Thats why the test screening didn’t work. It was a bunch of normies/sheep and they f_cked us!!! We need Directors cut.
I met F Paul Wilson at a convention. The guy was awesome. He hates the movie though. Absolutely despised the movie but also recognized the cult following. He signed my rare trade paper back of his book. Really nice dude, and way down to earth.
It IS an AWESOME SERIES!!
I understand why the movie would be a disappointment!
So COOL you got to meet him!😊
Warms my heart to know this movie is now given the love it deserves. It’s more of an experience than a movie.
You need to see ‘The Forgotten One’. It’s a 1989 movie with Kristy McNichol and Terry O’Quinn. One of the best ghost stories not very many people have seen. I think it’s available here on UA-cam.
The keep Was built not to keep something out but was built to keep something in.
And when the Nazis started stealing the silver crosses what was inside the keep was pissed.
Thanks Captain Obvious.
@@PeoxyBlue They were made of nickel.
The Keep could be viewed as the music video of the Tangerine Dream score, rather than a movie.
Whatever, it's a brilliant film in so many ways, and I love it.
I saw it on first release and for a moment thought the white haired bearded priest was Edgar Froese!
I recorded this on VHS when it was broadcast on TV in the U.K back in the 90s. It blew my mind and I never forgot it. A real gem of a movie and very underrated in my opinion.
The quarry where site of the keep & bridge was near where I lived in the early 90s. I visited the quarry a few times & walked on the bridge over the chasm. The chasm is actually very shallow. I wonder if the bridge is still there after all this time?
The film the keep is one of the most requested or most wanted movie not to be available on any format other the a VHS tape or a laser disk release up to now. And now the keep has finally gotten physical release on 4k now. Don't be surprised in January when the keep gets a wide release it could be one of the biggest 4k catalog titles sellers in 2025. Bc of the demand for this film to be released on bluray & 4k. And the keep finally getting a physical release after all these years that is big for physical media & maybe this will open the doors for other films to finally get a bluray or a 4k release in 2025
This book can take you down a rabbit hole that'll take years to get through. It's the genesis of both The Adversary Cycle and Repairman Jack (which splits off after the second book in the first series). If Wilson isn't my favorite author, he's certainly the one I've read the most.
I had a group of friends back in the mid-80's and we must have watched this movie 100 times. There were weeks we'd watch it 5 nights, with 2 nights switching over to "The Wall" for a break. There was always some small detail we'd catch that nobody had noticed before. We especially liked the extended version. I credit THIS movie, and the ever amazing Alberta Watson for imprinting on me what the perfect woman looked like. Her love scenes with Scott Glenn were so incredibly passionate. I'm interested in seeing this in 4K because the DVD I bought looks like it was copied from a bad VHS.
The Keep is the first book in F .Paul Wilsons ."Adversary "series. #2 'The Tomb" is my favorite. Wilson wrote the seven books between 1981 and the last one in 2020, which was more or less a prequel.The thing is nobody realized the books were connected until 1991/92 with "Reprisal" and"Nightworld."All books are available from Amazon So you young folks don't have to spend 20 years reading him. PS many of the protagonists you thought dead , might not be .PSS PLEASE BUY THE BOOKS! Audiobooks ain't reading!
Turn the volume on my black heart moving right along. I will never forget these assholes putting down Indiana Jones and the raiders of the Lost ark and every other imaginative film that they could think of at the time to say everyone should go sit through ordinary people. Yes you have a milk toast husband a bull Dyke wife and the younger son who can't seem to exist anymore because his older brother just died if I want to see shit like that I won't.
Thank you for turning me on to vinegar syndrome.
I'm not like a little monkey I don't follow the ass in front of me blindly if I want to go see a movie it's because I want to go see a movie and if I don't like it I'm going to talk about it and if I do like it I'm going to scream about it from the mountain tops but I've never seen hunger games I've never seen Harry Potter I've never seen pirates of the Caribbean I've never seen anything that all the fucking teenyboppers think is Oscar Worthy.
You know what I honestly wish vinegar syndrome would get ahold of. Fade to Black. 1980 I believe? A movie fan named Eric goes to extreme lengths to live out his fantasies. Along the way he kills his enemies while dressed as his movie heroes. He even gets a girlfriend who resembles Marilyn Monroe
I believe it was Yvonne de Carlos last film.
I just finished reading all the books. I highly recommend them!
I loved the book and the movie blew me away. I have read all the books from F. Paul Wilson. Wish they would make a movie on his book The Tomb. ❤️ from 🇨🇦
Yes! Bring Repairman Jack to the screen!
I’d be happy with a Repairman Jack film!
The Adversary Cycle - an incredible set of books
book? thanks for the tip, i didnt know!
His ppl and also David Eddings’ ppl (Belgariad, Malloreon) protected the source materials, come to think Anne Mccaffrey’s Dragonriders series too would be great in film. Repairman Jack, and Harry Dresden too would be great. They made a halfway decent attempt at Harry Dresden tv series, but it didn’t play well.
I saw this movie when it came out, and visually it is one of my fav movies of all time that I still watch a few times a year.
The Keep is one of the reasons to own a laserdisc player. You are absolutely right about the audio: the digital transfer is all over the place (this is also the case on the laserdisc btw), BUT the second audio track on it, is the original anolog Dolby Stereo track from the theatre, which not only hits differently, but for some reason is way more balanced.
I’m glad for those like you who’ve never seen it, that it finally came out on a modern format, but if you want to experience it differently, it is totally worth tracking down the laserdisc although it has gone up a bit in price over the last few years.
The word you're looking for cobwebs is cinematography.
I watched this on a vhs rental in the 90’s and it blew my mind. I’d never seen anything like it before. I liked it so much I bought it but it wasn’t easy to find.
Still have it on VHS
I remember seeing this to rent at the little Mom and Pop store in my town. Almost rented it a few times but never did so I'm really glad you reviewed it.
Saw this in the Theatre when in came out in 1983. 😊
Me Too! God I'm old. Then saw it again on cable.
How do you think it stands up today ? Ive not seen it but am tempted with this
I envy you
I do really enjoy this film. I would love to see Michael Mann's cut, his films tend to fascinate me. Unique and gripping ❤
One of my favorite cult classics. I always considered Molasar a different take on the Golem's myth. Thanks for the video, and enjoy the holidays!
New subscriber here. Watching your vids is like hanging out with a friend chatting about movies. I love it! I'm so glad I found your channel.
Your love for movies is eclectic like mine. I love anything from the silent era to today, foreign horror, independent horror, and cheesy B movies from the 70s/80s.
I've heard about "The Keep" but never saw it. Thanks for mentioning that it's supposed to be dream like so when I watch it, I'll understand it more. 😊
I remember seeing this in the theater. It was fascinating. Later, I had it on VHS.
It is a movie I revisit regularly.
Mine’s finally shipping out. I’m so excited to finally see it. I’ve always loved films with an eerie, dreamlike vibe. VS already scratched that itch once for me this year with Phase IV and I’m hoping The Keep can do the same.
I absolutely unironically LOVE this movie!
I heard about this almost immediately and still missed the special limited edition.
I got a pre-order for January of the standard edition.
But damn, I really wanted that behind the scenes book.
I got it with the book before they sold out. I’ve always loved the movie even if some don’t. It came out during the time of my love for anything with Tangerine Dream in it. Also loved Sorcerer even if it’s not a fantasy film.
@craigdorsey8624 you're very lucky. I wish I could have got one of those books.
What all is in it?
I'm happy to hear from another fan.
@@orinanime It has a few articles about the film, an interview with Michael Mann and some photos. It is only about 22 pages so it is more like a pamphlet, but it is nice to have along with the film. I haven’t watched the 4K or blu-ray yet but I’m familiar with the film. I actually had it on VHS and use to watch that with it’s rather murky picture quality. This should be a big improvement.
@craigdorsey8624 22 pages? Weird. The listing said it was 40 pages.
@ I just counted each page, not each side, so I guess you could say it is 44 pages. The photos aren’t the of the greatest quality but it is probably all they had to use. As I mentioned, it isn’t really a book but probably more like a souvenir of the movie. I have lots of Vinegar Syndrome titles that add stuff like this to make them more collectible.
That wasn't a dream like fairy tail it was a fever dream. And I loved it!!! Speaking of amazing I am so glad I found your site cobwebs. Your take on filmmaking the process and the ability to rejoice the product or astounding I have been a media baby since I was three years old on 59 now and I applaud your attention to detail and I look forward to continuing loving your website thank you.
Tangerine Dream did the score, don't forget. That's another positive reason to even watch this. The movie is a mixed bag, but the novel is still a classic as is The Tomb. Reborn wasn't bad,
either. Not sure why some of F. Paul's other novels haven't been adapted for films or miniseries. Most of his novels are quite good. But The Keep is my favorite. I met F. Paul Wilson
a few years ago briefly at the Stoker Horror Writers (HWA) Convention on LI that year, we ran into him in the elevator at the hotel! He was an affable guy, for sure.
I own a DVD of The Keep!! One of my favorite movies!! I'll put it in my player now 😁🎄
Finally! Nice to see. However, we really need the original longer uncut version that was butchered by the studio. Perhaps Mann will eventually give in and provide us with a director's cut one day.
This falls in and out of various streaming services which is where I discovered it. Very beautiful fairytale thriller. It was made in that magical time much like The Sentinel, The Legacy, and Looking For Mr. Goodbar whereas a lot of big time soon to be stars appear in one place. Michael Mann I believe disowned this film. I'd also compare to cult classics like The Man Who Fell to Earth and Legend in the interesting visuals as well as the equally interesting story. I'm a huge fan of this kind of style. The EFX are unbelievable for early to mid eighties. I believe the first film to use CGI was Dragonslayer and it was still a very expensive process. Too bad the wizard in charge of the EFX in The Keep never made anymore beyond this.
A+ video!
LOVE IT! Awesome review, sounds like a very intriguing movie!
I went to see this on opening night at my local theater with my buddy who's since passed away. I loved the creature design of the Molasar and Scott Glenn's portrayal of the Glaeken to battle this ancient evil that is the Molasar. I too loved thee Tangerine Dream score. I'd been a fan since hearing their scoring of 1977's Sorcerer... If you've never seen Sorcerer, give it a try. It's not horror, but rather action thriller with awesome special practical effects.
This one has been a long-time favorite, and I’m glad it’s finally gotten the love it deserves from Vinegar Syndrome. The packaging is fantastic. I wonder if Vinegar Syndrome could pull some strings to find the director’s cut of The 13th Warrior. That would be incredible.
I can't believe it!! I hope it will have a german Edition!!!
I saw it first on video in 1986....the soundtrack of tangerine dream is terrific
Thanks for the review! Hadn't seen this one since I was a VERY little kid. Don't remember it too well other then it having that dreamy quality like Legend of even Labyrinth to a degree.
I recently found ur channel and i am addicted! ❤ I could listen to u talk all day🥰
Thank you!! I really appreciate that.
I've always loved The Keep, even with its flaws. Well, since the movie bombed upon release, Mann himself has disavowed his own creation, so I don't think we'll ever see a restored dircetor's cut. Same thing happened with the movie Mike's Murder (1984). It was supposed to be a dark-gritty/murder/romance three hour long masterpice with a terrific Joe Jackson soundtrack but it was chopped and shelved by WB for two years before it was finally released in 1984 - with a 109 minutes copy instead of its original 3 hour run.
Underrated gem. Still holding my breath, hoping for that 4 hour long directors cut
I love this film, I had this originally on VHS when it was released in the U.K. and sold only by the company 'HMV', I bought bootleg DVD copies over the years since, I didn't know that this was being released in 4K, I'll have to see if I can get a copy.
Hi Daniel! The Keep was an awesome book. Highly recommend if you want a creepy read. Thanks for another banger video!
It sold out back in November. Standard Edition has come in and sells out almost immediately. 3rd Party sure has it though for 3+ times the amount. There was an attempt a few years ago to bring together a director's cut by a 3rd party, including the scenes that were shown on TV and such but they couldn't get the funding.
alberta watson the heroine, is a very underrated actress, first saw her in the soldier 1982 with ken Wahl.
I really want to see it now! I read the book and loved it. It seems like what you are describing is what I saw in my mind, in fact I saw it so clearly I thought I had seen the film but I didn't. The vibe just sounds so amazing. I have to look for it. Thanks for reviewing this one.
I haven’t seen this film for years. but I do remember some scenes and details that stuck with me all this time. I remember Scott Glen’s performance and I remember the imagery. I recognized Scott from the right stuff and this film was so different. I was so surprised that he did this film because it was such a departure compared to the right stuff. I believe that this was even before Silverado.
I don't understand why directors often never made copies of their cuts.
Because they don't own the film, under contract from the movie's owners the Director has to deliver a cut of the movie. Unless the Director owns or part owns the production company then having a production copy of a movie that you don't own is liable to be theft, breach of copyright and breach of contract.
@@dcanmore Ah I see, thank you. That's a terrible system.
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Of course, that may be because I read the book first. I wish they'd do the whole Adversary Cycle of books this is part of.
I also feel robbed that I never heard of this until today and did not get the limited edition.
I'm old enough to remember seeing this in the theaters and was blown away by it. I didn't understand it, but I really liked it. I still haven't read the novel though. I've heard that it has Cthulhuian elements.
I wonder if it inspired some elements in the Wolfenstein games at all. So excited for this release. I've only had bootlegs as well for decades!
I saw this movie on the shelf at the video store for decades as I was growing up...but for some reason never rented it. This video was exactly what I needed to finally get me there!
The Keep remake is in the works. No release date yet.
I'm a big fan of F Paul Wilson, The Keep, as a novel kind of starts a series about a character called Repair Man Jack. That movie and Cutthroat Island are the two test screenings I got passes to back in the day, and I loved them both.
We need to remember the Days renting VHS tapes and putting up with flickering, worn out tapes, thick grain and some scenes even loosing audio and visuals😂. It was frustrating as hell .....I hope they find those lost tapes.
Imprint timed their release, perfectly! I was SO bummed about missing this at VS, but felt a HUGE relief when I saw Imprints announcement! This is even cooler, as it will be in their big box format, that I just LOVE.
In the 90's I watched this film on TV. Made a copy of it in a VCR tape. And after this I copied my copy on a DVD disc I still watch after all these yerars. I love this film and I hope I resurface here in Brazil in a DVD or Blu-Ray edition. I always cared a lot about The Keep.
It would be nice to see the long extended full version of The Keep. Maybe we'll get a release in the near future. Perhaps they will remix the audio to balance out the sound and dialog.
I really enjoyed the Keep when I saw it on VHS all those years ago. And now that I've had the chance to watch it again, I still enjoy it. And you remind me that it's been too long since I've read any of F. Paul Wilson's books.
I am 54 years old and when this came out I was 13, my brother brought it over to our house on VHS from a rental store. I literally watched it from Friday night till Sunday when he left to go back to Seattle, nonstop. To say I was obsessed would be an understatement, I’m also a huge Michael Mann fan of Miami Vice, last the Mohicans, Heat and many other of his movies. I pray that his original Directors cut comes out and is released digitally or otherwise on another format. Please tell me where I can get a 4K DVD of this? Or Blu-ray? Thank you. “Do not touch the crosses”
another company which also like VS that goes out of its way to publish obscure forgotten stuff is Severin Films, also love em.
Absolutely! I also put in a Black Friday order from them, but their shipping is much slower. I’m not expecting it for awhile.
Oh fierceness yes!! Can we please get the alternative ended added?? I saw that alternative ending twice and had to drag my mom down to see it the second time.
First saw it on the big screen, when it starts and those opening credits roll, crank that volume up!
I love Michael Mann. I think this is an interesting film and it has lots of good stuff in it but its more in the vein of a beautiful mess then something truly great or even good. I also love the soundtrack by Tangerine Dream.
Just discovered your channel. Subscribed. 😎
The movie makes more sense after reading the novel. I can see why some of the changes were made. The history of the story is very rich as someone in the comments mentioned that it is part of the "The Adversary" cycle and the "Repairmen Jack" series of books.
Just from the screenshots the movie looks awesomely restored, much better than the VHS copy.
SPOILERS: A note about one of the TV edits, the original cut has Glaeken dying or being taken to the abyss at the end since Molasar is "dead". The TV edit at the end has Glaeken returning as a mortal (both Glaeken and Molasar are immortals during The Game) to live out his days with Magda, the professor's daughter.
I hope they have another pressing of the release, I so want one.
There is a comic adaption scripted by F. Paul Wilson, the author of the book, that much like a melding of the movie and the book though it is hard to find (I only have the first comic).
Woop woop.
Michael Mann slaps af.
Btw: Im trying to get my hands on manhunter. Does anyone know where I can stream it?
I will buy the bluray when the econ is available. But I need to see it like yesterday.
😂
OK. Thanks bye 😊
Great review man!!!
I found a crappy vhs of this at the library 20 years ago. My young mind wasn’t ready for whatever the hell was going on
I'm just happy that a better copy is finally out now. I bought a streaming copy from Apple and the quality isn't very good. You can see the great shots that Mann had created, but the video quality is substandard. I hope it hits streaming soon. I'd like to get this new version for sure.
There's been a fan made documentary* on The Keep in the works for years (they interviewed nearly every single person involved in it's production), hopefully this release will be enough of a boost to finally get it released. *A World War II Fairytale: The Making of Michael Mann's 'The Keep'
Ah so jealous. The special edition was sold out by the time I got on the website, so I had to order the standard edition. Still excited to see it though. I can't wait for my copy.
I ordered the keep and witch story on the black friday sale and I'm still waiting for them to ship!!
I got Witch Story too!
I saw The Keep in 1983, I had read the book before seeing it and came out severely disappointed. This should get a faithful remake.
I own a digital copy of the keep.In my opinion it's a good movie.
This is such a great movie, I’m glad a 4K version came out but disappointed it wasn’t a better cut. Flippers bought most of the collector’s editions up and are now charge 5x the price plus. Lowest of the low.
Aussie label Imprint also have a release of it coming out.
Always happy to see love for The Keep.
still waiting for my order of the keep which also includes Freeway 1 & 2, and the Spanish giallo collection.
I know Michael Mann has said that if he ever did a blu-ray release of this he wanted to include the full cut of the film or he wouldn't be interested. As far as I've heard it don't include the directors cut so I guess he changed his thought process on the release. However I would love to see the unreleased footage even in a workprint.
The book was amazing. The film, not so much. Feelings of it being cut up, rushed and unfinished.
But the look was spot on. And Mann hit on many key points from the book. There were certain moments while reading that stuck with you. And it was exciting to see those in the film.
I love this film, I hope there will be a UK 4K release.
I'm in the UK and ordered from Vinegar Syndrome. 4K's are region free. Imprint in Aus also have a 4K apparently.
I first watched this years ago. It was on TV in Australia fairly often. There's a great movie in there somewhere. Pity we'll never see it.
Picked this up at the VS Toronto store on BF.
Mine arrived a week ago in the mail directly from Vinegar Syndrome.
Ater buying licensed and unlicensed DVD's through the years, and even a Blu-ray made from the Amazon streaming version, it's nice to FINALLY own a proper remastered HD version of The Keep.
One of the most visually interesting films to come out of the 1980's.
The special features are kind of weak (we learn almost nothing from the interview with the producer) but to have the film in a proper remastered release is plenty.
It would’ve been so great to have gotten a candid new interview with Michael Mann, but I understand why they couldn’t get that.
There was a dvd release for the keep from Australia, it looks pretty good. I’ve got it, but might get the blu ray anyway.
WOW! I can't believe it! FINALLY!!!
It's weird, I never heard of this movie, until they released the trailer for the release on black Friday. And when I looked into it, I saw nothing but negative reviews about it. How the story makes zero sense. But I'll definitely check it out
Having just watched "The Keep," it seems to me that Radu Molasar must have been an influence for Vecna in "Stranger Things."
I’m not sure a 3 hour version would make any more sense. I’m a Mann fan, but I’m afraid The Keep is one of those movies where the reputation of a “cult classic” is just not visible for me. I think people remember this as a better film than it actually is. Like Highlander or Lifeforce. I think if The Keep had both Queen music AND a constantly naked vampire woman, we might have a real cult classic.
I was thinking the same thing on the last part had they changed Molasar from a man to a woman. Wonder what actress of 1983 would’ve played Molasar?
@@chrislondo2683Barbara Carrera.Remember "Embryo"...?Plus, it would had been same year with "Never Say Never Again"(in which, she also took part).
Agreed, until you besmirched Highlander lol. That movie's exactly what I remember it to be: Fun. The Keep? Not even close.
Dead wrong.
@ohnoitisnt666 I agree the Keep is a excellent cosmic horror film.
Iam lucky enough to be old enough to have seen this in the cinema at the age of 17 here in Ireland.
I saw this The Keep when it first came out. The movie leaves you with questions and wanting so much more.
Yeah maybe it will be back in January but not even a “sold out” on Vinegar Syndrome’s website!
One of my favorite flicks. Yes, an atmosphere that was so compelling, just think of what the entire project would have been. Hopefully the cut bought bootlegs of the bluray as well years ago. would love an extended cut if he ever could get it together. there was a fan of the flick years ago who was trying to have this released. i was a Tangerine Dream fan and was excited they did the score. I have the cd soundtrack. The Sorcerer was a great film with a Tangerine dream score. That would be a great 4k release!
Saw this when I was 8 and completely got it. Been along time since I've seen gonna have to rewatch 👍💜🐾😊
I was eleven watching The Keep on rented DVD my parents were surprised I got it too!
I loved the book back in the day, as I did the movie. On VHS. I accepted the change to the main villain from vampire to more of an HPL kind of evil being. That was really the main change. I am sure more of the book's other details were in the cuts. I don't remember experiencing any issues with sound back in the day or with the VHS copy I picked up a few years ago. Maybe there aren't problems watching it on old tech that there is on new tech? I'm going to dig up the VHS and player and get ready to compare sound issues.
I was a fan from the book and remember looking forward to the film back in the day. I saw loads of behind the scenes photos in magazines which promised something very special from the movie. When the movie came out a lot of those scenes had been cut. Regardless, I loved the film. My friends hated it! I was lucky enough to talk to Ian McKellen about it years ago - I told him I loved it and he said “Oh, you were the one!” so I gathered he was not a fan of it himself. BTW, the story of The Keep has several sequels from original author F. Paul Wilson called The Adversary Cycle which make good reading!
This movie was a very noble failure. I wish there was a way to watch Mann's original vision. I bet Wilson would have liked it better as well, although he did also have problems with the creature design. There is always something that brings me back to it every few years.
The ending was a Massive let down! Great visual film though.
I've heard of this, think I had it slated to watch from physical disc through Netflix before the company went straight digital, so knowing it has a premium release is good. The visuals are indeed incredible and for that alone I'll need to check it out (much like I did with Razorback).
A pity they didn't get Mann involved for the final editing. A mere shell of what it should've been. At least we finally got an official release. I guess it'll have to do for now or forever.
Jeez I just seen this!!!But I don't remember how.....Maybe streaming free on Pluto at the beginning of summer or so?It was a weird freaky movie but it,s definitely worth a watch,Very unique film
I think that may have been where I saw it too, although I had also seen it years before. Great movie, very much a fever-dream fairy tail! Definitely a Mann film (although mutilated) and Tangerine Dream is *Chef’s Kiss*.
Vinegar Syndrome is tied with Arrow Media for 2nd place for my favorite physical media boutique company. My favorite is Umbrella.
I actually found the DVD on Amazon about 3 years ago, bought it when I had the chance. I remember seeing some of that when HBO was the only movie channel available on cable way back in the day (yes, I’m old lol)