Stephen King Gift Set (DVD, 2007, Full Frame; Multiple Disc Set)

With over 105 Stephen King adaptations - and sequels - currently avaiable or in production, there are going to be more than just a few that are of a poor standard --- it's just the law of averages. But value-for-money when it comes to the approximate running length of a King movie is always gauranteed [and taking into account the average novel or novella written by King, these still are not long enough to encompass the entire work].

This box set is no exception to the rule of King.

On offer here are three TV mini-series in one box set, the running time comprising of roughly 40 hours [broken down: The Stand (6 hrs), The Golden Years (5 Hours) and The Langoliers (3 hrs). Enough entertainment to keep the average horror fan entertained for days. Or is there?

I think there is here.

Let's begin with the strongest movie first, 'The Stand'. Based on King's best-selling apocalyptic epic novel, this movie stays as close the novel as possible. Directed by Mick Garris [Riding the Bullet], the movie has a talented and well-chosen cast, including Rob Lowe [Salem's Lot TV], Molly Ringwald, Ed Harris [Needful Things; The Creepshow] and Gary Sinise. A man-made virus has wiped out the population of America, except for two surviving groups: those who follow Mother Abigail, a servant of God and those who follow Randall Flagg, suggested here as being the Devil. The movie tracks each character in detail right through to the climactic finale. 'The Stand' successfully portrays a world on the brink of ruin, conveying each individual surviving character's battle with their newfound circumstances; their inner fight between the forces of good and evil. Apart from 'Stand By Me' and 'Shawshank Redemption' this is probably the finest adaptation of a King novel.

'The Langoliers' tells of an airliner that has flown through the Aurora Borealis [the Northern Lights] --- those left on the plane are the passengers who, at the time, were asleep. But now the population of America has apparently vanished --- there is no air traffic and the airports are deserted. As with all King stories, there are strong and believable characters who struggle to understand - and survive in - a complex and horrific situation, character development being a particular strong point of this author. Creepy and tense throughout, this film never fails to entertain those who enjoy the mysterious in life.

Probably the weakest of the three is 'The Langoliers'. This is the tale of retired ex-guard, Harlan Williams, who once worked at a secluded scientific research center. Returning one day, he is caught up in an explosion and is contaminated. His ageing process is subsequently reversed. Understandably curious, the government workers begin a man hunt in order to discover the secret to eternal youth. The film is a well-made sci-fi-horror with a strong cast headed by Ed Lauter [Cujo].

The Stephen King Gift Set is excellent value for money, considering these movies retail at high prices individually.

Matthew J Lee-Williams, Salisbury, UK, Review.