[.ca] The Shadow (Full Screen) (ISBN 078321958X)

From Amazon.com:
A mixed bag that received mixed reviews when released in 1994, this lavish film works overtime to honor the spirit and style of the vintage pulp novels and radio shows that made The Shadow a household name in the 1930s and '40s. Alec Baldwin plays the Shadow, a.k.a. Lamont Cranston, who arrives in New York from his decadent life in Tibet, fully reformed and disciplined in his ability "to cloud men's minds." A crime fighter who lurks in the dark recesses of the city, the Shadow faces his most deadly challenge when Shiwan Khan (John Lone), the last surviving descendant of Genghis Khan, hatches a plot to conquer the world. The scheme involves a madman (Tim Curry), a hapless scientist (Ian McKellen), and various traps designed to catch and kill the Shadow, who must also contend with his blossoming romance with Margo Lane (Penelope Ann Miller), a slender beauty capable of a little mind play of her own. The movie's art deco production design turns out to be a scene-stealer when the plot drags, and in the title role Baldwin is never given enough good material to create a compelling character. Still, The Shadow is true to the legacy that inspired it, admirably avoiding any conspicuous compromise of its 1930s style and setting. If you can't get into the story, you're sure to be hooked by the look of the production, which is never less than dazzling. --Jeff Shannon

What Evil Lurks in the Heart of Men...The Shadow Knows!:
"The Shadow" was a popular radio program (before television sets were made for the home). It began on the Dectective Story Hour on July 31, 1930 as a character in the story. James La Curto was the voice 1930-31 and then Frank Readick Jr (1931-37), Orson Welles (1937-38), Bill Johnstone (1938-43), Bret Morrison in 1943, John Archer in 1944 and Bret Morrison again in 1945-54. The last radio program of "The Shadow" was broadcast December 26, 1954. Two motion picutres were made with Rod La Rocque as "Lamont Cranston"/"The Shadow", THE SHADOW STRIKES (1937), INTERNATIONAL CRIME (1938). They also made a movie serial in 1940. In 1958, Richard Derr played the role in INVISIBLE AVENGER (1958). In 1994, they tried to resurrect the character of "Lamont Cranston" with Alec Baldwin in "THE SHADOW" (1994). Imagine the Invisible Man and Kung Fu in the land of film noir. And oh yes, the rainy mist and full moon. While on a case searching for the chinese and there taste for opium, Lamont is captured by the "emperor". He is spared and taught mystical powers. he is now able to continue finding and fighting the crooks and keeping his own identity a secret. Also in the cast: Johnathan Winters, John Lone, Penelope Ann Miller, Ian McKellen and Tim Curry. No extras, no bonuses on this DVD.

It's FULL SCREEN.:
Let's say the movie deserves 4 stars at least. It's beautiful and the plot stays true to the original characters. Whatever you may think of Alec Baldwin's acting ability it's still a good movie. But the DVD is an old style, barebones, FULL SCREEN version. It's crap. The only reason you should buy this is that you can't wait to see it one more time and it's cheap...otherwise get the even cheaper serials like the Invisible Avenger and wait for the Special Edition.

fun from the get go:
i thought his was a great movie all around.Alec Baldwin was a great choice to play the The Shadow/Lamont Cranston.Penelope Ann Miller is also good as his sometimes sidekick Margo Lane.and Peter Boyle is hilarious as Moe Shrevnitz,the Shadow's personal taxi driver. the movie moves along at a good pace and i never found it boring.i'm not sure,but i think it sticks pretty close to its source material.Russel Mulcahy(Resident Evil:Extinction)directed the movie.for me,this movie is just all around fun from start to finish.but i also liked the look of the film.i think they put a lot of effort into recreating the 1930's look and atmosphere,and for the life of me,i can't figure out why it wasn't very well received.anyway,for me The Shadow is a strong 4/5.

My Shadow Review:
Other movie sites panned this movie, but in my opion it's great. The art deco look of this film is fantastic! along with the score, the acting is first rate also. Two thumbs from me!

"The Shadow":
A film of grandiose design with a camera that can't capture it. From beginning to end, we're constantly (and painfully) aware of the great film it might have been had it been directed with more patience and a better sense of rhythm. As it is, the film simply has no drive, no forward charge to it; it's as if it's standing still throughout the entire running time. Alec Baldwin, in the title role, is as bland as he's ever been, though it's not as if the script gives him anything real to work with. There's nothing plot-like here, and things are not helped by groan-inducing attempts at humor. It's not an utter loss: the production design is marvelous, and the scene where Tim Curry confronts the Shadow in an abandoned hotel has a genuine intensity that you'll wish had been present throughout the film entire. Also featuring Penelope Ann Miller, Ian McKellen (who's largely wasted), Jonathan Winters, and Peter Boyle.