End of Days

Details

As the year 2000 looms and the world worries about Y2K bugs and falling aircraft, the Devil decides it's the perfect time for a return visit. Enter Jericho Cane - a burnt-out former NYPD detective turned private security operative who has lost his faith, his family and very nearly his will to live.

Assigned to protect a wealthy Wall Street banker, Jericho quickly finds himself in the middle of something far more sinister than corporate security. An assassination attempt leads to the discovery of a tongueless priest warning of Armageddon, and before long Jericho realises that his employer is no ordinary banker - he is Satan himself, walking the streets of New York in human form.

The Devil's mission is simple: find Christine York, a young woman chosen at birth to become his bride, consummate the union before midnight on New Year's Eve, and thus reclaim dominion over the Earth. Naturally, Jericho stands in the way - armed with guns, grenades and a gradually rediscovered sense of faith.

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays against type here. Rather than the invincible action hero, Jericho is broken, cynical and haunted. It's a darker performance than we were used to from him in the 90s, and while the script doesn't always support the emotional depth it aims for, he carries the role with conviction (well, as much as Schwarzenegger's acting to manage). Gabriel Byrne, fresh from playing clergy in Stigmata, switches sides entirely and makes for a quietly menacing Devil - less flamboyant tyrant, more smug manipulator.

Picture & Sound

The picture quality is generally average to good, with a variable bit-rate. Darker scenes occasionally suffer from mild outlining around characters, though many night sequences are impressively atmospheric with strong colour reproduction. It's not reference material, but it holds up well enough.

The soundtrack, however, is where the disc really excels. The surround channels are rarely idle - from echoing cathedrals and whispering winds to gunfire, explosions and rolling thunder. The LFE channel gets a serious workout, delivering weighty bass during action sequences. If Universal were ever to give this a DTS treatment (as they did with The Bone Collector), subwoofers everywhere would be in danger of structural damage.

Menu & Extras

The extras are worth exploring after a first viewing. The special effects featurette is particularly interesting, revealing subtle digital touches you may not have noticed during the Devil's various manifestations. The "Book of Revelation" section feels slightly like filler, though mildly intriguing if apocalyptic scripture is your thing.

Overall

Gabriel Byrne now appears to be building quite the theological résumé - from priest in Stigmata to the Dark Lord himself. Let's just hope he doesn't get permanently typecast somewhere in between heaven and hell.

As for the film itself, the concept is stronger than the execution. The story occasionally feels stretched thin, and the millennium hysteria angle dates it somewhat. Still, if you're an Arnold fan or enjoy religious thrillers with plenty of firepower, it's entertaining enough.

And one final question: why does every biblical apocalypse, giant reptile, alien invasion and 40-foot marshmallow man insist on appearing in New York? If there were ever a reason to avoid the place, Hollywood is doing an excellent job of providing it.

Special features

• Spotlight on Location
• Feature Commentary with Director Peter Hyams
• Special Effects: The Devil's Playground
• Soundtrack Presentation
• Book of Revelation
• Theatrical Trailer
• Universal Showcase
• DVD-ROM Enhanced