| Dead Space: Downfall [Blu-ray] + Digital Copy | ![Dead Space: Downfall [Blu-ray] + Digital Copy](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tOlzvC3SL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Chuck Patton
Actors: Bruce Boxleitner, Kelly Hu, Keith Szarabajka, Jim Cummings, Kevin Michael Richardson
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Category: DVD
List Price: $34.98
Buy New: $15.99
You Save: $18.99 (54%)
New (19) Used (6) Collectible (1) from $15.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  12 reviews
Sales Rank: 4800
Format: Color, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Media: Blu-ray
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 74
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 6.7 x 5.4 x 0.5
MPN: 3059
UPC: 013138305985
EAN: 0013138305985
ASIN: B001C0NMXE
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: October 28, 2008 (New: Last 30 Days)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Starz/sphe Release Date: 10/28/2008 Rating: Pg13
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Stills from Dead Space: Downfall (click for larger image) Beyond Dead Space: Downfall 
On DVD | 
Dead Space, the PS3 game | 
More from Anchor Bay - Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 Okay horror, but not Dead Space November 16, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Downfall is supposed to be the prequel to the Dead Space video game that was released prior to the video. There was a series of preview comics that were downloadable off the XBox marketplace that, and I assumed that the movie was going to be a base for the movie. However, this was not the case.
Ther movie primarily follows the Chief of Security of the Ishimura, who tries to contain the outbreak of violence and the necromorphs on the mining ship. The sequence follows a predictable path of disbelief, followed by a dug-in resistance. Several scenes are badly handled. Namely, a officer sees his own wife decapitate herself, and reacts as if she dropped a carton of eggs on the carpet. The ending is very dark and in line with the games tone. That was probably the only scene that reminded me of the Dead Space game.
Downfall was written and produced by someone who was told the plot of the video game, and maybe saw it played, but had no opportunity to play it themselves, and also had only cliff notes on the backstory. None of the scenes from the movie that appeared in game are remotely similar, and were well done in the video game, so it was disappointing to see them mess with it. None of the weapons of equipment from the game even makes an appearance, though one that does show up prominently, I wish had been in the game.
If the movie had had another title, it would've crawled up to 3 stars, as I wasn't a fan of the srtwork, but the name Dead Space raised expectations, which weren't met on almost every front.
 Entertaining, if middling, action film; 3.5 stars November 13, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Leave it to Electronic Arts to find ways of making money. Recently, they've been doing grand things with new IPs, what with Mirror's Edge and Dead Space. But, even then, they're constantly thinking of the bottom dollar. Cross platform has been a buzz term recently, as a way of maximizing the profits of their newly crafted IPs. Which brings me to Dead Space. Dead Space is already, technically, a trilogy. Sure you have the game, but there's also a comic book detailing what happened on the mining colony where a mysterious artifact was found. Then there's Downfall, this animated movie that bridges the gap between the two stories.
Downfall begins with the discovery of The Marker, an artifact that the religious movement in Dead Space called Unitology, and its removal and transportation to the Ishimura. Very quickly things start to spiral out of control and, without getting into the details, the necromorphs that inhabited and destroyed the colony inadvertently end up on the Ishimura. From this moment on, it's up to head of security Alissa Vincent and her ragtag team of stereotypes to figure out what the hell is going on and...well, I guess it's not a spoiler to say they don't stop it since if they did, we wouldn't have Dead Space, the game.
Honestly, Downfall is about 90% action, 5% filler and 5% story which isn't a bad thing. It's actually a pretty entertaining romp, albeit a generic one that, like the game, steals a lot from other better films. One big problem I had, though, was that I was expecting a bit more connectivity between this and the game. I purposefully waited to watch the film for fear that it would ruin something from the game. Truthfully, though, there's not really much connection. The only link is that of Doctor Kyne and he, in fact, shares a scene in both the game and the movie. Unfortunately, it isn't the exact same scene, which completely ruins the continuity.
What I did enjoy is that, taken with both the game and the comic, it helps present a fuller picture of the events in the game. It's also pretty entertaining with some very nice animation and plenty of gore. People in Downfall are ripped to shreds, impaled, gored, disemboweled in ways I've never really seen on a film. It also looks pretty damn good on Blu Ray, with crisp colors and the dark blacks needed for atmosphere. Great clarity with not so much as a tear as the screen moves. Nicely done. So for those looking for an action-packed animated movie, Downfall is a good pick. Just don't expect too much.
 Wonderful prequel November 13, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I don't think guys like Adam Stapleton paint a real picture here. This movie gives a great backstory and explains motives and actions of all the main characters of the game, except for maybe Dr. Mercer. I enjoyed it a lot and recommend for buying if you really enjoyed the game.
 Decent bridge between the DLC animated comics and the game. November 10, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
For those of you who aren't aware, there's significant story arcs precluding the Dead Space game. They come in the form of animated comics released an "issue" at a time on both XBL and PSN. These are free downloads and even if you don't purchase Downfall, I strongly recommend downloading the comic series.
Downfall takes place in the space between the animated comics and the game. It's a decent story about how a seemingly routine "planet crack" goes awry when a "marker" is found on the planet being excavated. There's a nice story here but I don't think it's absolutely necessary to watch to fully enjoy the game. I feel that although the animation was well done and the gore was on par with the game, the story just wasn't creepy or deep enough to really make it a hit.
The creepiness in the animated comics was largely lost in the feature film. Don't get me wrong, it's no Disney movie, I just don't think it was quite on par with its predecessor. Unfortunately, it seemed like one of the major climax/action sequences exists only in the deleted scenes and even then it only exists as an animatic (meaning a series of uncolored rough sketches displayed in succession with audio tracks overlayed, for those unfamiliar with the term.)
Finally I wasn't really impressed with the quality of the blu-ray format. There's some extras in the BluRay live section that I imagine don't exist in DVD form, but I still don't think that the Blu-Ray version is worth the extra $5. The promised cheat codes exist as easter eggs within the movie. Not a big deal for me, but just wanted to give a heads up to those who expect a card with codes listed on it when they open their case.
Honestly, it's not a bad movie by any means. I just think they could've pushed the creepiness a little more as well as putting higher highs and lower lows in the story arc. If you're really psyched about the franchise it's worth getting (again, I'd grab the DVD version and save your five dollars.) If you're on the fence, you may want to rent or borrow it first. If you have no intention of playing the game and are just looking for a good horror anime, I would look elsewhere.
A decent animated prelude to a great video game November 7, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Dead Space: Downfall serves its purpose as being a decent animated prelude to EA's great space based survival horror video game, delivering the goods in terms of blood and gore. However, there's little else to be found than that here, and that may be absolutely fine with you. The story revolves around the uncovering of an ancient artifact, and the events that transpire afterwards that involve people going insane and murdering one another. Before you know it, there's mutated zombie beasts running amok, and no one is safe. What Dead Space: Downfall does manage to accomplish is explain some plot points from the video game, as well as set-up what to expect if you haven't played it yet. Other than provide ample amounts of bloody, gorey violence, the animation itself is pretty lackluster, and it doesn't look much better or sharper on Blu-Ray either. Things aren't really helped much thanks to some atrocious dialogue and a cliche script from the comic book writing tandem of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray (whose work has ranged from great to awful) that becomes hard to follow in the midst of all the violence. Still, Dead Space: Downfall has a great music score, some genuinely creppy moments, and decent voice talent that includes Bruce Boxleitner and Kelly Hu. All in all, Dead Space: Downfall serves as being a decent animated prelude to EA's great game, and for fans who have played it already or are looking to, this animated dirge is worth a look.
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