Ever since Andy Muschietti’s first It film was released into cinemas, there has been something of a Stephen King renaissance. In the wake of the record-breaking film, we’ve had television series Castle Rock as well as a remake of Pet Sematary, with sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep, on its way at the end of the month. It has also given studios the opportunity to delve through the treasure trove of existing Stephen King properties, which means that you can finally buy The Stand on Blu-ray.
The story unfolds as a deadly flu-like virus is accidentally unleashed. The outbreak starts on a military base and would have remained there were it not for one of the soldiers escaping with his wife and child in tow. The family is already infected and they unknowingly set off a chain of events that wipes out around 99% of the population. Those that remain, the immune ones, slowly come together, forming two opposing groups. One group is welcomed by the friendly Mother Abigail, whilst the other is seduced by the enigmatic Randall Flagg. The two factions find themselves at war with one another, and a showdown between darkness and light ensues.
The Stand is one of King’s most well-known works, one that is currently being turned into another TV series. Based on a rather lengthy book, this adaptation couldn’t fit into the standard film format and instead was worked into a 4 part mini-series. Each episode clocked in at around ninety minutes, making the full run-time six hours. Starring Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, Molly Ringwald and Rob Lowe amongst others, The Stand was an early example of movie stars making the shift to television. It helps that the scope of the series is pretty cinematic and, for the most part, you forget that it’s technically a television show. Granted, watching it back today shows that it has become rather dated, every frame screaming the nineties, but for its time it was a very ambitious project. The upgrade to Blu-ray can’t help with the outdated feel, but we can guarantee that this is the sharpest picture version that you will have seen.
Narrative wise, The Stand is a slow-paced piece, King spending a lot of time on his characters so that by the time of the big showdown, we are invested in them. At times this causes portions of the six-hour total run time to drag. Although necessary to the novel, on-screen, several of these moments don’t really add much and could easily be chopped. It would also benefit from some more scenes with Randall Flagg. The scenes with Flagg as he seduces Nadine, Trashcan Man, and Lloyd, are some of the best. Furthermore, exchanges between Nadine and Flagg, in particular, have haunted me ever since catching the show as a child.
Given that it was written by King, the story, of course, features several key themes present in most of his work. The biggest of these is, of course, the struggle between good and evil, particularly exploring the seduction of good people by evil. The show falters, as a lot of King’s works so, with the ending. It’s not quite the epic climactic showdown that it should be, and things are too easily wrapped up in a bow.
The Stand has always been a favourite King story of mine and it’s about time that it got a Blu-ray upgrade. In addition to the clearer sound and superior picture quality, The Stand offers a welcome slice of nostalgia. Given its age, it also makes for a great game of spot the star. In addition to those already mentioned, the show features a pre-Saw Shawnee Smith, the brilliant late Miguel Ferrer, a small cameo from Kathy Bates, a vocal cameo from Jeff Goldblum, and of course an appearance from Stephen King himself. A dated but entertaining tale now is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with the ultimate end of the world story.
The Stand is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.
