When philosophizing about it somewhat deeper, this "Johnny-come-lately" 90s entry in the "Twilight Zone" franchise actually fits neatly into the legendary TV-series' overall mystical universe...
Bear with me; - practically 20 years after the death of mastermind creator Rod Serling in 1975, and following two reasonably successful attempts during the 80s to revive the format with a long-feature movie and a series, there suddenly came a "lost classics" film with two previously unedited tales written and invented by Serling himself. As if the imaginative genius sent a parcel from the sixties into the future, to be delivered from beyond the tomb and via ... the Twilight Zone.
Okay, all geeky fan-boy gibberish aside, the "Lost Classics" TV-movie is good entertainment for admirers of the original show, as well as for fans of mysterious Sci-Fi/fantasy in general. Two versatile tales are presented, both beneficing from solid acting performances and an uncanny atmosphere. The first one admittedly feels like rather formulaic, with Amy Irving receiving ominous premonitions of her own unfortunate future via a cinema screen. The segment won't hold many surprises in store in case you are familiar with the original TZ stories from the sixties, but it's fun to watch nevertheless. The second tale is pure gold; - a period piece with mad doctors conducting grisly experiments on remote islands, nasty immortal fishermen, a ghoulish ambiance, slowly mounting tension, a terrific twist ending, and ... the almighty Jack Palance. "Where the Dead Are" echoes the legendary tales of "Frankenstein" and "The Island of Dr. Moreau", but it's intelligent and sinister enough to stand on its own as a terrific and memorable creep story.
