Still, given some of the terrible adaptations that I as a fan have had to stomach over the years, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this offering.
The series is an excellent reminder that what makes Mr. King's visions so fascinating is not their uniqueness or their artistry, but exactly how much they're like ordinary nightmares.
This four-part series adapted from Stephen King short stories starts off with a must-see performance by Oscar-winner William Hurt-the same kind of funny, ferocious, uninhibited turn that gave such a live-wire jolt to A History of Violence.
"Nightmares" will be embraced by fans of "Twilight Zone" and "Night Gallery," and those who enjoy bite-size versions of King more than the overwrought miniseries churned from his novels.
In a superlative cast, Isaacs stands out as the volatile brother. Brotherhood is a sumptuous meal in a summer when television is delivering meager snacks.