My Bloody Valentine Blu-ray Review

Disc Size: 42.2 GB
Film Size: 19.5 GB/18.6 GB
Film Rating: Unrated/R

Region: FreeVideo

My Bloody Valentine comes to Blu-ray with two 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 video presentations. Both the extended and theatrical versions are included on this release, and both look quite stunning in high-definition.

If I had anything bad to say about the extended version is the deleted scenes that were put back into the film are definitely in need of a cleanup, you will go from a perfectly clean print to a speckle mess throughout the film. If you choose to watch the theatrical version, you will of course not have to see the uglier looking scenes.

Aside from the few deleted scenes put back into the film, the transfers are actually quite flawless. They are so much better than I had anticipated and far less grainy than I expected. Not to worry though, there always is grain present, although naturally it becomes much more clear in darker scenes.

Colors on this release are easily impressive, each so strong and vibrant and really leaping off the screen. Black levels were also surprisingly solid, particularly when compared to other recent Lionsgate horror releases.

Detail is quite amazing, and features an overall upgrade in clarity as well. The textures of clothing, hair, environments are all improved. I am happy to report that Lionsgate did a top notch job for the high-def release of the original My Bloody Valentine. It easily impresses and is truly an amazing looking horror catalog title. 9/10.

Audio

A 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is included for this release, though the mix is so front heavy to notice. I'm not surprised by the mix as the film has always been presented with monaural audio, it has limitations to say the least.

Despite the lack of surround use I thought dialogue was about as good as one could really demand from the film. Everything was usually quite clear and seperated, although at times the vocals did feel a bit limited.

I don't have too many complaints about the audio as we are provided with a lossless mix, I don't see how much could be improved about the mix, but I certainly was hoping for a better surround use at times that certainly called for it. Overall this is a solid mix that will certainly please fans of the film. 6.5/10.

Extras

Bloodlust: My Bloody Valentine and the Rise of the Slasher Film (20:37) (SD)
Director and crew interviews regarding My Bloody Valentine and how it stood out among slasher films during it's time. This is certainly a very informative release for anyone interested in how the film came to be and the issues that came with production.

Deleted Scenes (HD)
Includes optional director and crew introductions in standard definition. Ten deleted scenes are included and presented in high-definition.

Bloodlines: An Interactive Horror Film Story
See many definitions used in horror genre now and certain examples.

Theatrical Trailer (2:10) (HD)
From a dirty print, but nonetheless in high-definition.

Also From Lionsgate (1:06) (HD)
A montage of clips from many different Lionsgate horror releases on Blu-ray.

Bookmarks
A place where all your bookmarks from the film are placed, making it easy to return to where you left off in the film.

There are not too many extras, but what is included is entertaining. I definitely enjoyed the featurette regarding the impact of My Bloody Valentine as well as the deleted scenes. Lionsgate also included both versions of the film, which I consider a nice bonus. 6.5/10.

Blu-news Summary

My Bloody Valentine is an 80's horror classic, there's really no denying it. The film definitely compares to other horror favorites including Halloween, Friday The 13th, Nightmare On Elm Street and Black Christmas. While the film's plot isn't very unique, they did a great job with incorporating the holiday and making it scary.

The film's extended cut is certainly superior to me, there is a significant amount of gore that was cut from the theatrical release that adds quite a bit to the film. It's not a film to be taken seriously, it uses a plot that has been used over and over throughout the years, but it's the campy feel of the film that makes it stick out among the average horror flick.

If you have never seen the film I definitely think you will enjoy it, it's certainly a lot of fun to be had by all. By today's over the top kill standards, some scenes will definitely be cheesy, but I actually think some of the death scenes still hold up quite well.

The film is a fun and memorable horror classic, if you are a fan of the film you already know what to expect. If you are new to the film, definitely give it a chance before writing it off. 8.5/10.

The Blu-ray release is great, featuring a stunning high-def video presentation, decent audio, and a small but interesting set of features. The release is 'Highly Recommended' to fans of the film and 'Recommended' to those new to the film.

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Is Anybody There? Blu-ray Review

Disc Size: 21.2 GB
Film Size: 18.8 GB
Film Rating: PG-13
Region: A

Video

Is Anybody There? comes to Blu-ray with a 1080p VC-1 video presentation. The film has a rather murky subdued look to it, something that lends itself mostly to stylistic choices and time setting for the film. Colors for the film are very muted and the high-def release presents them nicely.

The film is actually fairly dark, with many lower lit scenes than a regular film. There were some scenes that were not appealing at all in high-definition, but I would definitely blame the actual source over the transfer in this situation. The transfer did not feature any technical issues during the presentation, and film grain is always present.

This release won't really impress most high-def fans, rather than please, but it's definitely more to do with the actual style of the movie. It's quite bland looking when compared to most films, but there is still upgrade in overall sharpness and detail to be had by this high-def effort. 7/10.

Audio

Magnolia Home Entertainment has included a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Like the film the audio mix is quite quiet but surround use is terrific. I have to admit, I was not expecting it to be very immersive at all.

Surround use definitely adds to the experience of the film, it may be light but it's still immersive. We get a sense of the home, the many people throughout the home and everything going on in the home.

Take a moment and turn down your music, television, etc and try to listen to another family member in the room next to you. Those little noises, some very random and some very distinct add to our environment. The mix also does this very well and we get a sense of a fairly active home with many people rather than bland lifeless scenes.

While the audio isn't exactly the type of demo material most would use for their friends, particularly since it's of a light and quiet nature, it's still very pleasing and much better than I expected considering the type of film that it is. 8.5/10.

Extras

Deleted Scenes (7:07) (SD)
Five deleted scenes are included and presented in standard definition.

Also From Magnolia Home Entertainment Blu-ray (7:13) (HD)
Includes trailers for:
The Answer Man
Food, Inc.
World's Greatest Dad
HDNet

Bookmarks
A place where all your bookmarks from the film are placed, making it easy to return to where you left off in the film.

BD-Live
Currently unavailable.

There are not many extras at all, with deleted scenes the only actual bonus feature I consider an actual extra. The trailers are nice for those who are interested in other Magnolia releases, but they also play prior to the menu. Bookmarks have become a pretty common and basic feature for Blu-ray releases, while BD-Live is unavailable at time of writing. 2/10.

Blu-news Summary

The film stars the fantastic Michael Caine and while I didn't love the movie I did enjoy it. The film is about a ten-year-old boy named Edward whose home also happens to be a retirement home run by his parents.

The poor kid lives quite the dull life, there's not too much excitement to come from this retirement home, but he does make a friend with a retired man named Clarence. The movie is mostly about their friendship, but also tries to add a bit more depth with a few more characters and issues on the side.

The film also involves issues with Edward's parents, with his mother and their struggles with the business and his father and his mid-life crisis. Other senior citizens in the home are also given very distinct personalities but ultimately add nothing to the film besides running time.

The film can get a bit cheesy and unrealistic at times, but I suppose it does add to it's charm. Not everything can be nor should be believable, just smile and accept it for what it is. The film has very sad moments as there is much struggle the characters face and have had to face, but ultimately the film is a pleasant experience. 7/10.

The Blu-ray release is about as good as it gets considering certain stylistic choices. Video is fairly average among high-def releases due to it's very strict palette and style. Audio is actually very surprising and immersive, while extras are disappointing.

Overall this release is 'Worth A Look,' although whether it be a purchase or a rental is ultimately up to you.

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