Let the Right One In

Tomas Alfredson's "Let The Right One In" has been masterfully brought to Blu-ray, presented in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, offering a 1080p transfer that showcases the film’s haunting ambiance and meticulous details with exceptional clarity. This British release by Momentum Pictures mirrors closely the quality seen in the U.S. version distributed by Magnolia Pictures, maintaining the film's deliberate and nuanced color scheme where blues, whites, and blacks dominate, reflecting the film's chilling narrative with their well-saturated yet starkly cold tones. The technical execution here ensures that the visual experience is immersive and faithful to Alfredson's vision, without the hindrance of edge-enhancement or the overuse of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), guaranteeing an organic, filmic texture throughout.

Noteworthy is the use of MPEG-4 AVC for encoding, differing from the U.S release's VC-1 encoding, yet both versions maintain a high standard with no significant discrepancies in terms of video quality. The British release excels in preserving the visual integrity of the film, free from common physical blemishes such as scratches, debris, stains, or flicks that could detract from the viewing experience. Furthermore, this Blu-ray disc impresses with its user accessibility, being a Region-Free release contrary to its back cover notation suggesting a Region-B restriction. This ensures compatibility across a broad range of Blu-ray players, including PS3 and standalone units, without the need for PAL format content before the main menu. This convergence of technical fidelity and user convenience underscores the care taken in delivering a sublime viewing experience for fans across the globe.

The audio presentation of "Let the Right One In" on its Blu-ray release has offered a mixed bag for audiophiles and fans of this evocative foreign-language film. The primary option here, the Swedish DTS 5.1 track, while competent, falls short of the auditory brilliance one might have hoped for, especially when compared to the more full-bodied Swedish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track available on the U.S. release. The nuances in surround sound activity, which could significantly enhance the atmospheric tension and emotional subtleties of the film, appear somewhat muted. The track maintains clarity in dialogue and basic sound design but lacks the depth and immersive quality that the film's audiovisual experience truly deserves.

Moreover, the addition of a Swedish Dolby Digital 5.1 track as a secondary option does little to amend these shortcomings. This alternative track suffers from a noticeable lack of dynamic range, presenting clear yet flatly executed dialogue and transitions between quiet moments and the sparse yet pivotal sound effects that punctuate the film's haunting narrative landscape. Although this track does not present any major technical flaws, it similarly fails to capture the eerie and intimate ambiance of the story’s darker themes.

Notably, the Blu-ray disc rectifies a previous omission by including the original theatrical subtitles, a boon for English-speaking audiences seeking an authentic viewing experience. These subtitles are well-integrated within the frame, enhancing accessibility without detracting from the cinematic visuals. Despite these thoughtful inclusions and corrections from earlier versions, including an update from Momentum Pictures addressing the UK release's audio issues, the current audio offerings on this disc leave room for improvement, particularly for those who prioritize high-fidelity sound that complements and elevates the visual storytelling of such a nuanced film.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "Let the Right One In" offers an essential collection for fans and cinema scholars alike, notably highlighted by an exclusive commentary featuring novelist and screenplay writer John Ajvide Lindqvist and director Tomas Alfredson. Their insights delve deep into the creative process, emphasizing the nuanced role of sound and silence, enriching the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes knowledge not available on the U.S. release. Complementing this intellectual feast are four deleted scenes in crystal-clear 1080p with optional English subtitles, offering a glimpse into what might have been. The inclusion of a picture gallery and a UK trailer (presented in 480/60i) add further value, though they cater more to completists. Altogether, these extras not only augment the film’s narrative but serve as a comprehensive resource for understanding its thematic depth and directorial vision.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Exclusive commentary by John Ajvide Lindqvist and Tomas Alfredson, in English.
• Picture Gallery: A collection of images related to the film.
• UK Trailer: The official UK trailer for the film.
• Four Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes with the option for English subtitles.

"Let The Right One In," a Swedish film from 2008 directed by Tomas Alfredson and based on John Ajvide Lindqvist's novel, presents a chilling yet tender narrative of a friendship between young Oscar and Eli, a vampire girl. The film's unique blend of horror, coming-of-age, and romance genres set against a snowy, suburban Stockholm backdrop is captured brilliantly on Blu-ray, showcasing its heavily atmospheric quality with superb clarity. The disc includes an exclusive commentary by Lindqvist and Alfredson, enriching the viewing experience by offering insights into the adaptation from page to screen. Additionally, the presence of the original theatrical English subtitles ensures that the nuance of dialogue and cultural context is not lost, enhancing its appeal to an international audience. This release by Momentum Pictures is region-free, broadening its accessibility.

The core of the film lies in the performances of Kare Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson as Oscar and Eli, respectively. Their portrayal is haunting yet convincing, drawing viewers into the complexities of their friendship amidst external adversities. The cinematography complements their performances by utilizing a desaturated color palette, which adds a gothic touch to the visual narrative, making even scenes of bloodshed appear almost poetic. While the Blu-ray disc offers a stark visual and auditory experience, it also implicitly comments on themes of loneliness, otherness, and the craving for connection, resonant with Sweden's societal context in the early '80s as hinted at by Alfredson in the additional Blu-ray content.

Technical aspects aside, "Let The Right One In" stands out for its subversion of typical vampire film conventions. It focuses less on horror and more on the emotional depth of its protagonists, supported by excellent scripting and a storyline that unfolds with genuine suspense and subtlety. The film's capacity to surprise and engage without resorting to clichéd narratives or cheap thrill tactics marks it as a significant departure from mainstream horror productions. This Blu-ray presentation not only preserves but enhances every aspect of this cinematic gem, making it an essential addition to the collection of enthusiasts seeking depth and originality in their horror viewing repertoire.

The UK release of "Let the Right One In" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag for enthusiasts of this Swedish horror masterpiece. While it finally includes the original theatrical English subtitles missing from Magnolia Pictures' initial U.S. release, thus preserving the nuanced storytelling that fans adore, it falls short in delivering the optimal audio experience. The absence of a lossless audio track is a notable drawback, potentially diminishing the film's atmospheric tension and intricate sound design that are crucial for full immersion into its eerie and haunting world.

On the upside, the UK edition offers an exclusive and compelling reason to consider its purchase despite the audio limitations: the special commentary by novelist and screenplay writer John Ajvide Lindqvist and director Tomas Alfredson. This feature is a significant addition, offering invaluable insights into the film's creation, themes, and the unique approach taken by Lindqvist and Alfredson in bringing this chilling tale to the screen. For fans and cinephiles fascinated by the storytelling and filmmaking process, this commentary elevates the Blu-ray's value, bridging some of the gap left by the technical shortcoming.

In conclusion, while the UK Blu-ray release of "Let the Right One In" may not fully satisfy audio purists, it compensates with rich content that deepens the appreciation of this film's craft. The inclusion of crucial original subtitles and the exclusive directorial commentary makes it a worthwhile consideration for fans, particularly those keen on understanding the deeper layers behind its creation. However, those prioritizing audio quality might find it beneficial to seek out the U.S. release or explore other alternatives capable of delivering a more robust auditory experience.