Daybreakers Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's Blu-ray presentation of "Daybreakers" offers a 1080p AVC MPEG-4 transfer, framed in the standard 2.40:1 aspect ratio, providing an immersive visual experience consistent with high-definition standards. While the fine object detail may not match the precision seen in top-tier HD productions, it stands well in the upper echelons, with a fine grain layer that maintains stability throughout. Notably, the film's stylistic choices shift between colder, monochromatic hues for the vampire-dominated sequences and warmer tones for scenes set in human hideouts. Such contrasts work effectively to delineate the drastic atmospheric and thematic dichotomies within the narrative.

The transfer handles black levels and contrast admirably, vital for a film steeped in nocturnal settings and shadows. Whether illustrating a vampire's explosive demise or the eerie emergence of a subsider, black levels maintain depth without faltering. Occasional softness and slight blurring during busier chase scenes can detract, possibly exacerbated by CGI elements. A thin sheen of grain and minimal digital noise add to the general ambiance without distracting from the viewing experience. Although sequences like those in the winery show minor fluctuations in digital noise, they do not significantly impact the visual quality.

Despite some areas having room for improvement, such as sporadic softness and less revealing textures, "Daybreakers" still delivers a proficient and atmospheric visual presentation. The meticulous handling of color palettes—from cold blues and grays to warmer sandstone and wood tones—ensures that viewers are consistently engaged. This Blu-ray release efficiently balances aesthetic richness and technical competence, making it a solid acquisition for genre enthusiasts and high-definition collectors alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Daybreakers" is top-tier, offering a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix that significantly enhances the viewing experience. From the rumble of Elvis' Firebird to the crackle of burning vampires, the track is rich and dynamic. Frequent use of surround channels creates a highly immersive environment, with sounds such as screeching bats and hissing stun darts enveloping the listener. Subtle nuances during quieter moments maintain tension while giving the ears a necessary reprieve. The LFE delivers impactful rumbles, notably from Trans Am engines and vampires engulfed in sunlight. Jump-scares are punctuated with sudden, startling booms, creating a satisfying auditory experience.

Christopher Gordon's score smoothly transitions to the rear channels, maintaining an even spread throughout the room. Despite the overall exceptional audio quality, there is a slight imbalance with whispers that register slightly softer than ideal. This occasionally forces viewers to strain to catch every word, although general conversational dialogue is cleanly delivered and well-balanced within the mix. The inclusion of an alternate French Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, along with optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles, rounds out an impressive audio offering. Overall, "Daybreakers" excels in delivering a highly engaging and dynamic soundscape that complements its visual elements effectively.

The extras of the "Daybreakers" Blu-ray provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the film's production, appealing to both casual viewers and budding filmmakers. The feature-length documentary, "The Making of Daybreakers," offers an in-depth exploration of the Spierig Brothers’ filmmaking process, from initial concepts to the Toronto Film Festival premiere. The inclusion of their short film "The Big Picture" adds another layer of entertainment, showcasing their storytelling prowess. The "Bonusview Storyboards/Animatics" deliver an insightful comparison between the initial ideas and the final product. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Poster Art Gallery, while tech-savvy users can benefit from the digital copy offered. The high-definition trailer and audio commentary track round out this compelling package, providing a well-rounded behind-the-scenes experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Daybreakers: Comprehensive documentary covering production stages.
• The Big Picture: Spierig Bros. Short Film: Entertaining short film by the directors.
• Bonusview Storyboards/Animatics: Comparisons between storyboards and final scenes.
• Poster Art Gallery: Display of seven theatrical posters.
• Digital Copy: Downloadable digital version compatible with Mac and PC.
• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer.
• Audio Commentary: Technical and engaging discussion with the directors and designer.

"Daybreakers" delivers a refreshing twist on the vampire genre, finally giving creatures of the night a unique socio-political dimension rarely explored in cinema. Set in 2019, post a mysterious epidemic that transforms 95% of the human population into vampires, the narrative presents a civilization on the brink of collapse due to the dwindling human blood supply. The central plot follows Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke), a hematologist tasked with creating a synthetic blood substitute to stave off this crisis. When Dalton encounters human rebels led by the enigmatic Elvis (Willem Dafoe), he discovers a potential cure for vampirism, shifting the storyline from survival to a quest for redemption.

While the premise is captivating and executed with a blend of horror and sci-fi noir reminiscent of "Dark City" and "The Matrix," "Daybreakers" suffers from uneven execution. The Spierig brothers, despite their creative vision, occasionally falter with sloppy edits and superficial character arcs. The visuals are commendable, courtesy of WETA's adept effects, but certain plot twists are prematurely revealed, reducing their impact. Gore enthusiasts will find satisfaction in some graphically intense scenes, although these sometimes appear as filler rather than integral components of the story.

Acting performances provide a mixed bag; Ethan Hawke's discomfort notably aligns with his character's internal conflict, yet he lacks the authoritative presence of a traditional action hero. Willem Dafoe's one-liner dispensing Elvis and Sam Neill's portrayal of corporate greed personified bring some levity and sinister charm to their roles. However, despite these enjoyable elements, "Daybreakers" doesn't quite reach the genre classic status it aims for. It's an ambitious attempt that breathes fresh life into vampire lore but remains slightly rough around the edges. The film's thematic depth on resource depletion and corporate machinations deserves applause, even if it ultimately falls short in its storytelling finesse.

The Blu Ray release of "Daybreakers" showcases a provocative take on vampire lore set within a dystopian future, delivering a stylistically rich horror experience. The Spierig brothers' directorial efforts introduce a compelling premise that explores a world dominated by vampires, creating room for both intense atmospheric moments and blood-soaked sequences. Though the film navigates through some plot inconsistencies, the smart direction combined with competent special effects maintains an engaging narrative thread through most of its 98-minute runtime.

Technically, the Blu Ray presentation excels with a high-quality video transfer that captures the film’s dark, moody aesthetics crisply. The rich blacks and deep colors enhance the viewing experience, particularly in scenes demanding visual clarity amidst shadowy settings. Moreover, the audio mix is superb, enveloping listeners in an immersive soundscape that intensifies the horror atmosphere. The Blu Ray disc also comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of extras, which include a detailed making-of documentary and additional HD-exclusive content, providing significant insights into production processes and directorial choices.

In the hands of a more experienced director with a higher budget, "Daybreakers" could have been a must-see addition to the expanding vampire genre. The premise is interesting, the special effects are competent, and who doesn't love a few tense moments with blood-sucking creatures of the night? Sadly, "Daybreakers" quickly lost credibility as the plot holes multiplied and eventually unraveled into a mundane ride with characters we care little about. The film remains an entertaining way to spend 98 minutes of your time, but it is unlikely that most genre fans will revisit this title in the near future. Nonetheless, the technical merits of its Blu Ray release warrant at least a rental for interested viewers.