The Boogeyman Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Boogeyman," presented by 20th Century Studios and Disney/Buena Vista, showcases a commendable AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Despite the film's completion as a 4K digital intermediate, this Blu-ray upholds a respectable standard, capturing Eli Born's evocative cinematography which artfully plays with shadows and light. The film strategically uses fleeting monster glimpses, enhancing suspense through shadowy environments and creative framing, especially around doorways—a subtle nod to the film's closet motif. The color grading choices are noteworthy, with scenes doused in reds, blues, and greens, maintaining consistent detail levels apart from some of the very darkest material where details occasionally blur.

While viewers might speculate about the potential impact of a 4K HDR version, the 1080p Blu-ray does not disappoint. It maintains strong black levels critical for the film's eerie atmosphere, capturing the nuances of shadowy movements and subtle lighting shifts. Even in SDR format, the Blu-ray demonstrates that the medium can effectively support a visually engaging narrative. Details are robust throughout, with well-saturated colors that prioritize primary hues while preserving natural skin tones. The movie’s cool blue tint pervades, invoking an overcast ambiance even in sunlit scenes, with subtle green tints in interior shots adding to the atmospheric depth.

Although some might note a light overlay of artificial grain appearing as digital noise in places, softening the image slightly, the overall quality is enhanced by good fine detail that highlights textile textures and facial features. "The Boogeyman" Blu-ray stands as a capable candidate, reaffirming the format’s ability to deliver an engrossing visual experience even if it hints at the superior possibilities of a future 4K disc release.

The audio presentation of "The Boogeyman" on Blu-ray is anchored by a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which, while not matching the Atmos track's full immersion capabilities, still provides an engaging and creepy auditory experience. The track stands out with its use of surround channels to heighten suspense, delivering unexplained sounds that enhance the film's tense atmosphere as Sadie navigates a series of ominous encounters. The score by Patrick Jonsson imbues the film with a moody ambiance, effectively utilizing side and rear channels to bolster the tension. Dialogue remains crisp and clear, ensuring that important lines are never lost amidst the chaos.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix offers a substantial front soundstage with impressive stereo separation and active surrounds that draw the listener into the film’s soundscape. The track's LFE channel adds significant depth, enhancing both intense moments like explosions and subtler details such as the creature’s eerie breathing. Despite some preference for a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience due to its exploitation of height channels, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix maintains a strong presence. Optional English, French, and Spanish subtitles are provided, ensuring inclusivity for diverse audiences and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Boogeyman" are somewhat underwhelming, offering minimal insight into the film's production. The primary feature, "Into the Darkness," is a conventional Electronic Press Kit (EPK) that hints at significant script rewrites but fails to delve deeply into the creative process or challenges faced during development. Additionally, the disc includes a collection of outtakes, which, despite being moderately entertaining, do not provide substantial value or interest in terms of behind-the-scenes content. The inclusion of a digital copy ensures accessibility but does not compensate for the lack of comprehensive bonus material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Into the Darkness: A standard EPK that gives a brief behind-the-scenes look.
• Outtakes: A short compilation of gag reels.
• Digital Copy: Redeemable on Movies Anywhere and Disney Movie Insiders for rewards points.

"The Boogeyman," a 2023 adaptation of Stephen King's short story, offers a blend of atmospheric horror and emotional depth that is both engaging yet somewhat predictable. Directed by Rob Savage and expanded by screenwriters Mark Heyman, Bryan Woods, and Scott Beck, the film pivots from its original, concise narrative set in a therapist's office to follow the troubled Harper family. Main characters include therapist Will Harper (Chris Messina) and his daughters Sadie (Sophie Thatcher) and Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair), who are reeling from recent tragedy. This thematic expansion attempts to delve into how grief can manifest as unseen threats, a hallmark of King’s storytelling.

However, while the psychological underpinnings contribute to the narrative’s richness, much of the horror elements lean heavily on tried-and-true jump scares and familiar tropes, creating debate among critics about its place within King's long list of adaptations. The creature is undeniably unsettling, delivering effective frights in a first viewing – dim lights and heightened sound enhance its skin-crawling presence. Yet for seasoned horror aficionados or those on subsequent rewatches, the reliance on these methods rather than more inventive horror techniques may appear lackluster, potentially offering limited replay value.

While the film succeeds in crafting sympathetic characters with competent performances – particularly Thatcher's rising reputation as a modern scream queen adds credibility – it struggles to avoid narrative repetition and missed opportunities. Originally considered for a direct-to-streaming release before transferring to theaters, partly in response to test screenings, "The Boogeyman" stirs mixed reactions. It shines in parts thanks to its cast's earnest portrayal of grief, yet falls short of outstripping more memorable adaptations due to its formulaic horror execution. Despite this, it comfortably situates itself between average and exceptional entries in King’s cinematic repertoire, warranting at least one curious viewing for fans seeking a serviceable scare.

"The Boogeyman" Blu-ray offers a technically satisfying viewing experience, presenting a film that, while not groundbreaking in its narrative, effectively delivers chills. The movie is based on Stephen King’s 1973 short story, and although it diverges from the original, it creates a sufficiently creepy atmosphere with an unsettling monster at its core. The performances are commendable, providing a solid foundation for the horror elements, even if the plot occasionally wanes.

On the technical front, the A/V quality of this Blu-ray stands out within its format. Audio fidelity is consistent and immersive, though the absence of HDR and Atmos, which might have elevated the viewing experience further, is notable. Still, colors are vibrant and details sharp, establishing a visually engaging experience for viewers looking to enjoy a horror film during the spooky season. While it teases at what could be achieved in higher resolutions, this release maintains a high standard that King fans and horror enthusiasts alike will appreciate.

In conclusion, "The Boogeyman" may not redefine the horror genre or rank among the finest Stephen King adaptations, but it is a respectable execution of classic frightening tropes. The scares are familiar yet effective enough to warrant at least one viewing. It is particularly suited for die-hard King fans seeking to complete their collection. While its potential for multiple viewings might be restrained by its conventional approach, its technical merits make it a worthwhile exploration – certainly worth a look for those considering purchasing the Blu-ray.