The Dead Ones Blu-ray Review

Artsploitation Films’ Blu-ray release of "The Dead Ones" presents the movie with an MPEG-4 AVC encode on a BD-25 disc, maintaining its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The film was shot using RED digital cinema cameras back in 2009, resulting in an image that doesn't compare with more current HD camera productions in sharpness and clarity. Primary hues like orange, teal, and blood red dominate the color palette, contributing to the movie's moody and surreal visual aesthetic. However, the colors remain slightly muted, and black levels are generally deep although shadow details appear somewhat lacking in multi-plane and background compositions. Brightness varies notably, particularly in school scenes shot in daylight, giving these flashback sequences a more vivid appearance.

The 1080P resolution does a commendable job capturing the dimly-lit interiors of Arcadia High School, though the overall sharpness is reasonable rather than striking. The dark aesthetic offers decent contrast, enabling serviceable black levels and satisfactory shadow delineation. While the imagery can occasionally look a bit soft, the Blu-ray transfer has been capably executed, with a mean video bitrate of 29691 kbps. Compression artifacts are not an issue despite the lower bitrates typically associated with BD-25 discs. In sum, although "The Dead Ones" may not reach searing videophile standards, it provides indie film enthusiasts with a visually acceptable experience that aligns well with the film's atmospheric intent.

"The Dead Ones" Blu-ray comes equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround soundtrack and a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo downmix. The primary 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, encoded at 3832 kbps and 24-bit, showcases discernible but understated dialogue. The surround channels offer good separation, particularly noticeable during sequences of gunfire and scenes showcasing makeup effects. The score by Sean Murray enhances the film's surrealistic undertones, adding a layer of atmospheric depth to the overall auditory experience.

The sound design, while realistic, does occasionally betray the production's indie roots, with the low-end dynamics being decent yet lacking significant punch. Serious action is predominantly rendered through the front soundstage, enriching the scenes with a forward-focused auditory impact. Music is presented with commendable depth and separation, contributing positively to the immersive experience. For accessibility, optional English SDH subtitles are provided in a yellow font, and Spanish subtitles are also available. Additionally, a secondary stereo soundtrack is provided in 2.0 Dolby Digital.

In summary, the audio presentation of "The Dead Ones" on Blu-ray is proficiently implemented, balancing the need for clear dialogue and immersive soundscapes with the limitations inherent to its indie production background.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "The Dead Ones" offer substantial insight into the film’s production, enhancing the viewer's experience through detailed commentary and behind-the-scenes content. Notably, the Audio Commentary with Director Jeremy Kasten, Editor Maxx Gillman, and Executive Producer Niels Harboe provides a thorough examination of the technical aspects of filmmaking, delivering more engagement than the film itself. A second Audio Commentary featuring Kasten with key cast members offers nostalgic reflections, though it tends to be less focused. Complementing these are featurettes like Jax Smith on Working with Elvis Jones and the Special Effects, giving a fresh perspective from a production intern, and a Set Tour with Production Designer Jeffery Pratt Gordon, showcasing the creative transformation of an abandoned school into the film's primary set. Additionally, a series of Artsploitation Films Trailers rounds out this rich array of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Jeremy Kasten, Editor Maxx Gillman, and Executive Producer Niels Harboe: Insightful technical discussion on making an indie horror film.
• Audio Commentary with Kasten and Cast: Reflective memories from the cast about their experiences.
• Jax Smith on Working with Elvis Jones and the Special Effects: Intern details her work and experiences with special effects.
• Set Tour with Production Designer Jeffery Pratt Gordon: Behind-the-scenes look at set transformation.
• Artsploitation Films Trailers: Promotional trailers for The Dead Ones and other related films.

Jeremy Kasten's "The Dead Ones" presents a harrowing dive into the aftermath of a school shooting, intricately blending a story of tormented youth with elements of supernatural horror. Filmed in 2008-2009, the release was delayed due to the sensitivity of its subject matter. The 73-minute final cut, approved by Kasten and released by Artsploitation Films, sets a dark tone from its unsettling opening moments featuring the YouTube video "Locker Room Dungeon Boy." Headmistress Ms. Persephone (Clare Kramer) drives four troubled teens to Arcadia High School for summer detention, paralleling The Breakfast Club scenario but with brutally grim undertones. They are forced to clean up a chaotic mess under dim, flickering lights, heightening the film's nightmarish and claustrophobic atmosphere.

Production details lend a keen sense of realism and foreboding to the narrative. The abandoned West Baltimore school location, constructed in 1923, serves as both an eerie backdrop and a significant part of the film’s visual identity. Editor Maxx Gillman employs masterful parallel editing, cutting between the teens’ nighttime activities and flashbacks of the school shooting. This non-linear structure attempts to add depth but at times creates confusion. The present-day scenes are interspersed with moments depicting masked assailants dressed as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, setting up the film’s thematic exploration of vengeance and trauma.

While Kasten's direction and Jeffery Pratt Gordon's production design bring visceral terror to life, the characters' backstories remain underdeveloped. The screenplay by Zach Chassler delves into themes of homophobia and bigotry but falls short in granting the characters meaningful depth or development. Performances by Sarah Rose Harper, Brandon Thane Wilson, Katie Foster, and Torey Garza elevate the material, presenting a raw portrayal of disenchanted youth. Despite the film's messy narrative structure and occasionally perplexing sequences, it stands out for its intense horror scenes and haunting visual style, appealing strongly to fans of graphic, psychological horror.

"The Dead Ones" presents a fascinating but ultimately flawed entry into the indie horror genre. With themes that aim to dive deep into post-Columbine terror, the film attempts to balance horror and psychological elements, but struggles with character development. The narrative feels reminiscent of Bryan Bertino's "The Strangers," yet lacks the same level of emotional engagement and tension. This Blu-ray release from Artsploitation Films offers a solid visual experience with an above-average transfer and very good sound quality, providing an immersive viewing experience on a technical level.

From a production standpoint, "The Dead Ones" showcases impressive special effects that effectively contribute to its eerie atmosphere. However, the screenplay leaves much to be desired, often coming off as muddled and inconsistent. Despite these flaws, the Blu-ray disc comes packed with extras, including two insightful commentary tracks and a pair of engaging featurettes that add value for hardcore fans and collectors. For those intrigued by thematic exploration similar to this film, Christophe Gans's "Silent Hill" and Gus Van Sant’s "Elephant" are strong alternatives that offer more cohesive storytelling and character arcs.

In conclusion, "The Dead Ones" took over a decade to reach audiences and while it succeeds in certain areas like special effects and technical presentation, it falters significantly in character development and screenplay coherence. If Artsploitation Films intends to continue releasing titles in this vein, they would benefit from focusing on more robust narratives like Kim Ki-duk's "One on One." While the Blu-ray boasts quality production values, it is best recommended as a rental before considering a purchase, particularly for avid horror enthusiasts seeking content beyond the mainstream.