Imaginary Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Imaginary," released by Lionsgate Films, is characterized by an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The source format, indicated as Arriraw, suggests the likely use of Alexa cameras. Visually, the film offers a modern digital aesthetic, leveraging the glossy look of digital capture. The first two acts are particularly well-lit, featuring outdoor shots that enhance the color palette's vividness and provide excellent fine detail levels. However, shadow detail begins to falter during the transition to darker settings, including basement scenes and the blue-toned journey through Never Ever in the third act.

On a more technical note, the Blu-ray’s overall visual execution can be disappointing and overly dark. Night scenes, otherworldly realms, and basement sequences are notably challenging to discern. Daytime scenes also appear dim and lack the vividness expected from HD transfers. The film's cinematography lacks inventiveness, with special effects appearing artificial and equally difficult to see due to insufficient lighting. Depth is notably compromised by pervasive darkness, which flattens the depth of field.

Color reproduction in "Imaginary" leans towards muted and dark tones. The overall color palette is subdued, contributing to a visually dull experience. Black levels are deep but often appear crushed, exacerbating visibility issues. Although flesh tones are nicely rendered when adequately lit, they too suffer from the overall darkness. On a positive note, the transfer avoids any noticeable noise or artifacts, maintaining a clean visual presentation despite its shortcomings in brightness and depth.

The Blu-ray of "Imaginary" presents an impressive Dolby Atmos track that stands out primarily in sudden startle effects and well-designed surround activity. Notably, the scene where Taylor's teenage boyfriend confronts a transformed Chauncey in an upstairs hallway showcases the dynamic range and clarity of the audio. The opening dream sequence and the Never Ever vignette, with its Inception-esque layers, are particularly immersive, creating a slightly disorienting but effective surround sound experience. Dialogue is consistently clean and clear across all scenes, enhancing the viewer’s engagement without distraction. Optional English, French, and Spanish subtitles further add to accessibility.

Technically, the audio format includes an English Dolby Atmos track and Spanish and French Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Subtitles are available in English SDH, English, Spanish, and French. The Dolby Atmos mix excels in providing depth and clarity while effectively utilizing environmental sounds to create a rich auditory backdrop. Height effects are well-executed with off-screen voices and ambient sounds, such as thunder in the Never Ever Realm, making frequent appearances. Low-frequency extensions deliver impactful bass during sound effects and jump scares, albeit not excessively frequent but sufficiently powerful when they occur.

The surround sound presentation maintains an active yet natural placement of ambient noises, especially in scenes set within the house that serves as a primary location. This balance ensures that the audio remains engaging without overwhelming the primary narrative elements. Dialogue is rendered with precise intelligibility and centered perfectly, ensuring that spoken words are never lost amidst the surrounding auditory activity. Consequently, "Imaginary's" audio presentation can be considered a key highlight of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "Imaginary" offer a solid, if compact, behind-the-scenes experience. Highlighted by an insightful audio commentary from Producer/Co-Writer/Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer/Actress DeWanda Wise, the extras delve into the making of the film effectively. The centerpiece is the multi-part documentary "Imaginary: Exploring the Never Ever," which totals 18 minutes and provides background information, candid footage, and engaging interviews. Despite being fragmented into several short featurettes (with a convenient Play All option), it successfully delivers an in-depth look at the film's production. Additionally, the physical and digital aspects of the bundle are well-rounded with a slipcover and included DVD and digital copies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Producer / Co-Writer / Director Jeff Wadlow and Executive Producer / Actress DeWanda Wise: Insightful discussion about making the film.
• Imaginary: Exploring the Never Ever: Multi-part documentary totaling 18 minutes, offering background info and interviews.

"Imaginary" is a genre-bending film that struggles to find its footing between horror and family drama. The narrative centers on Jessica (DeWanda Wise), a children's book author who moves back into her childhood home with her new family. Jessica is tormented by visions of an unhinged version of her father (Samuel Salary) and a sinister creation from her past, Simon the Spider. The discovery of an old stuffed bear named Chauncey by Jessica's stepdaughter Alice (Pyper Braun) sets off a series of eerie events that pull the family into a dark alternate universe, the Never Ever Realm. The film's structure is heavily reliant on exposition, which unfortunately dilutes the tension and fails to maintain a consistent scare factor.

The performances range from passable to noteworthy, with young Pyper Braun standing out in her dual role as both victim and potential antagonist. However, the film is marred by a ham-fisted execution and an overly dark visual style that confounds rather than intrigues. Betty Buckley delivers a particularly memorable performance as Gloria, the cryptic neighbor with a mysterious history connected to Chauncey, evoking her iconic roles from "Carrie" and its musical adaptation. Despite these flashes of talent, DeWanda Wise's portrayal of Jessica falls flat, lacking the emotional depth needed for her character's journey.

Technically, "Imaginary" sinks under the weight of its own ambitions. The darkly lit scenes border on incoherence, making it difficult for viewers to follow key plot points visually. Coupled with a derivative storyline that borrows heavily from previous films like "Child's Play" and "Labyrinth," "Imaginary" culminates in a lackluster climax that feels both uninspired and unfinished. The film's production values do not justify its shortcomings, leaving audiences squinting more at the screen than sitting on the edge of their seats. This ambitious yet muddled attempt ultimately leaves much to be desired.

The Blu-ray release of Imaginary presents a mixed bag that hinges heavily on its intended audience. Geared towards a tween demographic, the film delivers some heartwarming moments and decent performances, which might appeal to its target group. However, for a more mature audience, the plot is likely to feel derivative and less engaging. The narrative’s reliance on familiar tropes diminishes its overall impact, making it somewhat predictable for seasoned viewers.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray offers a solid audiovisual experience. The visual presentation is clean, showcasing detailed imagery and vibrant colors that enhance the film's fantastical elements. Audio quality is equally commendable, providing a balanced soundstage that complements the on-screen action well. Special features included in this release are both informative and entertaining, providing valuable insights into the film's production and creative process.

Probably like many of you, I reportedly had an imaginary friend of my own when I was very little, albeit evidently a human boy named Jerry, whom according to my mother I would always blame when I was getting in trouble for something. In that regard, another Jeff, namely the main creative force behind this entry, may want to consider blaming his own Jerry for some of this slightly wobbly feeling film. There are some passing startle scares here, and some admittedly fun performances, but the ultimate plot feels derivative. Technical merits are solid and the supplements enjoyable for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.