The Id Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Id" presents a 2.35:1 1080p transfer, designed to retain the film's intended 70s exploitation ambiance. The transfer effectively mirrors the aesthetic vision of Hutson, embracing a gritty and washed-out look with pallid skin tones and occasional splashes of vibrant beige and red hues. Unfortunately, the technical aspects of the video presentation fall short. The encoding bitrate is notably low, averaging only 13,479 kbps, resulting in visible compression artifacts and a general loss of fine details. An instance of this can be observed in long shots where aliasing and shimmer are perceptible (particularly during camera pans and movements). Additionally, split screens and intentional overexposed light effects in flashbacks reinforce its vintage visual style but may detract from modern viewing experiences.

While the film's nostalgic aesthetic might justifiably employ certain filters and image degradation, there are noticeable fluctuations in fine detail stability. Close-ups can alternately showcase fine facial features or appear waxy and overly smooth. There seems to be a layer of edge enhancement contributing to banding and shimmer in moving objects. Black levels are underwhelming, lacking depth and consistent contrast, which detracts from the overall visual richness. Authoring inefficiencies amplify these issues, causing the experience to sometimes feel substandard despite adhering to the intended visual design. This presentation certainly evokes the chosen style but may frustrate viewers expecting the pristine quality typical of modern high-definition formats.

The audio presentation of "The Id" on Blu Ray provides two distinct sound options: a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 mix (encoded at 448 kbps) and an LPCM 2.0 stereo track. While the LPCM track offers a slightly higher bitrate of 1536 kbps, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track is the more dynamic and balanced of the two. Throughout various scenes, the 5.1 mix demonstrates superior separation and range, making it the preferred choice for a more immersive experience. The surround channels are effectively utilized, with ambient noises and specific dialogue prominently rendered, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The audio commentary, oddly prioritized with a 24-bit LPCM track at 2304 kbps, contrasts with the movie's main LPCM track that is limited to a 16-bit depth.

Listening comparisons highlight noticeable differences between the tracks. The LPCM 2.0 often directs sounds to opposite channels compared to the 5.1 mix, potentially disorienting the listener. For instance, certain dialogue and sound effects switch channels, complicating consistency and adversely affecting the viewing experience. Moreover, the LPCM track feels less dynamic and flatter in comparison, while the 5.1 mix provides a fuller soundscape, particularly evident in intense scenes that make effective use of all speakers.

Both audio options ensure clarity of dialogue, although subtitles are conspicuously absent. Composer Sean Schafer Hennessy's score, while generally well-reproduced, occasionally feels saccharine against the film's darker elements, especially during the main credits. Sitting centrally ideally enhances the Dolby Digital 5.1 experience, which successfully delivers a spatially cohesive auditory sensation.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Id" provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes experience that will delight fans. The feature-length commentary with Director Thommy Hutson and Actress Amanda Wyss is informative, focusing on character development and production nuances, though Hutson carries most of the discussion. The "Needs, Wants & Desires" making-of featurette offers engaging interviews with key cast and crew members, delivering valuable insights without veering into repetitive territory. The "Behind the Scenes" footage and audition clips present raw glimpses into the production process, while the deleted scenes offer an intriguing peek at what was left on the cutting room floor. Supplementary materials such as a photo gallery and trailers round out the robust selection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature-length Commentary with Director/Producer Thommy Hutson and Actress Amanda Wyss: In-depth commentary focusing on character interpretation and production.
• Needs, Wants & Desires: Making-of featurette with extensive cast and crew interviews.
• Behind the Scenes of 'The Id': B-roll footage from the film's set.
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: Collection of scenes presented with explanatory notes.
• Audition Footage: Script-reading sessions featuring key actors.
• Photo Gallery: Montage of high-resolution set photographs.
• Original Trailer: Theatrical trailer optimized for 16x9 playback.
• Previews: Trailers for related horror documentaries.

"The Id," directed by Thommy Hutson and written by Sean H. Stewart, attempts to invigorate the modern horror thriller genre with a gripping chamber drama. The film centers around Meridith Lane (Amanda Wyss), a repressed middle-aged woman ensnared by her demanding, ailing father (Patrick Peduto) in their suburban California home. Meridith's subjugation to her father's stringent rules and emotional manipulation has stymied her individuality and growth, keeping her trapped in a perpetual adolescence. The story gains momentum when Meridith's old high school prom date, Ted (Malcolm Matthews), unexpectedly re-enters her life, sparking hopes for liberation. However, conflict escalates as her father resolutely opposes her newfound assertiveness.

Hutson and Stewart commendably craft a first half that meticulously sets up the eerie dynamic between father and daughter, reminiscent of "Throw Momma from the Train" but with reversed gender roles and shades of psychological horror akin to "Carrie." Patrick Peduto's performance echoes the sinister charisma of iconic figures like Dennis Hopper. Additionally, parallels to "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare" enhance the thematic resonance of Meridith's torment. Yet, despite these strong elements, the film struggles in its latter half. The narrative blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality through repetitive hallucination sequences that ultimately dilute the built-up tension. This confusion detracts from an otherwise compelling premise.

"The Id" is bolstered by strong performances from both Wyss and Peduto. Peduto excels as the domineering father, delivering a chilling portrayal that seethes with latent menace despite his physical incapacitation. Wyss effectively portrays Meridith as a tragic yet sympathetic figure yearning for freedom. However, the screenplay falters by not providing Meridith with sufficient agency or relatable goals, leaving the character's development somewhat stunted. While the film's conclusion feels fittingly dreamlike, it lacks the ambiguity that could have elevated its impact. In sum, "The Id" showcases promising talent and a compelling concept but misses the mark in achieving its full potential due to overindulgence in genre conventions and unresolved narrative limitations.

"The Id" on Blu-ray offers a unique take on the psychological horror genre, delivering a narrative that balances big ideas with tight, character-driven storytelling. The film excels in its early acts, building substantial momentum through well-crafted suspense and strong performances. However, it falters slightly towards the end, leaving some plot threads feeling underdeveloped. Despite these shortcomings, the film remains engaging and thought-provoking, particularly for fans who appreciate a more cerebral approach to horror.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray edition is somewhat mixed. The video transfer is deliberately unimpressive, which may align with the film’s aesthetic but could be a letdown for those expecting high-definition clarity. The audio track, on the other hand, is solid, effectively capturing the film’s eerie atmosphere and enhancing the viewing experience. The release is complemented by an array of extra features that delve deeper into the making of the film, offering valuable insights for aficionados and industry professionals alike.

In conclusion, while "The Id" may not fully realize its ambitious goals, it remains a worthwhile addition to the indie horror catalog. It's best approached as a rental initially, especially for fans of think-piece horror, with a potential upgrade to ownership if the film resonates. The Blu-ray’s technical aspects don't outshine its content, but together they offer a reasonably satisfying package.