The Hole Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Hole" offers a mixed video experience, balancing technical strengths and notable weaknesses. Cinematographer Theo van de Sande employs lighting that evolves from simplicity and realism to more intricate, surreal compositions as the narrative progresses. Presented in 1080p and AVC-encoded, the Blu-ray generally provides a sharp and clean image with well-saturated colors and accurate flesh tones. The digital production ensures a lack of traditional film-to-digital transfer artifacts, and the BD-25 format comfortably accommodates the film without compression issues.

However, the transfer's quality fluctuates. The 2D presentation from a digital source sometimes appears sterile and more akin to television visuals than theatrical quality. Image noise is particularly problematic in poorly-lit scenes, leading to a recurring issue with contrast that can be either too bright or overly muted, resulting in visible posterization and occasional white blowouts. Black levels are inconsistent, with some scenes suffering from crush and an overall murky dark gray appearance. Despite these drawbacks, the color palette is vibrant with vivid primaries and healthy flesh tones, and most scenes exhibit good detail and definition, though some softness and blur are evident. Ultimately, while "The Hole" does present some high-quality visuals, the numerous video artifacts detract from an otherwise promising presentation.

The audio presentation of "The Hole" on Blu-ray offers a captivating DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that truly enhances the film's atmosphere. The sound design skillfully utilizes the surround channels to place ambient noises and scene-specific effects around the viewer, generating a thoroughly immersive experience. The Thompsons' basement proves particularly effective for these sound effects, with noises of mysterious presences and sudden object displacements enveloping from all sides. This is complemented by other scenes, including an underwater segment at a swimming pool, which benefit from a meticulously balanced channel deployment. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible throughout, even in instances where characters mumble, ensuring that no crucial storyline details are missed.

The soundtrack by Javier Navarrete, known for his work on "Pan's Labyrinth," integrates seamlessly with the film's effects and action, offering a harmonious balance across the audio spectrum. Discrete sound effects, such as footsteps and breaking glass, transition fluidly from one channel to another, demonstrating excellent panning and directional accuracy. Outdoor atmospherics further enrich the soundfield, lending additional depth to the listening experience. The front channels present a wide soundstage with an extensive mid-range and well-prioritized vocals. Additionally, the low bass elements are notably responsive and powerful, contributing significantly to the overall spooky ambiance of the film. This lossless audio track delivers an exhilarating and engaging auditory experience, appropriately fitting for this family-friendly horror movie.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Hole" provide a concise, engaging look behind the scenes but lack the depth some might hope for. Interviews with key cast and crew dominate most features, providing insights into character portrayals and thematic elements, although often interspersed heavily with movie clips. "The Keyholder" sheds light on Bruce Dern’s character through input from David Lancaster and other key figures, though missing Dern's own perspective. The "Relationships" segment touches on family dynamics within the storyline. The "Making of The Hole" featurette serves as a standard promotional piece, offering interviews with a broad spectrum of the team from actors to special effects experts. "A Peek Inside The Hole" delves into the technical side, focusing on effects and 3D filming challenges. Lastly, the "Still Gallery" presents production photos set to music, providing a visual treat albeit brief.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Keyholder (Keeper of The Hole): Discussion about Bruce Dern’s portrayal of Creepy Carl.
• Relationships (Family Matters): Insights into the family themes in the film.
• Making of The Hole: Standard promotional piece with extensive behind-the-scenes footage.
• A Peek Inside The Hole: Focus on special effects and 3D filming challenges.
• Still Gallery: Production photos set to music.

Joe Dante's "The Hole" stands out as a superior and entertaining horror film, despite its reliance on familiar tropes from the genre. Originally filmed in 3D and showcased at the 2010 New York Film Festival, the movie didn't hit U.S. theaters until years later, lacking a 3D Blu-ray release due to market constraints. Nevertheless, Dante's adept direction ensures that the film remains engaging even in 2D. The narrative, penned by Mark L. Smith, follows the Thompson family, who move into a suburban home only to discover a bottomless hole in their basement. This premise sets off a chain of supernatural events that are part eerie and part psychological.

The story centers on two brothers, Dane (Chris Massoglia) and Lucas (Nathan Gamble), whose relationship is tested and strengthened by the mysterious hole. The film is further enriched by the presence of Julie (Haley Bennett), their neighbor who contributes significantly to unraveling the mystery of the house's previous inhabitant, Crazy Carl (Bruce Dern). While "The Hole" borrows heavily from iconic horror films like "Poltergeist," "The Shining," and Japanese horror staples, Dante's execution keeps it lively and engaging.

One of the film's strengths is its blend of horror with a touch of humor, characteristic of Dante's style. This provides a balanced tone that makes it accessible for families while retaining enough tension and scare for horror aficionados. The tension is heightened through well-crafted sequences involving physical and psychological scares that force the characters to confront their deepest fears. Despite some derivative elements and a few underdeveloped story arcs, such as Julie's sudden backstory revelation, "The Hole" manages to offer a fresh, entertaining experience that holds up remarkably well on Blu-ray. This film is a worthwhile addition for any horror fan's collection and begs for repeat viewing in both solo and family settings.

Joe Dante's "The Hole" marks a welcomed return in the director's extensive filmography, providing a blend of lighthearted horror that is both fun and engaging for the entire family. The storyline, while touching on familiar genre tropes, showcases Dante's innate talent and craftsmanship. However, it's undeniable that this film doesn't quite reach the high points of his earlier works such as "Gremlins" or "Innerspace". Nevertheless, "The Hole" still offers a decent scare and plenty of entertainment value.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hole" presents a mixed bag in terms of technical aspects. The video quality, unfortunately, is inconsistent, grappling with issues that detract from an otherwise vivid presentation. In stark contrast, the audio is exceptional, delivering clear and immersive soundscapes that truly enhance the viewing experience. Despite the compromised visuals, the strength of the film's soundtrack ensures that viewers remain engaged. Additionally, the supplements provided are rather cursory and do not offer much in the way of in-depth content.

The arrival of a new film by Joe Dante is cause for celebration, and "The Hole" is an enjoyable viewing experience. Still, this is lesser Dante in comparison to either Gremlins film, Innerspace, or Matinee. One can still feel the talent beneath the genre clichés, and one can only hope that "The Hole" will serve as a calling card to get this first-rate director back where he belongs, helming a big-budget production for a major studio. Recommended for at least a rental; see it in 3D if you can.