Mirrors Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Mirrors" in its original theatrical ratio of 2.40:1 at 1080p, using the AVC/MPEG-4 codec, showcases a certain technical prowess expected of modern high-definition transfers, yet it harbors inconsistencies that may detract from its overall appeal. The video quality excels in capturing fine details such as textures on walls, skin and hair, and the legibility of text, enhancing the film's atmosphere and sense of depth, especially within the dark, moody interiors of The Mayflower building. Color reproduction in brighter scenes is commendable, with bold reds, lush greens, and crisp whites. However, the presentation struggles with maintaining consistent black levels and shadow details across various scenes. Despite the generally strong contrast and absence of digital noise reduction artifacts, some sequences display noticeable grain and haziness, occasionally undermining the sharpness and clarity expected of a Blu-ray release.

Throughout both darker and lighter sequences, "Mirrors" exhibits commendable depth and delineation. Shadowy scenes within the burned-out department store are conveyed with appreciable depth, though black levels can be slightly inconsistent. Brighter scenes, on the other hand, are vibrant and detailed, with natural color rendering that avoids appearing muted or flat. The presence of grain varies, more pronounced in certain scenes but not to the extent of being distracting. It is worth noting that in some brighter scenes, there is subtle but not overly problematic edge enhancement.

The release has sparked differing opinions regarding its visual presentation. While some praise has been directed towards its detail and color accuracy in various lighting conditions, criticism has been leveled at the inconsistencies in black levels, grain management, and an occasional lack of visual pop in scenes that demand it. Encoding is generally faultless, without signs of detrimental digital noise reduction or compression artifacts. This varied reception highlights a transfer that excels in technical areas but falls short of delivering a consistently polished viewing experience across all aspects.

Fox's release of "Mirrors" on Blu Ray is armed with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that shines in delivering a dynamic and clear audio experience, albeit with room for improvement in creating a more consistent atmosphere. The dialogue, while not the focal point of horror films, is delivered with crispness, ensuring that every word is intelligible and well-placed within the center and side channels, thus maintaining clarity even amidst the film's more sonically crowded moments. The low-frequency effects (LFE) channel is expertly utilized to add a sense of foreboding, enriching the soundscape with deep, ominous bass that complements but never overshadows the detailed and atmospheric score. Surround channels actively immerse the viewer in environmental sounds such as rain, thunder, and fire, though their use in providing a consistent ambient experience could be enhanced to further envelop the audience in the film's eerie setting.

The soundtrack's marriage with on-screen events is masterfully orchestrated, leveraging both bold dynamics and deep bass extensions to amplify the viewing experience. High-definition audio ensures that each element, from the subtlest whisper to the loudest shriek, is captured with utmost clarity and precision. Atmospheric sound effects and directional cues are plentiful, generating an immersive 360-degree sonic field that brings the film's suspenseful and frightening moments to life. The use of realistic sound reproduction techniques elevates the presence of off-camera noises, drawing the viewer deeper into the film's haunting world.

Despite minor critiques regarding its reliance on audio gimmicks for jump scares, this audio mix showcases an impressively immersive and dimensional experience. The broad dynamic range and directional sound design create a vivid audio landscape, from the nuanced texture of voices to the impactful rumble of LFE during climactic scenes. While not achieving absolute reference quality by audiophile standards, the mix offers a compelling auditory experience that will satisfy most movie fans and validate the technology's potential to enhance cinematic storytelling through sound.

The Blu-ray extras for "Mirrors" offer a mixed bag in terms of resolution and content depth, predominantly leaning towards standard definition, which may dampen the enthusiasm of HD purists. Noteworthy is the BonusView feature, exclusive to the theatrical version, presenting a picture-in-picture commentary by Alexandre Aja and Gregory Levasseur that enriches the viewing experience with insightful behind-the-scenes details. However, this feature's absence in the unrated edition is a curious oversight. The extras cover a range of aspects from detailed background on key sequences and character backstories, like the Anna Esseker Hospital Footage, to the broader making-of discussions in "Reflections: The Making of Mirrors." The animated storyboard sequence stands out as a brief dip into high-definition content. While the deleted scenes offer an intriguing glimpse into what might have been, they, along with the featurettes, maintain a fairly standard execution without offering any groundbreaking insights or technical showcases. Overall, the extras provide a satisfactory if not spectacular complement to the main feature for fans and those interested in filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

BonusView Commentary with Alexandre Aja and Writer / Producer Gregory Levasseur: Picture-in-picture commentary available only on the theatrical version.

Anna Esseker Hospital Footage: Short footage simulating Anna Esseker's hospital stay.

Reflections: The Making of Mirrors: A comprehensive featurette on the film's production.

Behind the Mirror: Discussion on the mystical aspects attributed to mirrors.

Animated Storyboard Sequence: High-definition animated storyboards for a key scene.

Deleted Scenes: Collection of scenes removed or altered from the final cut, with optional commentary.

Digital Copy Bonus Disc: Standard definition digital copy of the film for portable devices.

D-Box Motion Code: Compatibility with D-Box motion control systems.

'Mirrors,' starring Kiefer Sutherland as the disillusioned former NYPD detective Ben Carson, seeks to immerse viewers in a realm where reflections harbor dark secrets, but stumbles due to a combination of an over-reliance on horror clichés and a screenplay that occasionally crosses into the absurd. As Ben takes on a security job at the desolate ruins of the Mayflower department store in New York, the film unfolds with a premise brimming with potential. The setting, haunted by its gothic architectural remnants and morbid history, sets a stage ripe for psychological terror. However, rather than leveraging the eerie silence and the grotesque beauty of decay, 'Mirrors' often defaults to hackneyed scare tactics, undermining the atmospheric dread with predictable jolts and a narrative that feels like a patchwork of previous genre attempts.

The film's visual and auditory presentation on Blu-ray showcases the capabilities of the medium, with fine details and a sound mix that does capture the unnerving stillness of the Mayflower, punctuated by sudden scares designed to unsettle. Nonetheless, director Alexandre Aja's effort to weave this visual and auditory prowess into a compelling narrative feels half-realized. The dialogue struggles under the weight of trite lines, and character introductions and developments are handled awkwardly—elements that could have been smoothed out for a tighter and more engaging plot progression. Technical merits aside, these narrative shortcomings prevent 'Mirrors' from reaching its full potential as a gripping supernatural thriller.

Despite these criticisms, the film attempts to delve into the psychological unraveling of its protagonist, grappling with addiction and familial estrangement—all while battling the malevolent forces within the Mayflower. Sutherland's portrayal of Ben Carson adds layers to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional, bringing depth through his performance that oscillates between determination and despair. Motivations and backstories, particularly regarding the mirrors' dark mysteries, are explored but often feel rushed or underdeveloped, hinting at deeper themes that are not fully explored. In summary, while 'Mirrors' offers moments of intrigue and showcases noteworthy technical achievements on Blu-ray, it ultimately succumbs to genre pitfalls and untapped potential—leaving viewers with glimpses of what could have been a more thoroughly haunting experience.

The Blu Ray release of "Mirrors" offers a technical presentation that can be considered more than satisfactory for enthusiasts of the horror genre, with Kiefer Sutherland delivering a performance that, while not his most stellar, comfortably fits the demands of the narrative. The disc’s video and audio quality is commendably high, ensuring that viewers will get to experience the movie's eerie atmosphere and jump scares with clarity. Despite this, the movie itself might not stand out among a sea of horror films, presenting a familiar path that leaves little to the imagination. It thrives on predictability and a reliance on gore over genuine suspense or innovation in storytelling.

The package is rounded out with extras that, while run-of-the-mill, contribute some value for hardcore fans or completists who appreciate behind-the-scenes content and additional insights into the film's production. This Blu Ray edition was scrutinized under an array of high-end audiovisual equipment including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector and an assortment of elite Blu-ray disc players such as the Panasonic DMP-BD55K and Sony PlayStation 3, ensuring that its technical review is based on top-tier playback quality. However, some critiques point towards the picture quality not living up to the high-definition appeal promised by the format, which could deter those particularly seeking visual perfection in their Blu Ray collections.

In conclusion, while "Mirrors" on Blu Ray shines in its audio-visual presentation and garners points for effort in its supplemental features, its content struggle to carve a distinctive niche within the horror domain. It manifests as a piece that could entertain die-hard genre aficionados but might only merit a single viewing from casual fans. Therefore, it positions itself more as a potential rental rather than a must-own – unless you're an avid collector keen on technical quality or a completest of the genre.