The Believers Blu-ray Review

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray presentation of "The Believers" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that captures the film's gritty urban aesthetic with great fidelity. The bitrates often hover in the mid-30 Mbps range, providing ample bandwidth for impressive shadow detail in the numerous dark sequences. The cinematography by Robby Müller is showcased well, with a natural grain field adding depth and texture to the image. While the presentation remains largely pristine, occasional speckles and negligible issues are present but do not detract from the overall quality.

Detail levels are vivid and sharp throughout, particularly in close-up shots where individual hairs, scars, wounds, and wrinkles are clearly discernible. Despite some minor color space concerns, such as ruddy flesh tones and a blue tint in certain scenes, the colors remain generally good. Black levels are rendered deeply and inky, contributing significantly to the balance of the picture. Skin tones may appear slightly murky at times, yet this minor issue does little to diminish the film's authenticity. The occasional dirt and grit visible in the transfer actually enhance the film's nostalgic and filmic quality, contributing positively to the overall viewing experience.

Overall, "The Believers" Blu-ray presents a very organic and authentic look that retains the original film's gritty essence. The transfer abstains from excessive digital clean-up, preserving the character of the 80s cinematography. This meticulous attention to detail makes it a noteworthy release for fans and collectors alike.

The audio presentation of "The Believers" on Blu Ray is delivered through a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, providing robust support for the film's dialogue and J. Peter Robinson's nuanced score. Robinson's composition is particularly notable for subtly enhancing the film's chilling atmosphere without overpowering the viewer. The audio fidelity throughout the film is impeccable, offering no signs of distortion such as pops, cracks, or hissing.

While a 5.1 mix would have elevated the experience with more immersive surround effects, the 2.0 mix effectively utilizes sound to generate suspense. Key scenes, especially during the film's climax, are accentuated by realistic and engaging sound effects, notably the escaping jets of steam which contribute to the authenticity and impact. The ambient noises during suspenseful moments build up to a gripping crescendo, adding a palpable layer of tension.

Dialogue remains crystal clear and easily comprehensible throughout the presentation. The dynamic range of the audio is impressively broad, ensuring that both low-frequency effects and high-frequency details are handled adeptly. Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix provides a solid and immersive audio experience that satisfactorily supports the content's suspenseful horror elements.

The Blu-ray release of "The Believers" offers a solid collection of extras that will enhance viewers' appreciation of the film. The inclusion of an Isolated Score Track presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stands out, allowing audiences to experience the soundtrack in its pure form, enhancing the film’s atmospheric tension. The disc also features a Theatrical Trailer and an MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer, both providing nostalgic insight into the film’s promotion and MGM’s historical legacy. While the presentation varies from 480i to 1080p, the overall quality remains engaging and showcases the era's promotional aesthetics effectively.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Experience the score with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: A promotional trailer celebrating MGM's legacy.

"The Believers," directed by John Schlesinger, is an atmospheric thriller that effectively channels an ominous sense of dread from its opening scenes. The narrative revolves around psychologist Cal Jamison (Martin Sheen) and his son Chris (Harley Cross), whose life spirals into horror after a tragic accident. The film’s score by J. Peter Robinson amplifies this mood with a subtly menacing tone that underpins every frame. This horrific account soon transitions from the quiet suburbs to a sinister New York City, providing a backdrop rich in cultural and psychological complexities. As Cal begins his new role assisting the NYPD, the film delves into mysterious subplots involving voodoo and Santería, taking cues from genre classics like "Rosemary’s Baby."

The movie intricately weaves multiple narratives that involve ritualistic child murders and elitist cult activities. Jimmy Smits' portrayal of Tom Lopez, a disturbed former cop convinced that a cult is after him, adds layers to the ever-thickening plot. These elements introduce a tangible paranoia, blurring lines between rationalism and primitive beliefs. Despite these elements fostering a creepy milieu, the film's latter acts make drastic tonal shifts. What starts as a subtle and unsettling atmosphere escalates into over-the-top sequences that may elicit unintended laughter rather than fear. Some scenes feel discordant with the initially serious tone, ultimately leading to an absurd climax that dilutes much of the preceding tension.

The film’s performances—specifically from Sheen and Smits—are commendable, offering a believable portrayal of mounting paranoia and terror. However, the narrative’s erratic pacing and tonal inconsistencies can undermine the sustained suspense. "The Believers" presents a thought-provoking juxtaposition of modernity and ancient evil, yet its final act veers into melodrama, making the initial spell it cast somewhat dissipate by the end. Nonetheless, for fans of 80s horror with a penchant for occult themes, it provides an engaging if ultimately scattered experience.

The Believers`` delivers a compelling narrative built on suspense and riveting performances, particularly from Martin Sheen and Jimmy Smits. The film masterfully establishes an unsettling atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged, especially throughout its first two acts. The nuanced portrayal of surreptitious magic sets it apart from other films in the genre and invokes comparisons to classics like Rosemary's Baby and Angel Heart. However, as engaging as these sections are, the final act deviates into a degree of silliness that may detract from the overall experience.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray release shines. The video transfer is crisp, capturing the gritty and dark tones essential to the film's atmosphere, while the audio presentation is robust, offering a clear and well-balanced soundscape that amplifies the tension. Although the disc's extra features leave much to be desired, with only an isolated score track and a trailer included, the technical merits alone make this release worthwhile for enthusiasts.

In conclusion, I personally find The Believers to be a generally riveting experience for its first two acts. It's not every film that can make you look askance at things like a milk truck or a coffee maker. The surreptitious magic aspect may remind some of similarly themed pieces like the aforementioned Rosemary's Baby or even Angel Heart, and like those films, The Believers has a palpably unsettling mood. But despite standout performances by Sheen and little Cross (contrast this kid's genuine work with the less fulfilling acting by Susan Swift in Twilight Time's simultaneously released Audrey Rose), The Believers ultimately descends into such silliness that it can't be taken seriously. Technical merits are very strong, and if you don't mind an increasingly goofy last half hour or so, The Believers comes Recommended.