Book of Monsters Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image for the Blu-ray version of "Book of Monsters" (2.00:1 aspect ratio) delivers an HD-shot aesthetic that artfully combines softer focus and sharp detail. This approach successfully brings forth textured close-ups and intricate costume details, making visual nuances and monster features engaging and vivid. Colors are rendered satisfactorily, with vibrant bloody reds and primary party hues standing out, while skintones appear natural. However, some banding is periodically noticeable throughout the presentation, which slightly detracts from the overall visual quality.

One notable issue is the persistent banding that runs throughout the film, creating hard gradients in the backgrounds. This is compounded by visible noise due to digital cinematography, which adds artifacts that distract from an otherwise decent viewing experience. The source or the Blu-ray encode might be responsible, though it's not specified. On a positive note, the film maintains a high resolution consistently, showcasing detailed facial textures and sharp image quality throughout. Black levels tend to be somewhat flat and gray, lacking true depth, but the contrast compensates by providing pleasing highs that enhance visual depth despite these limitations.

Overall, "Book of Monsters" offers a visually intriguing yet flawed presentation on Blu-ray. While the encoding issues like noise and banding do affect the viewing experience, the film compensates with strong contrast, sharp details, and vibrant colors, ensuring a technically engaging and texturally rich visual output.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Book of Monsters" holds a notable Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, although some receivers may decode it as Dolby Digital 6.1 EX. The sound mix strives to maintain an immersive engagement, aligning well with the film’s chaotic visuals. Surround channels are actively utilized, creating an authentic soundstage where elements such as party bustle and monster chaos are notably present. Specific directional effects, including the approach of police sirens and closing doors, are positioned with precision, contributing to a vibrant auditory experience. The dialogue is clear and effective in conveying reactions to the demonic occurrences, while the synth-based score enhances the suspense, making the EDM tracks used in celebratory scenes fuller.

However, there are areas where the audio mix falls short. Despite the strategic deployment of surround channels to envelop viewers in the atmosphere, the low-end frequencies are notably underutilized. The LFE channel is almost non-existent, failing to deliver the expected weight and power in scenes requiring substantial bass impact such as explosions and thunder. Additionally, a few critical sound effects do not reach their intended depth, slightly diminishing their emphasized impact within the horror context. Nonetheless, the overall execution of sound effects primarily upholds the genre's standards, maintaining a generally engaging auditory backdrop for the film’s monstrous escapades.

The Blu-ray extras for "Book of Monsters" offer an immersive, in-depth look into the film’s creation, extending an engaging, behind-the-scenes experience that is both comprehensive and insightful. Featuring two audio commentaries—one with director Stewart Sparke and writer Paul Butler, and another with the cast—the disc allows audiences to delve into different production perspectives. The hour-long making-of documentary thoroughly explores the film's evolution from concept to screen, driven by indie origins, crowd-funded milestones, and practical effects work. Additional features include deleted scenes, which provide intriguing narrative extensions, and a humorous gag reel. Complementing these are the original Kickstarter concept film and Sparke's earlier short film, "Rats!". Furthermore, interviews conducted at FrightFest, along with promotional trailers, round out this robust collection of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Director Stewart Sparke and writer Paul Butler.
• Commentary #2: Cast of "Book of Monsters".
• Opening the 'Book of Monsters': Extensive making-of feature.
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: Additional footage and alternate ending.
• Gag Reel: Flubbed lines and light-hearted moments.
• Kickstarter Concept Film: Initial trailer for investors.
• Rats!: Short film by Stewart Sparke.
• FrightFest Interviews: Discussions with Stewart Sparke and Paul Butler.
• On the Red Carpet: Event coverage.
• Official Trailer: Promotional trailer.
• Green Band Trailer: Short promotional trailer.

Director Stewart Sparke and writer Paul Butler's "Book of Monsters" exhibits an undying devotion to 1980s horror, with influences ranging from John Carpenter to "Evil Dead." The film centers on Sophie, portrayed by Lyndsey Crane, whose 18th birthday bash turns into a bloodbath when resurrected monsters crash the party. This celebration spirals into chaos as Sophie and her friends are forced into monster-slaying mode. While the production is inherently scrappy due to budget constraints, Sparke's efforts to blend homage and originality give the film a spirited, albeit limited, energy. The cast's dynamic performances and the seamless blend of British humor with over-the-top gore result in engaging but familiar moments.

Taking cues from iconic horror flicks such as "Gremlins" and "Aliens," "Book of Monsters" thrives in its practical effects and ’80s-inspired music, setting a nostalgic yet modernized tone. Though the plot is straightforward, revolving around a monstrous invasion at a teenager’s party, the film doesn’t push much beyond genre clichés. Characters fall into familiar archetypes: the vain girl, the sensitive outcast, and the awkward virgin boy, all of whom must band together to combat supernatural evil. Sophie’s journey, punctuated by visceral scenes of carnage and weapon-wielding action, embodies quintessential coming-of-age themes interspersed with relentless horror tropes.

As a Kickstarter-funded project, "Book of Monsters" offers an appealing throwback with its practical monster effects and minimal use of nudity, opting instead for intense gore and dark comedy. Despite some uneven pacing and clichéd character arcs, the film exudes a light-hearted irreverence toward its own absurdity—epitomized by scenes such as a male stripper defending against possessed garden gnomes with a novelty dildo. Sparke's directorial approach pays tribute to horror legends while also injecting a sense of modern sensibility, resulting in a bloody, humorous ride that balances between homage and fresh narrative.

"Book of Monsters" is an ambitious indie horror flick that seeks to blend adolescent empowerment with creature terror, resulting in a film that exudes palpable enthusiasm despite its limited budget and resources. The narrative largely succeeds in delivering B-movie craziness and genre thrills for the first hour. However, the momentum is somewhat hampered by its frequent detours into exposition, which tend to disrupt the flow and lessen the overall impact. The production, clearly yearning for a tighter sense of purpose, ironically shines brighter when it departs from rigidity, allowing for a more unrestricted display of inventive monster mayhem.

The Blu-ray release of "Book of Monsters" compensates for any filmic shortcomings with an impressively comprehensive array of extras. Highlights include two insightful audio commentaries—one from director Stewart Sparke and writer Paul Butler, and another featuring key cast members. An extensive 63-minute making-of documentary, rich with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, provides fans with a detailed look at the film's creation process. Additional features such as 14 deleted and alternate scenes, a gag reel, a proof of concept short film, and various Frightfest TV interview segments round out the package. This wealth of supplementary material not only enriches the viewing experience but also underscores the earnest efforts and collaborative spirit behind the movie.

In conclusion, while "Book of Monsters" might falter in achieving sustained narrative cohesion, it remains a commendable indie effort that delivers heartfelt enthusiasm and inventive horror. The extensive Blu-ray extras add significant value, offering fans a deeper dive into the film’s creation and enhancing its appeal. Despite its flaws, the dedication and passion evident in both the film and its supplemental content make it a worthy addition to any horror aficionado’s collection.