The Invisible Blu-ray Review

Disney's Blu-ray presentation of "The Invisible" is showcased in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 to 2.40:1, employing the AVC MPEG4 codec and boasting a 1080p resolution that prominently displays the film's intended visual aesthetics. The video quality excels in conveying the movie's somber narrative through a deliberately desaturated color palette, emphasizing a stark contrast between deep blacks and the occasional vibrant hues, such as the green of trees and the cerulean of the sky. Despite a bleak backdrop of mostly blacks, browns, and greys, the transition from outdoor autumnal settings to indoor scenes is handled with finesse; colors pop with clarity where intended, and skin tones adjust convincingly from the cold outdoor light to the warmer indoor yellow tints.

The film's moody cinematography benefits from an exceptionally sharp transfer that manages to maintain detail and depth even in its darkest scenes. However, while many scenes stand out for their clarity and the precision with which they depict rain, foliage, and subtle movements—thanks to robust shadow delineation and solid black levels—reports of edge enhancement and horizontal jitter in certain scenes cannot be overlooked. These issues, notably on hard edges and during some panning shots, introduce a level of distraction that somewhat mars an otherwise impressive visual presentation.

In sum, Disney's handling of "The Invisible" on Blu-ray is commendable for its ability to preserve the film's stylized look, from its sharply rendered fine details to its meticulous contrast and desaturation intended to enhance the narrative's tone. However, viewers sensitive to edge enhancement and jitter may find these elements detract from their viewing experience, despite the overall high quality of the video transfer.

The audio presentation of "The Invisible" on Blu-ray provides viewers with two distinct listening experiences: a Dolby Digital 5.1 track at 640kbs and an uncompressed LPCM 5.1 track boasting a healthy 6.9 Mbps average bitrate, each catering to different audio preferences but ensuring a high-quality aural rendition of this dialogue-driven thriller. Emphasizing clarity and subtlety, the LPCM track, which I primarily evaluated, reveals meticulous sound engineering, where dialogue is crisply anchored in the centre channel, maintaining intelligibility throughout. Surround channels are judiciously employed, delivering ambient cues and a grunge-infused score with an enveloping finesse that, while never overwhelming, adds layers to the film's moody atmosphere.

The soundstage constructed for "The Invisible" elegantly balances the frontal clarity of conversations with a smooth, ambient presence enveloping the viewer. This approach underlines the film's reliance on subtle, atmospheric tension rather than aggressive dynamics typical of the genre. The LFE channel contributes with restrained yet effective low-end support, enhancing the soundtrack without dominating the mix. This restraint extends to the utilization of the rear channels; rather than overtly drawing attention through discrete effects, they complement the film's eerie ambiance with a nuanced spread of the musical score and ambient sound, contributing to a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

While the audio presentation might not cater to those seeking a showcase of their home theatre's dynamism, it excels in delivering a refined auditory companion to the movie's nuanced narrative. The balance between dialogue, music, and ambient sound is well-judged, providing clarity and immersion without sacrificing the film's intimate scale. The deft handling of the sound field demonstrates an understanding that in a film as contemplative as "The Invisible," subtlety and detail are paramount.

The Blu-ray release of "The Invisible" presents a modest assortment of extras, perhaps reflective of its lukewarm box office performance, and feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the making of the film. The inclusion of two audio commentaries might initially seem generous, but they prove to be somewhat lackluster and overly focused on narrative elements, with the director David Goyer, along with writers Christine Roum and Mick Davis, offering limited insights into the actual filmmaking process, which might have disappointed enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The 13 deleted scenes, presented in full 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video, add minimal value, expanding slightly on the movie's characters and backstory. The extras are rounded off with two music videos, "The Kill" by 30 Seconds to Mars and "Taking Back Control" by Sparta, which despite being presented in standard definition, cater to the film’s target audience. Trailers for other Blu-ray releases are included but notably, there's no trailer for "The Invisible" itself, reinforcing the sense that more could have been done to celebrate and explore this film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director and Writer: Discussion focused on story aspects with David Goyer and Christine Roum.
• Solo Audio Commentary by Co-Writer: Mick Davis provides his own take on the script.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of 13 scenes with optional commentary by Goyer and Roum.
• Music Video "The Kill" by 30 Seconds to Mars: Inspired by 'The Shining', presented in standard definition.
• Music Video "Taking Back Control" by Sparta: Also in standard definition aimed at the movie's demographic.
• Theatrical Trailers: High-definition trailers for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' and 'Deja Vu'.

"The Invisible" occupies a unique space in the realm of teen dramas, blending elements of horror, murder mystery, and supernatural thriller, while daring to explore deeper existential themes rarely touched upon in its genre. The film, a Hollywood adaptation of Mats Wahl’s Swedish novel "Den Osynlige," and its subsequent Swedish film version, promises an intriguing premise but struggles to fully realize its narrative potential. Led by Justin Chatwin as Nick Powell, a high school senior with aspirations in writing who finds himself victim to a brutal attack, the movie navigates the complexities of life, death, and the often invisible lines connecting them. Margarita Levieva portrays Annie Newton, the architect of Nick's downfall and ultimately, his only link to salvation in a ghostly limbo where he is seen by none.

Despite its innovative concept, "The Invisible" is hindered by execution that oscillates between engaging and convoluted. The plot's ambition is commendable, with Nick's spectral existence offering a poignant reflection on teenage invisibility and isolation, yet it succumbs to narrative pitfalls that include excessive exposition and a tangled web of flashbacks. However, the film's aesthetic components—namely Gabriel Beristain’s cinematography and an evocative score by Marco Beltrami—add a layer of sophistication that complements David S. Goyer’s direction. Goyer shows growth from his previous work, navigating the film’s tonal shifts with a defter hand than expected.

At its core, "The Invisible" challenges audiences with its philosophical underpinnings, painting a portrait of youth caught in the throes of existential crisis. While it may falter in its thriller elements, getting occasionally lost in its own narrative labyrinth, the film distinguishes itself with thoughtful character development and a willingness to engage with the somber realities of its protagonists. It represents a flawed yet fascinating attempt at transcending typical genre constraints, offering a glimpse at the potential for depth and insight within the framework of teen cinema.

"The Invisible" Blu-ray release brings a film with an intriguing premise to the high-definition format, presenting it with commendable picture and sound quality that adheres to the standards expected of modern Blu-ray releases. While the film may have underperformed against its potential, its technical presentation is nothing short of impressive. Gabriel Beristain’s cinematography shines through in a superb encoding by Disney, coupled with an uncompressed PCM 5.1 soundtrack, delivering a sensory experience that at least warrants a rental. However, enthusiasts might find the extras package to be lacking depth and substance, with two commentaries that fail to justify their own existence, padding out what could have otherwise been a more concise and impactful set of supplementary materials.

The release does manage to please its target demographic, particularly appealing to teens and their parents looking for a movie to enjoy together on a cozy evening. It doesn't aim to overwhelm with its sound design but leverages Hollywood's sound technical prowess to ensure a satisfying auditory experience without overreaching. Interestingly, despite its criticisms, the film's unique take as a supernatural thriller straddling adolescent drama and mystery makes it an intriguing choice for viewers in search of something out of the ordinary. The Blu-ray presentation accentuates its strengths, making it an attractive option for fans and possibly converting some skeptics based solely on the quality of its production values.

In conclusion, while "The Invisible" may not fully realize its cinematic potential, its Blu-ray release stands out for its exceptional technical merits. The high-quality visual and audio presentation elevates the viewing experience, making it a recommendation for those intrigued by the premise or fans of visually compelling cinema. Although the film itself divides opinion, this Blu-ray release offers a compelling reason to give it a chance, provided one's expectations are calibrated more towards appreciation of the medium than the message.