We Are Still Here Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "We Are Still Here" showcases an exceptional video presentation, masterfully utilizing the original digital files from its shoot with a Red Dragon camera by cinematographer Karim Hussain. The film’s 1080p AVC-encoded image on Blu-ray is highly detailed, offering a striking visual contrast between the outdoor snowy landscapes and the dark interiors of the Dagmar house. The clarity is notable, with individual snowflakes visible in various scenes, a testament to the real on-location shooting in upstate New York. The intimidatingly deep blacks of the interiors, particularly in scenes set in the basement, enhance the film’s eerie ambiance, perfectly suiting its horror genre.

The overall color palette remains dominantly subdued and chilly, accurately reflecting the frigid climate of the setting. Occasional bursts of warmer colors, especially in scenes such as those set at Buffalo Bill's Restaurant and Tap Room, provide a brief respite from the omnipresent cold tones. As the narrative intensifies, so does the use of red hues, aligning the visual storytelling with the plot's escalating terror. MPI Media’s meticulous attention to compression is evident, maintaining an average bitrate of 29.99 Mbps which ensures that even the most dynamic sequences in the film’s climax retain their visual integrity without noticeable artifacts or decreased clarity.

The combination of sharp detailing and maintained atmospheric integrity in "We Are Still Here" results in a viewing experience that is both visually compelling and technically impressive. The effort put into preserving the authenticity of its visual elements through practical shooting conditions and careful digital processing is palpable. The environment captured on this Blu-ray effectively immerses viewers into the unsettling world of the Dagmar house, making it a standout example of considerate film preservation and presentation.

The 5.1 sound design for "We Are Still Here," encoded in lossless DTS-HD MA, impressively utilizes the classic horror trope of deep bass tones to evoke a sense of otherworldliness. This technique is complemented by subtle, almost imperceptible sounds that blend into the mix, subtly suggesting a friendly spirit world. For example, the barely audible voice of Bobby Sacchetti that his mother believes she hears is layered amidst whispers, creaks, and groans that permeate the Dagmar house, creating an immersive and eerie soundscape. This nuanced audio design varies in intensity, with more pronounced slasher-movie elements like particularly loud gunshots when the narrative shifts to violence.

Dialogue remains consistently clear throughout the film, ensuring that even the humorous lines delivered by Larry Fessenden's Jacob are easily heard and appreciated. The horror soundtrack, composed by Wojciech Golczewski (known for "Late Phases"), is effectively juxtaposed with several tracks written and performed by Wally Boudway and his band, Wooden Indian. This contrast enhances the overall auditory experience, providing both tension and relief. Additionally, MPI has included an alternate PCM 2.0 track, offering further audio flexibility for different listening preferences.

The Blu Ray extras of "We Are Still Here" offer a comprehensive look into the film's creation and the thought processes behind its development. The Commentary with Writer/Director Ted Geoghegan and Producer Travis Stevens is especially insightful, providing a deep dive into the project's development, casting choices, production logistics, plot intricacies, and character psychology. This commentary also delves into genre references and elucidates an inside joke related to the final post-credits shot. The Behind the Scenes segment further enriches the commentary with visual insights into the filming process inside the house and amidst snowy outdoors. Unfortunately, both the Trailer and Teaser reveal more plot than necessary, which can diminish the viewing experience. Additional trailers automatically play upon disc startup but can be skipped.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Writer/Director Ted Geoghegan and Producer Travis Stevens: Detailed discussion on development, casting, production, and plot analysis.
• Behind the Scenes: Visuals and commentary on filming locations and processes.
• Trailer: Reveals significant plot points.
• Teaser: Longer than the trailer but still somewhat revealing.
• Additional Trailers: Standard trailers for other titles, skippable at startup.

Ted Geoghegan’s debut feature, We Are Still Here (WASH), revitalizes traditional horror elements with fresh imagination and a stellar cast, set against the desolate backdrop of upstate New York's winter. Drawing inspiration from Lucio Fulci's The House by the Cemetery, Geoghegan infuses the well-trodden haunted house trope with his unique spin, crafting one of the most original entries in the genre in recent years. The film’s premise revolves around Paul and Anne Sacchetti, portrayed by Andrew Sensenig and horror icon Barbara Crampton, who relocate to a decrepit home in remote Aylesbury, Massachusetts, hoping for solace after their son’s tragic death. The film’s setting and character-driven narrative provide a potent atmosphere of physical and emotional desolation.

Geoghegan’s deliberate choice to center the story on mature characters rather than teenagers lends depth and gravitas to the supernatural occurrences. Amid the eerie surroundings and strange happenings, including a suspiciously hot basement and shadowy figures, Anne becomes convinced of their deceased son’s presence. The arrival of friends May Lewis (Lisa Marie) and her husband Jacob (Larry Fessenden), along with their son and his girlfriend, sets off an escalation of events that blend classic horror with fresh twists. Veteran actor Monte Markham delivers a standout performance as the enigmatic local Dave McCabe, whose unsettling hospitality masks darker truths about the house’s sinister past as a mortuary operated by the unscrupulous Dagmar family.

As the narrative intensifies, Geoghegan skillfully navigates through conventional scares, offering unexpected surprises that keep viewers on edge. The film's complex background and open-ended conclusion invite varied interpretations, enhancing its rewatch value. Noteworthy cameos include Susan Gibney, known for her role as Dr. Leah Brahms on Star Trek: The Next Generation, who appears as a savvy yet frightened local bar owner. The montage during the end credits is particularly insightful, adding layers to the film’s spiritual mythology without explicitly setting up for a sequel. WASH stands out as a masterful blend of homage and innovation in horror cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "We Are Still Here" presents an impressive high-definition transfer that capitalizes on the film's atmospheric visuals. The picture quality is rich, with impeccable clarity and color accuracy that enhances the chilling and ghostly ambiance of the story. Detail retention is noteworthy, with close-up shots revealing an impressive amount of texture and nuance, crucial for a horror film reliant on mood and visual cues. Moreover, shadow delineation is well-handled, allowing the darker scenes to maintain depth without succumbing to excessive black crush. The director's nuanced use of lighting and practical effects stands out distinctly in this transfer.

Accompanying the strong visuals is an equally robust audio experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers clear dialogue and effectively utilizes the surround channels to immerse the viewer in a suspenseful soundscape. Ambient noises and eerie sound effects are expertly positioned, contributing to the tension and unease essential to the horror genre. The score is well-balanced, never overpowering the dialogue or drowning in effects, ensuring viewers remain engaged and on edge throughout the film's runtime. This congruence between visual and auditory elements makes for a cohesive and genuinely thrilling viewing experience.

Having tried as best I can to avoid revealing what actually happens after Paul and Anne Sacchetti move into their new home, all I can really say is that anyone who has ever enjoyed a horror movie should give themselves the pleasure of watching "We Are Still Here." My advice is to watch it with one or more fellow horror fans, and feel free to comment to each other on just how overtly the film ticks off the boxes on the haunted house checklist. (Someone actually leaves the new owners a note saying "Get out.") It's all deliberate and it's all a buildup. The payoff is worth it—and I doubt that any streamed version will look as good as this Blu-ray. Highly recommended.