6 Souls Blu-ray Review

Anchor Bay's high definition Blu-ray presentation of "6 Souls" captures the film’s atmospheric essence magnificently. Shot on 35mm, this transfer exhibits a natural and pleasing film-like texture. The detail is commendable, with close-up sequences showcasing striking facial textures down to the finest pores and individual hair strands. Clothing and environmental textures are precisely rendered, enhancing the rustic and urban aesthetic. While the colors fittingly retain a colder, muted tone to match the film’s stylized darkness, flesh tones remain natural and consistent. Despite an impressive depth in blacks, there is a noted tendency towards crush in dimly lit scenes, albeit without significant impact on the overall visual experience.

The 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encode in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio provides substantial detail, especially in well-lit or intimately framed scenes, though wider shots and dimly lit interiors tend to soften. There is a subtle layer of grain that complements the filmic quality, maintaining the medium's integrity. Light banding is present in a handful of shots, but compression issues, such as video noise, are minimal. The image captures every nuance, from the imperfections on wooden surfaces to the fabric details in costumes. While there appears to be some restraint in the vibrancy of colors, particularly in exterior city scenes, this subdued palette aligns with the film's atmospheric intentions.

In summary, this Blu-ray transfer from Anchor Bay effectively balances fine detail and atmospheric intent, presenting "6 Souls" in an engaging and visually pleasing manner despite minor setbacks in tonal consistency and black level handling.

The audio presentation of "6 Souls" on Blu-ray is anchored by a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The sound mix immediately impresses with its wide dynamic range, encapsulating both the deep, dark lows typical of horror themes and the more delicate high-frequency elements. The surround field is effectively utilized, providing directional precision that enhances the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Notably, ambient effects such as gentle rainfall and rustling papers are rendered with exceptional clarity and natural quality. Discrete effects are strategically placed, adding substantial depth and authenticity to the auditory experience.

Dialogue stands out as a consistently well-handled element, maintaining clear placement within the center channel and avoiding any discernible issues like cracking or hissing. However, there are occasional moments where the front-heavy nature of the mix becomes apparent, particularly during louder crescendos or bass-heavy sequences that dominate the soundstage. Despite these minor drawbacks, the balance of ambient noises, effective use of surrounds, and a potent subwoofer experience contribute to a sonically engaging experience.

John Frizzell's score synergizes well with the audio mix, amplifying the tension and emotional undertones effectively. While the track may not boast extravagant elements or groundbreaking innovations, it remains a solid and well-executed component of the Blu-ray package. The DTS-HD audio track seamlessly supports the film’s dark, suspenseful aesthetic, ensuring that viewers are aurally immersed throughout. Overall, Anchor Bay has delivered a commendable audio presentation that complements and enhances "6 Souls" adeptly.

The Blu-ray release of "6 Souls" includes no supplemental content. Trailers for “Dark Skies” and “Scream 4” play before reaching the main menu, but don't expect additional features or bonus materials.

Extras included in this disc: Trailers: Pre-movie trailers for "Dark Skies" and "Scream 4".

"6 Souls," directed by Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein, emerges as a compelling yet deeply flawed psychological thriller. Originally titled "Shelter," the film stars Julianne Moore as forensic psychologist Cara Harding and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as her perplexing patient, David Bernburg. The narrative is framed around multiple personality disorder, exploring how David's personas parallel murder victims from the past. The initial stages of Cara's investigation are engaging, providing a mental puzzle heightened by eerie settings and Moore's steadfast performance. Meyers excels with a versatile portrayal of various identities, maintaining an impressive degree of differentiation across his characters.

Despite its potent start, "6 Souls" struggles to maintain coherence and pace as it veers into increasingly convoluted and supernatural territory. The transition from a grounded psychological thriller into a religiously themed horror film feels forced and disrupts the initially smart and intense narrative. Although the film attempts to surprise with numerous plot twists, it often ends up confusing and stretching the limits of plausibility. This thematic indecisiveness dilutes the impact and undermines the intelligent setup cultivated in the first act.

Technically, the film boasts high production values, with hauntingly atmospheric cinematography. Supporting performances, especially from Frances Conroy and Jeffrey DeMunn, add depth but cannot save the film from its narrative excesses. Scenes of investigative research and patient interviews maintain engagement, yet the latter half's attempt at profound drama becomes tiresome with repetitive and predictable developments. While "6 Souls" features superior acting and some chilling moments, its inability to settle on a genre or maintain narrative control ultimately makes it a mixed bag that promises more than it delivers.

"6 Souls" brings together a notable cast led by Julianne Moore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Frances Conroy, attempting to deliver a psychological thriller that unfortunately falls short of its potential. Initial story ideas and the professional acting are commendable; however, the film's progression into the second and third acts diverges into a realm of nonsensical plot twists that ultimately detract from the overall experience. The film’s difficulties during production are evident, considering its delayed release from 2008 to 2013 and its name change—indicators of underlying issues.

Anchor Bay’s Blu-ray release of "6 Souls" offers a reasonably solid audiovisual performance. The video quality is passable though not exceptional, with clarity sufficient for general viewing but lacking the high-definition sharpness that aficionados desire. The audio presentation is similarly adequate, ensuring dialogue and sound effects are clearly heard without delivering an immersive experience. Notably, the Blu-ray fails to include any bonus materials that could have provided additional context or depth. The absence of featurettes or commentary tracks from professionals like forensic psychologists or writers discussing their research omits a valuable opportunity to engage viewers more profoundly.

"6 Souls" might entertain as a rental or streaming option, especially for those with an interest in psychological thrillers. However, its slow execution and lack of supplementary content make it difficult to recommend purchasing the Blu-ray. For fans looking for deeper insight into the psychological themes or production background, this release offers little beyond the film itself. In conclusion, "6 Souls" serves primarily as a cautionary tale about wasted potential and should be approached with tempered expectations.