Valentine Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Valentine" offers an engaging visual experience through a 2K scan of the original film elements, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC with a 1080p resolution and a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Supervised by director Jamie Blanks and director of photography Rick Bota, the image retains a filmic quality that captures the late 90s aesthetic, although it does not reach the same level of clarity as Blanks' other film, "Urban Legend." The overall detail is satisfactory, showcasing textured facial surfaces, period costumes, and cinematic locations with precision. Notably, the cherub mask maintains its rubbery appeal and settings like interiors and outdoor scenes are depicted in striking detail without any significant damage to the source material.

Color reproduction highlights red and blue hues, which stand out vividly against more subdued tones. Skin tones are consistent with a natural hint of red, performing well under various lighting conditions, while darker scenes such as hospital or basement interiors present rich, bold coloring and detail. Black levels are notably stable, avoiding any crushing and retaining fine detail in dark surfaces. Although depth of field is generally average, certain moments do impress, maintaining a smooth and cinematic motion free from blur or jitter. Overall, this Blu-ray release provides a satisfying visual experience for fans of the film.

In terms of flaws, the presentation does feature a slightly darker visual presence that may diminish vibrancy but this is a minor issue. The encoding is clean with no noticeable noise or artifacts, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. The film might have a static look in certain scenes but it ultimately delivers a sharp and crisp picture that respects and enhances the original film through thoughtful technical execution.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "Valentine" delivers a competent and immersive audio experience tailored to the film's needs. The surround channels are effectively employed during suspense and stalking sequences, with mild panning effects enhancing the ambiance in party and art opening scenes. The mix handles both delicate character themes and intense moments of violence with equal efficacy, ensuring that the instrumentation is well-defined. Although the low-end frequencies are not overly significant, bass-heavy cuts, especially in some harrowing survival scenes, add weight to the overall auditory experience. The soundtrack, predominantly featuring hard rock and alternative selections, is seamlessly integrated into the ambiance without overshadowing dialogue exchanges.

The audio is presented on a single English 5.1 DTS-HD MA track with optional English SDH subtitles. Dialogue is crisp and clear, free from distortion, and well-balanced against the soundtrack and sound effects. The dynamics of the mix are carefully crafted; the score, reproduced beautifully, complements the film's tone and mood effectively. Sound effects are impactful and occasionally bolstered by low-frequency effects (LFE), which contribute significantly during sudden moments of intensity or fear. There are no issues with clipping, hiss, or crackle, indicating a clean and precise audio production.

While "Valentine" features a lower mixed film with vocals slightly lighter in the center channel compared to effects and music, this design choice amplifies the effectiveness of surprise scare elements—a common practice in horror films from the 90s and early 2000s. Despite this tactic, the overall mix remains well-layered and clear. The surround sound presentation is notably thoughtful and intricate, utilizing rear channels frequently to build tension during chase or kill sequences. Vocals are consistently clear and concise, making dialogue comprehension straightforward at all times. Overall, the audio presentation fulfills its role admirably, enhancing the viewing experience without any significant drawbacks.

The Blu Ray of "Valentine" delivers an impressive package of extras that enhance the film’s cult status. Notable inclusions are two commentaries, one featuring director Jamie Blanks and filmmaker Don Coscarelli, offering in-depth insights about the production process and artistic choices. The interviews with cast members like Denise Richards, Marley Shelton, and Jessica Cauffiel delve into their experiences on set, touching on the film’s feminist themes and their personal contributions to their characters. Screenwriters Gretchen J. Berg and Aaron Harberts provide a detailed discussion about the screenplay’s development, while editor Steve Mirkovich and composer Don Davis share technical insights into the film's editing and musical scoring. The behind-the-scenes footage offers a comprehensive look at the making of "Valentine" with extensive fly-on-the-wall coverage.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Insights from director Jamie Blanks and filmmaker Don Coscarelli.
• Thrill of the Drill: Denise Richards discusses her role and experiences.
• The Final Girl: Marley Shelton on horror genre and film themes.
• Shot Through the Heart: Jessica Cauffiel’s anecdotes and working experiences.
• Writing 'Valentine': A conversation with screenwriters Gretchen J. Berg and Aaron Harberts.
• Editing 'Valentine': Steve Mirkovich explains the film's editing process.
• Scoring 'Valentine': Don Davis on composing the film's music.
• Behind the Scenes: Extensive footage capturing the production process.
• Press Kit: Interviews and behind-the-scenes content.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes not included in the final cut.
• Music Video: "Opticon" by Orgy.
• Still Gallery: Publicity stills, poster art, and lobby cards.
• T.V. Spots: Promotional commercials for the film.
• Teaser Trailer: Early promotional trailer.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer used in theaters.

Following the landmark release of "Scream" in 1996, horror films saw a resurgence, blending traditional scares with modern narrative techniques. Director Jamie Blanks, known for "Urban Legend," contributed to this movement with "Valentine" in 2001. While "Valentine" adheres to the slasher formula, it distinguishes itself by drawing inspiration from early '80s slasher flicks, aiming for visceral frights through direct stalking and stabbing scenes. Despite Blanks' admirable attempt to revive classic horror elements, the film struggles to reach the desired level of hysteria and faces pacing issues in its final act.

The narrative kicks off with a traumatic Valentine's Day experience in junior high for Jeremy, who is humiliated by a group of girls. Fast forward to the present day, these now-adult women find themselves targeted by a killer in a Cupid mask. The plot revolves around Dorothy, Paige, Lily, Kate, and Shelley, who each grapple with their tumultuous love lives while being pursued by this vengeful figure. Despite their efforts to uncover the assassin's identity with Detective Vaughn's help, suspense and fear permeate their interactions, intensified by macabre valentines and creative murder sequences.

"Valentine" may not break new ground but possesses unique elements that warrant appreciation. The film taps into the anxieties of dating and relationships with a female-centered perspective, offering a glimpse into the various social pressures women face, particularly relevant in today's #MeToo climate. Moreover, Blanks' direction and the stylish cinematography elevate the film above typical genre fare. Memorable kills and an iconic Cupid mask contribute to a nostalgic yet fresh experience. While it does not completely escape genre clichés or narrative flaws, "Valentine" succeeds in blending slasher conventions with contemporary themes, making it a worthy revisit for horror enthusiasts.

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of "Valentine" is an intriguing revisit of a lesser-celebrated slasher from the early 2000s. Despite its initial box office failure, the film has garnered a cult following over time, appreciated for its basic genre moves and nostalgic value. Director Jamie Blanks' passion for the slasher genre is evident throughout the film, although his execution sometimes falters, especially with the film's underwhelming performances and a conclusion that doesn't quite hit the mark. Nevertheless, "Valentine" has aged in a way that warrants reevaluation, promising an engaging study for horror enthusiasts as it showcases Blanks' sporadic brilliance in providing genuine scares.

From a technical perspective, Scream Factory's dedication to delivering an outstanding Collector’s Edition is commendable. The audio and video transfer are noteworthy, contributing to an immersive viewing experience that enhances the film’s atmospheric tension. The set boasts a wealth of extras, with interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, although the absence of key cast members like Heigl, Boreanaz, and Capshaw in these features is somewhat disappointing. Still, the effort put into this release is evidently high-caliber, making it an appealing purchase for avid collectors and fans of the genre.

In conclusion, "Valentine" may have failed to leave a significant impact during its initial release, but Scream Factory’s exceptional Blu-ray edition breathes new life into this overlooked slasher gem. The film's renewed appraisal and the meticulous quality of this release make it a valuable addition to any horror collection. Highly recommended for those looking to explore or revisit the nuances of early 2000s slasher cinema with top-notch production quality and comprehensive supplementary content.