Girl on the Third Floor Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Girl on the Third Floor" on Blu-ray delivers a solid and consistent 1080p transfer from Dark Sky Films. The film predominantly takes place within the confines of an empty house, where the gaudy interior decoration provides a colorful array of textures and tones. Skin tones and fabric details are well-rendered, and the dark shadows within dimly-lit scenes display a smooth, artifact-free appearance. As a completely digital production, minimal digital noise replaces traditional film grain, but this does not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. The naturally-lit interiors, while occasionally appearing flat, maintain a clean and unobtrusive look throughout.

Outdoor scenes and distinct locations like the bowling alley introduce some refreshing visual variety. Daytime exteriors contrast nicely with the more vibrantly lit indoor scenes, further enhancing the visual palette. The transfer maintains impressive consistency across different environments, ensuring a visually engaging experience for viewers. Under the given circumstances, it stands up well against the natural limitations of its design and digital origins. Enthusiasts of digital cinematography and fans of the film are likely to find this Blu-ray transfer pleasingly robust and enjoyable.

"Girl on the Third Floor" excels in its audio presentation with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix that vividly brings the film's chilling atmosphere to life. Weather-related sounds, particularly wind, lay a strong foundation, while unexpected supernatural occurrences punctuate the film with measured impact, utilizing deep lower frequencies to enhance jump scares. The standout sound moment involving a second-floor ceiling is particularly well-executed. Dialogue remains front and center, clear and unobstructed, crucial given the film's limited cast interactions. The rear channels effectively deliver subtle ambiance, from eerie glass marbles rolling on hardwood floors to the haunting score by Steve Albini, Alison Chesley, and Tim Midyet.

The sound design cleverly balances startling effects and atmospheric cues to maintain an immersive experience. Elements such as an out-of-sync doorbell, unsettling dog barks, and the grotesque sounds of thick fluids and black goo add layers of discomfort and suspense. As the film progresses to its more gruesome scenes, fearsome sound effects combine with intense imagery for a visceral one-two punch. The mix is well-executed, creating an appropriately eerie setting for the narrative. Additionally, optional English (SDH) subtitles are perfectly formatted with no syncing issues, ensuring accessibility without any technical drawbacks.

The Blu Ray extras for "Girl on the Third Floor" are presented in a standard keepcase with gory reversible cover artwork, lacking both a slipcover and inserts. Despite the minimal extras, the audio commentary stands out, providing in-depth insights from director/co-writer Travis Stevens. His commentary covers various facets such as location scouting around Chicago, casting decisions including CM Punk as the lead, shooting challenges in confined spaces, and thematic explorations of flawed masculinity. Although the sole participation of Stevens leaves some silent gaps that could have been bridged by additional contributors, the commentary remains engaging and informative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth insights by the director/co-writer Travis Stevens.
• Theatrical Trailer: Effective but contains spoilers.
• Teaser Trailer: Short and sweet.

"Girl on the Third Floor," directed by Travis Stevens, is an audacious blend of subverted genre tropes, macabre humor, and strong practical effects. It's an unexpected debut from Stevens, boasting competent direction that belies his first-timer status. Ex-pro wrestler Phil “C.M. Punk” Brooks delivers a surprisingly compelling performance as Don Koch—a man naively undertaking the renovation of a dilapidated Victorian house in Chicago's suburbs for his pregnant wife, Liz. The narrative's setup is richly layered with hints of danger through unsettling sounds, eerie warning signs, and unnerving neighbor interactions, expertly leading the audience into an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread.

As Don's renovations progress—or rather decline—the house's sinister demeanor gradually emerges. Subtle initial disturbances escalate into full-blown horrors, epitomized by rotting walls, rolling marbles, and grotesque hallucinations. The dynamic shifts further when the seductive neighbor, Sarah, heightens Don's downfall leading to infidelity and increasing the presence of corporeal terror within the house. The tension incrementally builds, morphing the film into a hybrid of "Evil Dead II," "The Shining," and Cronenberg-esque body horror. This tonal evolution remains engaging though some narrative twists and attempts at subverting clichés are less impactful.

Technically, "Girl on the Third Floor" shines with solid cinematography and top-notch practical effects that elevate its eerie atmosphere. The performances are uniformly strong, bolstering a storyline rife with subtext about male dominance and gender stereotyping. While some plot developments may fall flat and certain clichés persist despite attempts at subversion, the film overall does more right than wrong and may age better with time. Dark Sky Films' Blu-ray complements the movie with fantastic audio-visual quality, although it falls short in supplementary content.

"Girl on the Third Floor" delivers an engaging mix of practical effects and imaginative storytelling under the direction of first-time director Travis Stevens. The film’s premise revolves around an unassuming residence in Frankfurt, Illinois, which sports a dark history, once functioning as a brothel and being the site of two untimely deaths. Stevens leverages this intriguing backdrop to explore themes of deception and the unknown. The performances are outstanding, particularly by CM Punk, bringing a dimension of authenticity to the narrative. The film's technical craft shines in its visual choices, despite the confined setting, utilizing clever set designs such as false walls for gruesome effects and eclectic decorative choices to maintain viewer interest.

In terms of audio and visual presentation, Dark Sky’s Blu-ray transfer is adequate if not exceptional. The picture quality effectively highlights the film's haunting atmosphere, from the garish pink walls to the ominously floral wallpaper. However, the release could benefit from additional bonus content to enrich the home viewing experience. The audio commentary track stands out, offering insightful commentary from Stevens that delves into his creative process and the symbolic textures of the house. His efforts in encapsulating the trauma permeating the house’s history and character nuances contribute to a layered viewing experience.

To conclude, "Girl on the Third Floor" might appear overcooked in spots, but it compensates with robust performances, creative direction, and immersive practical effects. Genre enthusiasts, including fans of CM Punk, will find it particularly rewarding due to its unique ambition and atmospheric depth. Despite minor deficiencies in the supplemental features on Dark Sky’s Blu-ray release, the film itself remains a compelling addition to contemporary indie horror. If the premise intrigues you, this Blu-ray is certainly worth adding to your collection.