Antibirth Blu-ray Review
Score: 58
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
"Antibirth offers strong visuals and audio, but the film's disjointed narrative and lackluster extras make it a rental at best for hardcore horror fans."
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 75
Antibirth’s Blu-ray release by Scream Factory boasts a crisp, detailed 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 aspect ratio, delivering sharp visuals with vivid closeups and engaging neon colors. Despite some murkiness in darker scenes, the overall image quality is stellar, showcasing natural skin tones and excellent depth without compression issues.
Audio: 68
Antibirth's Blu-ray features both DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo audio tracks, showcasing a well-balanced mix that enhances immersion with dynamic surround effects and a clear dialogue reproduction. The rear channels vividly capture ambient noises, while the soundtrack enriches each scene. English and Spanish subtitles are available for clarity.
Extra: 21
The Blu-ray extras for 'Antibirth' include unabridged TV infomercials (3:05, 1080p), storyboard images (10:00, 1080p), the official theatrical trailer (2:03, 1080p), and previews of other Scream titles, all presented in high-definition for a detailed and enhanced viewing experience.
Movie: 37
"Antibirth" delivers a trippy blend of conspiracy theories, military undertones, bizarre pregnancies, and drug-fueled hallucinations, but suffers from a scattered narrative and thin script despite strong performances by Natasha Lyonne and Chloë Sevigny. The grotesque practical effects and psychedelic visuals are standouts, yet they can't entirely salvage the film's meandering plot.
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Video: 75
The Blu-ray presentation of "Antibirth," released by Scream Factory, boasts an impressive visual quality. The AVC-encoded BD-25 disc maintains a consistent average bitrate of 23994 kbps within the total bitrate of 30.31 Mbps. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio from film festivals like Sundance, the transfer demonstrates Scream Factory's standard of excellence for their IFC Midnight titles. Blacks are deep, achieving a shadowy yet detailed look without crushing, though there is some murkiness in lower-lit scenes.
The 1080p HD transfer offers remarkable clarity and detail. Closeups reveal fine details such as individual hairs and intricate makeup effects, whereas the texture of clothing, like Sevigny's jacket, is clearly discernible. Environments display a solid depth, rendering multi-dimensional spaces with smooth and natural character movements. Colors appear vibrant and lifelike, especially during hallucinatory sequences featuring bright neon hues. Reds and pinks particularly stand out. Skin tones remain consistently natural, showcasing facial details such as veins and wrinkles with excellent clarity.
"Antibirth" avoids significant compression issues, ensuring the visual experience is clean and stable. The color reproduction is both full and vibrant when required, adding a lifelike quality to the film's various hues, primarily browns and highlights of pink and yellow. Overall, the disc sports a highly commendable video presentation, perfect for both technical aficionados and casual viewers alike.
Audio: 68
The Blu-ray release of "Antibirth" features robust audio options, including DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (2837 kbps) and DTS-HD Master 2.0 Stereo (1591 kbps). The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix shines with dynamic soundscapes, particularly during the film's numerous musical sequences and sound effects. This track effectively uses rear speakers to immerse viewers in ambient noises such as bowling alleys and party scenes. The deep, gooey audio effects during the film's climactic moments are remarkably full and visceral. The natural environmental sounds, from club beats to seedy party atmospheres, significantly enhance the viewing experience.
Dialogue reproduction across both audio tracks is predominately clear, though some mumbling and slang usage may necessitate the use of English SDH subtitles, which are both accurate and thorough. Optional Spanish subtitles are also included, adding accessibility for a broader audience. Throughout the presentation, there are no noticeable audio artifacts such as pops, cracks, hisses, or shrills, indicating a clean and well-mastered audio track.
In terms of dynamic range and low-frequency extension, the score and musical stings contribute significantly, delivering deep sounds that resonate powerfully. The surround sound presentation is particularly impressive, with effective transference of motion and action across speakers, making the 5.1 mix a palpable treat for audiophiles. Overall, this audio presentation is well-mixed, providing a rich and immersive auditory experience that truly brings "Antibirth" to life.
Extras: 21
The Blu-ray edition of "Antibirth" includes a modest yet compelling assortment of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The Psychedelic Shorts feature presents the full versions of the eerie TV infomercials seen in the film, providing a deeper dive into its surreal world. Meanwhile, the Storyboards segment offers invaluable insight into the film's pre-visualization process by displaying comprehensive images of the storyboards used during production. Lastly, the Theatrical Trailer gives audiences a preview of the film's intriguing and horror-filled aesthetic.
Extras included in this disc:
- Psychedelic Shorts: Full-form TV infomercials seen in the film.
- Storyboards: Scrolling images of the film’s storyboard art.
- Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer showcasing "Antibirth."
Movie: 37
"Antibirth," Danny Perez’s directorial debut, is a singularly peculiar foray into body-horror, ensconced in an atmosphere soaked with hallucinogenic visuals and a plot thick with conspiracy theories. Natasha Lyonne’s Lou, a pill-popping, heavy-drinking misfit, wakes up from a chaotic night only to discover she might be unnaturally pregnant. The film orchestrates an odd blend of comedy and horror, all set against the backdrop of Lou's muddled existence and her interactions with her best friend Sadie (Chloë Sevigny), who share their time consuming various substances and unraveling into paranoia.
With the inclusion of Meg Tilly as Lorna—an enigmatic character versed in conspiracy theories—the narrative attempts to piece together a semblance of coherence amidst its trippy chaos. Tilly brings some much-needed gravitas to the film, endeavoring to elucidate the bizarre symptoms Lou experiences, which oscillate between humorous and horrific. The film’s portrayal of Lou’s development—both figuratively and literally as she grapples with the inexplicable pregnancy—provides intermittent moments of intrigue and absurdity. However, despite a promising start and solid performances, Perez’s script struggles to maintain substance, leaving characters underserved and plotlines undeveloped.
Perez's aesthetic choices, while visually captivating with their Lynchian influence and sporadic bursts of psychedelic imagery, fail to compensate for the fragmented narrative. His directing style veers through elongated takes interspersed with abrupt cuts, which although intended to heighten disorientation, sometimes come off as overly chaotic. Despite its flaws, "Antibirth" finds redemption in its practical effects and the infectious chemistry of Lyonne and Sevigny. Their dynamic brings some levity to an otherwise convoluted plot, making the viewing experience bearably entertaining for audience members inclined toward offbeat horror. Yet, even with intermittent peaks of potential, "Antibirth" ultimately meanders and falls short of delivering a cohesive or impactful genre experience.
Total: 58
"Antibirth," directed by Danny Perez, has garnered mixed reviews from both professional critics and general audiences. While the film attempts to weave together elements of horror, conspiracy theories, and dark humor, it often struggles with maintaining a coherent narrative. The screenplay's slow build-up can make the film feel unnecessarily lengthy, although it does provide some entertaining and memorable scenes. The cast's performance stands out, with notable chemistry between the leads, which is one of the film’s stronger aspects.
On the technical front, the Blu-ray release of "Antibirth" delivers high marks in visual and audio quality. The transfer is clean, with good color accuracy and sharpness, enhancing the film's psychedelic and grotesque aesthetic. The audio mix is solid, providing a clear and immersive experience. However, the supplementary materials are rather lackluster and don't add much value to the overall package. While most users reported smooth playback, one review mentioned menu functionality issues on a specific 4K UHD player, though these were manageable.
In conclusion, "Antibirth" might appeal to hardcore fans of indie horror and those who appreciate unconventional filmmaking. Scream Factory has done a commendable job with the Blu-ray presentation, but given the film’s polarizing content, it's advisable to rent it before committing to a purchase. Only those with a particular interest in offbeat horror cinema are likely to find sustained enjoyment in this release.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Stephen LarsonRead review here
Video: 90
Scream presents the film in the aspect ratio that it was presented in at Sundance and other film festivals: 1.85:1....
Audio: 70
The characters in Antibirth frequently mumble (speaking in slang or with incomplete sentences) so be sure to switch on the English SDH....
Extras: 30
Storyboards (10:00, 1080p) - Scrolling images of storyboards that were drawn for the film....
Movie: 10
The problem with Antibirth is that Perez's thin script doesn't give the actors any viable material to work with and as a result, nothing of any consequence happens to their characters for the first forty-five...
Total: 30
I truly believe that the small audience that Perez was trying to reach will fail to find a kernel of redeeming value....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Detail is sharp and vivid throughout with excellent closeups that reveal individual hairs and gory makeup effects....
Audio: 80
Some of the characters speak fast and mumble their lines, so the English subtitles might be of some help....
Extras: 0
...
Movie: 60
If the plot-lines of the pregnancy, conspiracy theories, or any of the character's actions in the film can't hold your attention, the gory and bloody practical effects will certainly keep you on edge,...
Total: 60
It feels a bit long due to the slow buildup for the script as well, but there are still some entertaining scenes to be had here....
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 90
Tonally, most of the color in the film give a lifelike quality and feel to it all in the shapes of browns and like....
Audio: 90
There is a lot of talking in the movie, but the natural element and environmental work done to bring it to life is a real treat....
Extras: 20
Antibirth is a 2-Disc set that comes with the DVD edition of the film as well as reversible cover art showcasing an alternate poster design....
Movie: 50
Maybe pulling from experience, but she truly brings this character on a bender, constantly wasted, to life with such ease....
Total: 50
Though I wasn’t the biggest fan of it, I truly did enjoy the chemistry and performances of the two leads....
Director: Danny Perez
Actors: Natasha Lyonne, Chloë Sevigny, Meg Tilly
PlotIn a dilapidated town plagued by drugs and despair, Lou, a hard-partying, perpetually intoxicated woman, finds herself confronted with a bizarre and dangerous mystery. After a wild night of partying, Lou begins to experience strange symptoms, including horrific hallucinations, uncontrollable physical transformations, and severe pain. With no recollection of what happened or how she got pregnant, she must piece together the events of that fateful night. Alongside her is her best friend Sadie, whose own questionable choices and connections further complicate their search for answers.
As Lou’s condition rapidly worsens, she encounters Lorna, a mysterious stranger with an eerie knowledge of the unexplained phenomena affecting her. Together, they delve into the dark underbelly of their town, uncovering layers of conspiracy, hidden experiments, and a tangled web of danger that extends far beyond their initial understanding. Racing against time and her body’s inexplicable changes, Lou must confront the truth behind her surreal predicament before it consumes her entirely.
Writers: Danny Perez
Release Date: 02 Sep 2016
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Canada, United States
Language: English