Incident in a Ghostland Blu-ray Review

"Incident in a Ghostland" arrives on Blu-ray with a widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and 1080p transfer utilizing the MPEG4 codec. The disc provides a meticulous digital image, exhibiting considerable detail in aspects such as skin textures and fabric weaves. Establishing shots of the location, including the gloomy fields and the eerie house, maintain sharp edges while close-ups, especially those featuring disturbing elements like dolls or wallpaper, retain a crisp definition without softening. The colors are slightly desaturated with a focus on earthy tones, which remain robust without color bleed. Flesh tones appear natural and reds deliver an intense, unsettling depth, particularly evident in scenes involving blood and bruises. Brightness and contrast are generally well-calibrated, delivering profound blacks, particularly in scenes set in the cellar, although intermittent grey blacks occasionally diminish frame depth. Whites are well managed with no clipping. The digital transfer is pristine with no discernable issues.

This Blu-ray edition from Arrow Video features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the specified 2.38:1 aspect ratio. The HD master, sourced from the filmmakers, appears to have been finished at a 2K Digital Intermediate, though specific camera equipment remains unidentified. Given the film's propensity for darkness, the high level of detail is notable, especially during viscerally unsettling scenes depicting characters' injuries. The overall color palette is deliberately subdued, with occasional slight sepia tones that lend a peculiar nostalgic feel to certain scenes. This intentional desaturation emphasizes the film's bleak and eerie atmosphere, effectively supporting the unsettling narrative tone throughout.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Incident in a Ghostland" delivers an impressively immersive auditory experience right from the start. Ambient sounds, such as the car engine running outside and the stereo effects of passing traffic, highlight the nuanced layering of external environments. This setup skillfully transitions into the house setting, where the mix intensifies to produce an eerie atmosphere. The judicious placement of creaks, bumps, and other subtle noises conveys a pervasive sense of foreboding, ensuring viewers remain on edge. Jump scares are executed with suitable loudness, enhanced by deep, penetrating bass that adds a staggering depth to the audio landscape.

The melancholic score is well integrated into the surround sound, spreading effectively through the side and rear channels to enrich the viewing experience. The dialogue is consistently clean, clear, and naturally rendered, with exemplary directionality that ensures it is never drowned out by other sound elements. Particularly notable is the oppressive audio environment created in scenes set in the cellar, which emerges as a standout example of atmospheric sound design. Overall, the mix successfully combines both subtle and striking elements to engage listeners fully and enhance the horror narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Incident in a Ghostland" offer an immersive behind-the-scenes experience with detailed insights into the filmmaking process. The standout feature, The Phantom Image, showcases over an hour of candid on-set footage, including discussions, camera setups, and makeup applications. A Point of View on Terror presents a 15-minute interview with director Pascal Laugier, revealing his creative process and personal inspirations. Music enthusiasts will appreciate At the Heart of the Film’s Music, a 26-minute exploration of the unique score, featuring commentary from Laugier and composers Georges Boukoff, Eric Chevallier, and Anthony d'Amario. Additionally, there are 9-minute interviews with Laugier and lead actresses Crystal Reed and Emilia Jones, offering further insights and praise for the film's production.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Phantom Image: An in-depth look at the making of the film.
• A Point of View on Terror: Interview with writer/director Pascal Laugier.
• At the Heart of the Film’s Music: Detailed examination of the film’s score.
• Interviews: Insights from Pascal Laugier, Crystal Reed, and Emilia Jones.
• Trailer: Promotional footage.

"Incident in a Ghostland" emerges as a provocative exploration by writer/director Pascal Laugier, who previously helmed the harrowing "Martyrs". French horror cinema is notorious for pushing boundaries, and this film continues the tradition with an intense blend of psychological terror and visceral brutality. The narrative follows a single mother and her two daughters who inherit an isolated house, only to be confronted by home invaders on their first night. The trauma they endure is hauntingly portrayed, setting the stage for a tension-laden plot filled with misdirection and unexpected twists. The film's progression skillfully oscillates between a terrifying reality and a seemingly supernatural dimension, keeping viewers on edge with expertly crafted suspense and horror elements.

However, "Incident in a Ghostland" isn't without its pitfalls. The transition from the frenzied horror of the home invasion to a more conventional supernatural storyline creates a jarring shift in tone. While the initial build-up is laden with pure, nerve-wracking terror, the subsequent return to reality feels somewhat diluted. It appears that Laugier's intent to balance psychological depth with physical horror might have led to an over-reliance on near torture porn levels of violence, which some may find excessive and detracting from the film’s more cerebral underpinnings. Despite this, there's an ingeniously disturbing narrative core that lies beneath the surface brutality, requiring viewers to sift through the graphic content to fully appreciate the film's thematic intricacies.

In summary, "Incident in a Ghostland" offers a compelling yet divisive cinematic experience. Laugier’s deft manipulation of storytelling mechanics, paired with deliberate pacing and intense atmospheric tension, delivers an unsettling journey. However, the film's balance between psychological horror and graphic violence might be polarizing, potentially overshadowing the nuanced story buried within its more sensationalist elements.

"Incident in a Ghostland," directed by Pascal Laugier, notable for his earlier work on "Martyrs" (2008), encapsulates the story of a harrowing home invasion experienced by a mother and her two daughters and the subsequent traumatic repercussions. The film's initial act is an intense exercise in tension and terror, as it effectively pulls the viewer into its disturbing narrative. However, as the plot progresses and shifts back to perceived 'reality,' it unfortunately loses some of its initial grip, slipping into more traditional horror tropes. Despite its unsettling concepts, the execution occasionally falls short, lacking sustained originality and vigor.

On the technical front, the Blu-ray set released by Arrow delivers a commendable package. The picture quality is pristine with a dark and brooding aesthetic, well-detailed visuals, and vibrant coloring augmenting the film's eerie atmosphere. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track is exceptional, delivering an immersive sound experience that enhances the tension with compelling clarity and impactful bass. Additionally, the set comes fully loaded with an array of extras, including behind-the-scenes content and insightful discussions with the cast and crew, offering valuable context for enthusiasts.

While "Incident in a Ghostland" may present some logical inconsistencies, it manages to sustain a riveting central premise that remains sufficiently disturbing. For home media collectors and horror aficionados, the Blu-ray release stands out for its solid technical merits and comprehensive supplementary materials. This blend of disturbing narrative elements and robust technical presentation ensures that the Blu-ray package is a valuable addition to any horror collection.