The Good Son Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "The Good Son" presents a 1080p HD image with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, showcasing what appears to be an older scan, likely stemming from the DVD era. While it noticeably improves upon previous home video releases, it falls short of contemporary standards. The AVC encoded presentation exhibits colors that feel somewhat muted and cool, doing a serviceable but uninspired job with the film's wintery locations and costumes. The palette is notably paler, lacking the vibrancy seen in more modern transfers, although there are warm interiors that break this trend. Skintones also suffer from a lack of richness, appearing lifeless at times.

Detail is present but unremarkable; close-ups reveal freckles on the young actors and textures on props like white masks, yet overall sharpness remains modest. Wider shots lack depth, imparting a somewhat flat visual experience. Delineation struggles, particularly during evening sequences that result in mild solidification and banding issues. The black levels do not reach the deep, inky quality one might expect. Additionally, the condition of the source material shows its age, with occasional debris and dirt detected throughout the presentation.

Overall, while the Blu-ray offers a step up from previous editions in detail and clarity, it still doesn't reach the premium quality typical of modern high-definition releases. With an older scan at its foundation, the video presentation does only a passable job of capturing the atmospheric elements and detailed nuances that fans may hope for in a high-quality Blu-ray release.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix of "The Good Son" demonstrates a robust and engaging audio presentation, primarily driven by Elmer Bernstein's commanding score. The orchestration is compelling and dramatic, with precise instrumentation that enhances the film's tense atmosphere. Dialogue exchanges are consistently clean and highly intelligible, from whispered threats to violent outbursts, ensuring clarity throughout. The sound effects are rendered with impressive sharpness, providing realistic auditory experiences such as the shattering of glass or the forceful impact of a multi-car crash, complete with a pronounced low end.

Ambient sounds play a significant role in immersing the viewer into the scenes, with environmental noises such as crashing waves, blowing wind, and rustling leaves effectively captured to add depth and realism. The balance between ambient sounds and the musical score is well-managed, with Bernstein’s compositions significantly heightening the dramatic tension of each scene. Notably, the audio mix is free from distortions such as pops, cracks, hiss, and shrills. One minor drawback is a brief audio drop-out at the six-minute mark on the left channel, though it is fleeting and does not substantially detract from the overall quality.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Good Son" offer a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production, delivering insightful commentary from key figures. Director Joseph Ruben and cinematographer John Lindley discuss their vision for the feature, the significance of location changes during the pivotal cliff scene, and share unique anecdotes about Macaulay Culkin’s on-set behaviors. Actors Wendy Crewson and Daniel Hugh Kelly recall the casting process and the challenges faced due to Kit Culkin’s demanding presence. David Morse provides an intriguing perspective despite his limited screen time, reflecting on his experience working near his childhood home and offering candid thoughts on the Culkins’ family dynamics. These personal insights, paired with the theatrical trailer, create a rich context around the movie's creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Director Joseph Ruben and Cinematographer John Lindley: A discussion focusing on the creative direction, location choices, and on-set experiences.
• Interview with Actors Wendy Crewson and Daniel Hugh Kelly: Casting memories and challenges faced during production, particularly related to Macaulay Culkin.
• Interview with Actor David Morse: Reflections on his brief role, local production context, and observations about co-stars.
• Theatrical Trailer: A promotional glimpse at the film in standard definition.

"The Good Son," a film that initially relied on the novelty of Macaulay Culkin’s transition from a cherubic star to a menacing villain, now stands up to reevaluation decades after its release. The story follows Mark (Elijah Wood), who, after losing his mother, is sent to live with his Uncle Wallace (Daniel Hugh Kelly). He befriends his cousin Henry (Culkin), whose charming exterior masks a dark malevolence. The narrative pairs the innocence of childhood against an underlying tone of pure evil, as Mark becomes increasingly aware of Henry's sadistic tendencies.

Transitioning between the potentially endearing and unsettling nature of children’s behavior, director Joseph Rubin faces the challenge of balancing a film that can quickly veer into exploitation. Rubin downplays the darker sides, leaving Henry’s motivations largely unexplored. This lack of background offers no education on Henry’s depravity and presents him as a shallow sociopath, compromised by underdeveloped character arcs. The screenplay falters by failing to negotiate the complexity of Henry’s actions or the diverse manifestations of Mark’s grief.

Despite its foundational flaws, "The Good Son" showcases solid performances from its young leads. The film's central premise stands as a testament to what it could have been with stronger direction and character structure. While the narrative sometimes delves into cliché and suffers from loose storytelling, it remains intriguing to witness Wood and Culkin against such stark thematic backdrops. However, the absence of coherent motivation and insufficiently explored set-ups reflect the tumultuous production background, mirroring how the film struggles to align its disturbing concept with psychological depth.

"The Good Son" on Blu-ray falls short of its potential despite showing promising elements. The transfer quality is commendable but not exceptional, providing a clean visual presentation that lacks the vibrant detailing some may expect from other contemporary releases. Audio clarity is sufficient but not particularly noteworthy, offering an unremarkable but serviceable listening experience. The film’s suspense sequences — such as Henry triggering a highway pile-up and attempting to send his sister into icy waters — are executed adequately, yet they fail to deliver the needed punch. Macaulay Culkin's portrayal of Henry, unfortunately, comes off as stiff and contrived, lacking the menace that would truly elevate the role. Elijah Wood, however, gives a credible performance that offers some respite.

In terms of special features, the three included interviews stand out as highlights, offering valuable insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives which can be more engaging than the film itself. The movie suffers from creative misalignments and hurried execution, primarily due to production constraints and external influences, particularly Macaulay Culkin’s father. The narrative feels disjointed, with insufficient development of the main characters making it difficult for viewers to form substantial connections or find them relatable. This lack of depth detracts from the film’s ambition to explore psychological corruption and evil.

In conclusion, "The Good Son" attempts to balance between being a suspenseful chiller and a narrative on psychological intrigue but ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression due to its inconsistencies and superficial character development. The Blu-ray edition offers an acceptable visual and audio performance with notable special features that add some value. While it may not be a must-own for every collection, it is worth considering for those interested in seeing Macaulay Culkin's attempt at a darker role or fans of Elijah Wood's early work.