Tormented Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Tormented 3D" by Well Go USA presents the film in a mixed visual quality, utilizing MVC (3D) and AVC (2D) encoded 1080p transfers. Presented in 1.78:1 and 1.85:1 aspect ratios, Chris Doyle's cinematography doesn't completely translate well onto Blu-ray. The transfer suffers from an unexpectedly soft image, underwhelming contrast, and a milky white overlay that diminishes fine details. The color grading, while vigorous, tends to desaturate the image, further exacerbating the softness and murkiness.

Although the 3D presentation fares slightly better, offering a commendable sense of depth and spatial information, it too is constrained by the overall dullness of the transfer. Sequences like the one featuring a spiral staircase and a 3D movie theater exhibit noteworthy immersion and depth effects, but even these high points are let down by the generally vague and uninteresting image. Dark colors, grain layers, and the lack of vibrant hues make the presentation appear flat, even during daylight scenes. Despite Takashi Shimizu's intent to leverage 3D technology for added atmospheric horror, the overall video quality fails to impress beyond the occasional standout moment.

The audio presentation of "Tormented" on Blu-ray is notable for its high-quality lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which substantially enhances the viewing experience. The mix is exceptionally dynamic, featuring deep, fulsome low-frequency effects that heighten tension and dramatic moments. Directionality and discrete channelization are skillfully employed, allowing sound effects to pan effectively across channels, creating an immersive soundstage. Noteworthy instances include the startling foley effects like the rock hitting the bunny head, adding a layer of realism and impact.

Kiriko's narration and the film's minimal dialogue are consistently clear, anchored firmly in the front speakers without any hissing or distortion. The score by Kenji Kawai is meticulously integrated, utilizing surround channels to build an unsettling atmosphere. Fidelity is spot-on, maintaining high sound quality across the board. The rear and surround speakers are used judiciously to amplify scare effects, leveraging the full spectrum of the audio setup to keep viewers on edge. Overall, this audio track is a stark contrast to the video quality and serves as a compelling reason to experience "Tormented."

The extras featured on the Blu-ray edition of "Tormented" offer a well-rounded and insightful addition to the viewing experience, albeit with some minor repetitive content and limited scope. The provided features are a mix of high-definition trailers and engaging, albeit brief, snippets offering behind-the-scenes insights. While the technical presentation is consistently robust and contributes meaningfully to understanding the film's production context, the overall brevity of the extras leaves room for more in-depth exploration. Nonetheless, the included content is presented with professional polish and technical proficiency that should satisfy enthusiasts looking for additional context to this horror flick.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The official promotional trailer for the film, presented in HD.

Takashi Shimizu, known for his influential Ju-On series, directs Tormented, a 2011 Japanese horror film that delves into psychological and supernatural horror with a distinct visual style. The film commences with a disturbingly graphic scene where young Daigo, played convincingly by Takeru Shibuya, crushes a rabbit with a rock, setting the tone for a narrative steeped in eerie moments and unsettling imagery. Subsequently, Daigo's mute sister Kiriko (Hikari Mitsushima) becomes deeply enmeshed in his surreal experiences, blending reality with fantastical elements driven by a sinister presence—a giant, menacing bunny. The characters’ interactions unfold under the shadow of their dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly their father’s obsession with creating pop-up books, an element that Shimizu uses to tenuously link to broader themes of storytelling and loss.

However, the film’s plot navigates an inconsistent path that often strays into the implausible. The introduction of the giant bunny—a literal embodiment of fear—injects a level of absurdity that oscillates between horrifying and laughable. Shimizu’s direction excels in cultivating an atmospheric dread, complemented by Kenji Kawai’s moody score and an aggressive sound mix, both of which are pivotal in delivering the film’s sporadic scares. Yet these moments are undercut by a sluggish, sometimes incoherent narrative that dilutes its potential impact on viewers who might find scenes more farcical than frightening.

Notably, Kiriko’s and Daigo’s performances elevate the script's emotional resonance despite its limitations. Mitsushima effectively conveys her protective instincts toward her brother in a mute role, while Shibuya’s believable performance as a haunted child contributes significantly to the film's eerie ambiance. Tormented is ultimately a mixed bag—a film that resonates in parts due to Shimizu’s atmospheric prowess but stumbles over its convoluted plot and occasional lapses into unintentional comedy. For fans of J-horror seeking mood and style over coherent narrative and frights, Tormented might still offer a worthwhile experience.

'Tormented' presents a mixed bag of experiences for horror aficionados and casual viewers alike. The film’s central premise stands as a very intriguing concept, offering an appealing twist halfway through that genuinely enhances its narrative depth. However, the execution falls short due to an odd combination of elements that fail to cohere into a truly spooky experience. Though Shimizu's direction showcases outstanding camera work and adept usage of slow-building tension, the film’s impact is significantly diluted by the unconvincing portrayal of the antagonist, particularly the awkward appearance of a giant rabbit suit which inhibits the momentum of fear.

On the technical front, 'Tormented's Blu-ray release leaves much to be desired. The video presentation is notably subpar, lacking the visual clarity and definition typically expected from a high-definition transfer. While the 3D effect offers some immersive moments, it does little to salvage the lackluster visual quality. In contrast, the audio mix is commendably robust, delivering a well-conceived score and sound design that enhance the overall atmosphere and unease integral to the film's genre. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray edition is scant on supplementary content, offering merely a trailer as an extra, which adds minimal value to prospective buyers.

Conclusion: If 'Tormented' had refrained from the bunny angle, it could have been a seriously spooky and entertaining film, as its central conceit offers a sound plot twist partway through. Yet, witnessing a guy in a ridiculous rabbit suit wandering makes the film humorously absurd, diluting its potential scare factor. The Blu-ray is further marred by an unsatisfactory video presentation, but it serves as an instructive example for students on how good sound mixing and scoring can enhance a film. For viewers intrigued by its premise, renting 'Tormented' before considering a purchase would be prudent.