Wrong Turn Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Wrong Turn" arrives with a 1080p/AVC encoded transfer that can only be described as underwhelming. Despite the expectations for a significant enhancement over its standard definition counterpart, the resulting image quality falls short. The overall presentation suffers from a notable lack of detail and sharpness, with a softness pervasive throughout both medium shots and close-ups. The telltale signs of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) mar the transfer, leading to smeary and indistinct facial textures and an absence of natural grain structure, failing to capture the gritty aesthetic typical of 1970s horror films.

Color reproduction on this disc leaves much to be desired as well. Hues that should be rich and stable, like forest greens and character clothing, appear weak and diluted. Black levels, essential for maintaining depth in a horror title, are inconsistent—oscillating between crushing shadow detail and appearing washed-out. Although there are some improvements in the delineation where visible details in dark shadows are better defined, the overall resolution remains lacking. Enhancements such as better-defined lines in distant objects and tree foliage do little to elevate the transfer from appearing like an upscaled DVD.

Overall, while "Wrong Turn" on Blu-ray does see slight improvements in contrast and color vibrancy with a more varied palette, it fails to meet high-definition standards. The clarity and sharpness issues hinder the visual experience, making it difficult to appreciate any potential enhancements fully. In the end, this transfer is passable for casual viewing but falls significantly short for those seeking a robust high-definition experience.

"Wrong Turn" delivers a commendable audio performance, distinguishing itself in its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. This soundtrack captures the setting's essence with woodsy ambiance, including cicadas, rustling leaves, and birds originating from the surround channels. Discrete effects like car engines, gunshots, and explosions transition smoothly from front to back, immersing the listener. Foley effects, such as hatchets and saws, are rendered with grisly detail. Dialogues are clear and blend seamlessly within the mix. The music, though forgettable, is offset by a robust low-end presence that frequently engages the LFE channel.

Fans will appreciate the strong dialogue reproduction that remains intelligible amidst loud action sequences. Front channels exhibit excellent fluidity and separation, capturing off-screen actions with convincing accuracy. The seamless panning and movement between channels enhance the atmospheric immersion. Rear surrounds are active throughout, vividly portraying wind, distant bird calls, and the unnerving laughter of Three-Finger. Low-frequency effects deliver a heavy punch, grounding scenes with realistic presence and adding an intensity that elevates the horror experience. Overall, while the visual quality may be disappointing, this audio presentation offers an exciting ride through the Appalachian wilderness.

The Blu-ray extras for "Wrong Turn" provide an entertaining but somewhat superficial glimpse into the making of the film. Predominantly recycling content from the 2003 DVD release, these features are all presented in standard definition. The commentary by director Rob Schmidt and actors Eliza Dushku and Desmond Harrington is light-hearted and filled with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, though it may not be very enlightening for those looking for in-depth information. The "Fresh Meat: The Wounds of 'Wrong Turn'" featurette stands out, offering an insightful look at Stan Winston's special effects work. Other segments like "The Making of 'Wrong Turn'" and "Eliza Dushku: Babe in the Woods" are more promotional than informative, and the deleted scenes add little value. Overall, while not groundbreaking, these extras are a pleasant way to spend about half an hour for fans of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Rob Schmidt, Eliza Dushku, and Desmond Harrington: Informal and entertaining discussions filled with film anecdotes.
• Deleted Scenes: Three unused scenes, mostly redundant to the final cut.
• Fresh Meat: The Wounds of Wrong Turn: Insightful overview of the make-up and special effects by Stan Winston.
• Featurette: Making of Wrong Turn: Standard promotional material with minimal behind-the-scenes insight.
• Eliza Dushku: Babe in the Woods: Promotional content focusing on the actress and her character.
• Stan Winston Featurette: Career highlights and personal insights from the legendary special effects artist.
• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.

Rob Schmidt's "Wrong Turn" immerses viewers in the desolate wilderness of West Virginia, channeling the classic vibes of backwoods horror. At its core is a straightforward yet effective plot: a group of young, hapless city dwellers, including medical student Chris (Desmond Harrington) and recently single Jessie (Eliza Dushku), find themselves stranded in the Appalachian forest. Their troubles begin with a car crash and escalate quickly as they realize they are prey to a clan of brutal inbred mutants—a grim nod to urban legends and folk horror. From here, the film dives headlong into survival horror, punctuated by relentless chases and gruesome kills.

The cinematography captures the rugged landscape well, setting a tense atmosphere even though the direction largely adheres to conventional horror tropes. The visceral and gory special effects stand out, reminding audiences of genre staples like "The Hills Have Eyes" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." A notable aspect is the internal dynamics of the stranded group, who exhibit more depth than typical one-note characters in similar films. Harrington's stoic portrayal contrasts with Dushku, who earns viewer sympathy as she showcases some scream-queen grit. The decision to dispatch the less likable characters early on helps maintain focus on the remaining survivors, enhancing the film's engagement.

While “Wrong Turn” doesn’t break new ground, it offers a solid mix of creature-feature thrills and slasher elements. Schmidt's workmanlike direction is punctuated by compelling sequences within the killers' eerie cabin, where the film's tension peaks. Though aiming to emulate the raw intensity of 1970s horror classics, it falls short of their cultural resonance and originality. Even so, with practical effects that would garner Stan Winston's approval, “Wrong Turn” delivers enough scares and suspense to fulfill its premise. It’s a competent homage to its cinematic forebears, making it a worthwhile watch for genre aficionados.

"Wrong Turn" on Blu-ray is positioned as a straightforward slasher horror flick that draws on urban legend roots. While it appeals to a niche horror aficionado audience, it falls short in several areas. The Blu-ray transfer is notably underwhelming, with picture quality exhibiting minimal improvement over the DVD version. This lack of enhancement undermines the visual impact that fans might expect from a high-definition offering.

However, the release does score some points with its audio performance. The lossless audio track is robust and adds a dynamic layer to the film that was missing in previous formats, enhancing the overall viewing experience. On the downside, the supplemental package fails to deliver new content, merely replicating what was available in earlier editions—a missed opportunity to offer fans additional insights or behind-the-scenes footage that could have enriched the package.

In conclusion, unless you are a die-hard fan of "Wrong Turn," this Blu-ray edition may not justify the investment. Its unimpressive transfer and meager bonus features make it difficult to recommend over existing versions. As an alternative, holding off for the upcoming box set later this year might be a more prudent choice for collectors and enthusiasts. Ah, West Virginia, home of the Mothman. Someday you'll get the cinematic break that you deserve. "Wrong Turn" certainly isn't it.