The Rift Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Rift," featuring a brand new 2016 HD master, boasts a notable improvement over its VHS predecessors. The AVC encoded image presented in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio offers a moody but clear visual experience. Detail clarity is impressively strong, particularly in facial particulars, set ornamentation, and cave explorations. The texture of the monster effects is also well-preserved, providing a satisfyingly goopy, rubbery appearance. Colors receive a significant refresh, especially with the steely blues found in submarine interiors and the powerful, almost black-lit warning lights. Skintones appear natural and delineation is robust, with only minimal debris from the source material affecting the overall quality.

Despite the substantial improvements in this 1.67:1 1080p presentation, it is not without its flaws. Some scenes suffer from softness that occasionally reduces the image to a high-quality DVD level while other scenes appear as fresh film scans with enhanced HD quality. The underwater special effects sequences tend to be particularly soft and lack depth, as do the blue-lit scenes on the Siren II bridge which may have been processed through filters, further diminishing depth. However, scenes with full lighting provide fantastic visuals, showcasing fine details such as dated hairstyles and the film’s modest production values. Film grain is consistently evident throughout without any application of DNR, an essential touch for maintaining authenticity. Although minor scratches and speckles are present on occasion, they are not significantly disruptive. Overall, this transfer offers a remarkable upgrade for an otherwise campy film.

The audio presentation of "The Rift" on Blu-ray is delivered through a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, which effectively captures the essence of the genre with a straightforward approach. Dialogue clarity is a standout, although the entire movie has been looped in post-production, leading to an occasional artificial quality in the dramatics. This results in a somewhat "rubber mouth" effect, where the dialogue doesn't always sync perfectly with the actors' lip movements. Despite this, the dialogue remains intelligible and well-defined throughout.

Sound effects in the mix provide satisfactory definition, especially in recreating submarine travel and water pressure, accompanied by sharp scoring and well-balanced instrumentation. The atmospherics successfully evoke the tight and strange environments of the story, with damp and icky-squishy audio effects that enhance the overall feel. Levels are managed well, ensuring that while action scenes are robust, they do not completely drown out dialogue. Fortunately, the audio track is free from age-related hiss or any noticeable wear and tear, maintaining a clean and unblemished auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Rift" are a fascinating collection of candid interviews and nostalgic reflections from the principal cast, each sharing unique insights into the film's production. Ray Wise reveals his diplomatic views on working with a Spanish-speaking crew under a limited budget, though he subtly hints at his disappointment with the special effects. Jack Scalia offers engaging anecdotes about his experiences with influential figures like Dino DeLaurentiis, recounting how he was cast and his subsequent struggle with smoking on set, reigniting a long-conquered habit. R. Lee Ermey's brief but unflinchingly honest segment provides a stark counterpoint, as he expresses his disdain for the film's direction and resource constraints. Additionally, trailers for "Endless Descent" and other films are included to round out this captivating package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Ray Wise Interview: The actor reflects on casting, the shoot, special effects and career anecdotes.
• Jack Scalia Interview: Detailed account of his casting and set experiences, with classic Hollywood stories.
• R. Lee Ermey Interview: A brief but candid critique of his experience.
• 'Endless Descent' Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.
• 'The Passage' Trailer: Additional film trailer.
• 'Killer Force' Trailer: Another additional film trailer.

"The Rift," directed by J.P. Simon, emerges as a low-budget sci-fi horror endeavor that attempts to channel the underwater suspense of its higher-budget contemporaries such as "The Abyss." Despite its financial constraints, the film manages to deliver a blend of campy thrills and vintage monster excitement, with Jack Scalia leading a production that is big on ambition, if not always on execution. The narrative centers on Wick Hayes (Scalia), a hotheaded submarine designer tasked with leading a rescue mission for his missing creation, Siren-1. With a crew of disparate personalities—including the gruff Captain Phillips (R. Lee Ermey) and bio-geneticist Nina (Deborah Adair)—the team navigates the treacherous depths in Siren-2, confronting both internal tensions and the horrifying creatures lurking below.

The movie’s special effects are distinctively B-movie, employing simple miniatures and practical effects that often edge into the territory of endearing silliness. Scenes featuring submarines dodging ice walls and engaging with monstrous adversaries heavily rely on the audience's suspension of disbelief, facilitated by a committed cast who add an earnest gravitas to the otherwise absurd proceedings. Jack Scalia's portrayal of Wick as a rugged yet improbable submarine genius juxtaposes well with R. Lee Ermey's grizzled military demeanor, while Ray Wise adds a layer of predictably enjoyable intrigue. Despite its narrative and visual limitations, "The Rift" embraces its role as an entertaining knock-off, complete with Styrofoam props and gooey creature designs.

As for the action, the film shifts from a slow-burn setup to an intensifying sequence of gore and panic. Submarine tensions and character conflicts take center stage initially but eventually give way to frantic battles against mutated sea monsters, incorporating elements like aggressive puppetry and visceral special effects. While the underlying premise stretches credibility, the creative zeal displayed in crafting grotesque monsters and ensuing chaos keeps viewers engaged. Ultimately, "The Rift" stands as an amusing, gore-laden homage to classic underwater terror flicks, offering a blend of nostalgic charm and B-movie thrills.

"The Rift" Blu-ray release is an intriguing addition for fans of B-movie science fiction. The film, directed by Juan Piquer Simón, offers a nostalgic trip into late 80s and early 90s cinema, complete with low-budget charm and a persistent sense of energy. While the movie's special effects, particularly the underwater imagery and creature designs, fall short of convincing, the cast's performances compensate, effectively conveying the escalating tensions in a way that binds the story together. The mystery elements are weak and genuine scares are absent, yet for those who appreciate schlocky sci-fi, "The Rift" delivers enjoyable entertainment.

Kino Lorber has managed to present "The Rift" with a surprisingly strong audiovisual quality on Blu-ray. The video transfer offers clarity that surpasses expectations, highlighting the era-specific aesthetic while maintaining integrity in visual delivery. The audio is clear and complements the unfolding drama effectively. Bonus materials on the disc, although not extensive, provide a decent supplement to the main feature, adding value for collectors and enthusiasts of the genre.

In conclusion, "The Rift" isn’t a masterpiece by conventional standards but serves its purpose as solid B-movie fare. It’s a film that thrives on its inherent cheesiness and manages to stay engaging through its runtime. Those who delight in campy, low-budget sci-fi will find this an enjoyable title to add to their collection. For everyone else, it remains an entertaining curiosity worth at least one viewing.