Regression Blu-ray Review

"Regression" receives a commendable 1080p transfer that aligns seamlessly with the film's somber and moody aesthetic. The video presentation demonstrates a controlled palette dominated by shades of black, dark blue, and gray, with sporadic injections of color appearing notably muted under consistent overcast lighting conditions. Detail preservation is notably steadfast, ensuring that both the sharpness in foregrounds and background elements are well-maintained throughout. Facial features and clothing textures are rendered with commendable clarity, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Technically, the transfer employs an AVC/MPEG-4 encoding at a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, resulting in a stable and clean image devoid of overt distractions. Contrast levels are balanced, with well-delineated shadows that do not suffer from crushing, even in the film’s darker scenes. While banding is occasionally noticeable during fades, it remains minor and unobtrusive. Incidents of aliasing, blocking, or compression issues are rare and do not detract from the visual integrity of the film. Black levels maintain depth and balance, further contributing to the visual consistency.

Flesh tones are portrayed naturally, without the interference of any discernible post-production tweaks. The black levels manage to avoid crushing, helping maintain a firm balance in dark scenes. While the overall color palette is drab and muted, aligning with the film’s thematic intent, there are no notable noise or artifact issues present. This Blu-ray transfer from Anchor Bay effectively upholds the film's visual integrity, delivering a visual experience that remains immersive and true to the director's vision.

The audio presentation of "Regression" on Blu-ray features a dynamic and immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Notable for its sound placement and stage manipulation, this mix excels in creating a detailed environment that enhances the tension and frights intrinsic to the movie's horror-thriller genre. The use of every channel is meticulous, with sounds maneuvering throughout the listening area, from static voices to the more unsettling ambient effects like driving rain and intricate office din. The fluid and precise movement of sounds are complemented by impressive ambient effects, detailed music spacing, and robust deep bass that supports key scenes effectively.

However, while the rear channels of this audio mix are particularly active and immersive, prioritizing these inputs over the front channels at times undermines the overall experience. Several scenes feature dialogue routed through the rear channels with heightened volume, contributing to an inventive yet uneven aural experience that can detract from the clarity of front-centric dialogue. Despite excellent clarity and prioritization typically provided to dialogue, this imbalance necessitates straining to make out certain conversations clearly when front and center channels are subdued. The LFE channel further enriches the auditory experience with powerful bass, though it occasionally overpowers dialogue originating from the front speakers.

Overall, the Blu-ray encapsulates the essence of "Regression" with a dynamic mix that captures its horror and detective elements proficiently. Effective surround sound presentation delivers great ambient rattles, especially during sinister scenes, enhancing the movie's atmospheric depth. Despite some imbalance issues between the front and rear channels, the sound design is inventive and immersive, delivering an engaging audio experience that aligns well with the movie's intent.

The Blu-ray release of "Regression" includes an assortment of short featurettes that provide a glimpse into the characters, cast, and technical aspects of the film. While the extras are succinct, covering roughly 10-15 minutes cumulatively, they offer thoughtful insights from the cast and crew. Ethan Hawke's featurette delves into his character's psychological nuances, while Emma Watson's segment explores the complexity and depth she brings to her role. Additionally, there’s a piece focusing on the ensemble cast, integrating content from other extras, and another detailing the film’s technical execution and storytelling vision. Though limited in scope, these extras offer worthwhile peeks behind the scenes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Ethan Hawke -- Bruce's Obsession: Cast and crew discuss Hawke's character and performance.
• Emma Watson -- The Complexity of Angela: Quick plot analysis and an overview of Watson's character.
• The Cast of Regression: Overview of the secondary characters using previous extras.
• The Vision of Regression: Examination of story elements, shooting specifics, and more.

Alejandro Amenábar's "Regression," inspired by real events, is a neo-noir film that delves into the dark themes of sexual abuse and satanic rituals. The plot follows Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) investigating Angela Gray's (Emma Watson) allegations against her father, involving suppressed memories and potential satanic rituals. The narrative unfolds methodically, interweaving psychological manipulation, regression therapy, and mass hysteria. Though thematically rich, the film's execution struggles with predictability and lacks deep engagement with its promising science vs. religion dichotomy. Amenábar's direction is competent, creating an unsettling atmosphere through visual style and mood, though it offers nothing groundbreaking.

The film benefits from solid technical details and performances. Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson deliver credible portrayals, despite the screenplay's limitations. Kenner, a skeptic initially, gradually finds himself drawn into the complexities of the case, while Dr. Raines (David Thewlis) performs aggressive regression therapy to unravel the mysteries. Filmed in bleak, dimly lit settings that enhance its ominous tone, "Regression" employs effective noir techniques augmented by Amenábar's distinctive use of surround sound, particularly during dream sequences. However, the screenplay falls short of fully exploring the schism between faith and science.

Overall, "Regression" succeeds in maintaining a gloomy, mysterious ambiance but ultimately does not reach its full potential as a psychological horror film. The plot's misdirections are foreseeable for genre-savvy viewers, reducing its emotional impact. Nevertheless, the movie remains mildly entertaining due to its neo-noir elements and Amenábar's adept direction. Though it pales compared to his earlier works like "The Others," "Regression" is a visually captivating film that effectively blends atmospheric dread with a compelling yet predictable central mystery.

"Regression" is a decent atmospheric thriller directed by Alejandro Amenábar that offers a somewhat engaging yet familiar narrative. The film excels in atmosphere, aided by expert photography and editing, and features solid performances from its cast. However, it struggles to achieve the level of complexity and originality needed to elevate it above other films in its genre. The plot, while mildly surprising in its destination, follows a predictable path that offers little in terms of groundbreaking storytelling.

The Blu-ray release by Anchor Bay provides high-quality video and compelling audio, though there are noted issues with the audio that some viewers may find distracting. Despite these minor setbacks, the technical execution of the movie's visual and sound design is commendable, creating a unique viewing experience. However, the Blu-ray disc falls short in terms of supplemental features, which might disappoint viewers looking for additional content.

In conclusion, "Regression" isn't a bad film. It's not a great film. The movie is effectively atmospheric, expertly photographed and edited, and home to several good performances. But it's not particularly challenging. Even if its inevitable destination isn't clear, the road towards it proves all too familiar. The movie works well enough to warrant a watch, but it's not destined to be remembered as a classic in its genre. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of "Regression" delivers solid video, engaging audio, and a few supplements. Definitely worth a rental and perhaps a purchase at an aggressively low price; there's just not a ton of replay value to the movie or the Blu-ray disc.