Thale Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Thale" presents a visually engaging, albeit imperfect, high-definition experience. Shot digitally, the appearance suggests the use of high-end consumer-grade equipment rather than professional cinematic cameras like the Arri Alexa or Red series. Nevertheless, the 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer delivers a decently clean image with commendable detail, especially in outdoor sequences where forest landscapes are breathtakingly detailed and evoke a palpable sense of isolation. The bitrate averages around 28.77 Mbps, effectively mitigating any compression artifacts.

However, the digital filming reveals some drawbacks, such as the film often resembling home video footage, which may detract from its cinematic appeal. The contrast tends to run hotter, leading to blooming highlights and minor posterization on shiny surfaces. While this occasionally diminishes finer details, the black levels remain deep, and the color palette is largely accurate, with primary colors appearing particularly bold and bright. Indoor scenes, albeit poorly lit and often tinted with sickly yellows and greens, heighten the sense of claustrophobia and danger central to the narrative. Despite some complexion issues and a somewhat lifeless general tone attributed to budgetary constraints, the presentation remains watchable and engaging for viewers interested in this unique folklore-inspired film.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "Thale," in its original Norwegian, showcases a subtile and sophisticated sound design. The careful layering of dialogue and ambient noises contributes to an immersive experience. Dialogue and breathing are meticulously alternated with the unsettling sounds originating from tapes found in the cabin basement, as well as otherworldly sounds associated with Thale herself. Outdoor scenes include nuanced rustlings that move through the sound field, designed to unsettle viewers. The DTS-HD MA track adeptly conveys these intricately woven sound elements, complementing the story effectively.

Despite its subtle design, the audio track harnesses the surrounds impressively for good directionality. From forest creatures to objects shifting in closed rooms, the sound field is both wide and eerily engaging. While the mid-range may feel limited and occasionally inconsistent, the overall mix retains excellent clarity and detail. The bass isn't prominent but offers mild low-end extension during key scenes, adding weight and depth to the narrative. Dialogue reproduction is clear and centered, ensuring intelligibility even for non-Norwegian speakers. The English dub track in Dolby Digital 2.0 doesn't hold up as well, with voices that feel miscast for characters Leo and Elvis. The sparse yet effective musical score by Raymond Enoksen and Geirmund Simonsen further enriches the experience, making the high-resolution audio track a notable component of this Blu-ray release.

The extras for the Blu-ray edition of "Thale" are minimal and primarily promotional in nature. Both reviewers noted that the disc includes the film's theatrical trailer in high definition, which is the sole dedicated supplement available. Additionally, upon startup, the disc automatically plays three high-definition trailers for other films, namely "The Thompsons," "Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes," and "Outpost: Black Sun," though these are skippable via the chapter forward button and not accessible after the disc has fully loaded. The presentation is straightforward but lacks substantive bonus content beyond these previews.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Official preview of "Thale."
• Startup Trailers: Automatic previews for "The Thompsons," "Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes," and "Outpost: Black Sun."

"Thale," a film by Norwegian director Aleksander Nordaas, is an intriguing blend of fantasy and horror rooted deeply in Scandinavian folklore. Nordaas, embodying the spirit of a true auteur, has crafted a film that is both minimalist and atmospheric, utilizing a small cast and limited locations to their fullest potential. The story revolves around two forensic cleaners, Leo and Elvis, who stumble upon a strange woman named Thale in a hidden basement. The film's narrative unravels gradually, focusing more on the eerie journey than the destination. Nordaas deftly draws inspiration from the legend of the huldra, a mythical forest creature, creating a contemporary tale filled with suspense and subtle hints of horror.

In terms of characterization, Leo (Jon Sigve Skard) is portrayed as the seasoned professional, unfazed by the grizzly nature of his work, while Elvis (Erlend Nervold) is the antithesis, providing moments of dark humor with his queasy stomach. This dynamic between the two characters not only adds depth to the narrative but also offers a stark contrast to the ethereal Thale (Silje Reinåmo), whose mysterious silence and supernatural abilities captivate and unsettle. The gradual revelation of Thale’s mythological origins through shared flashbacks effectively maintains audience intrigue and contributes to a pervasive sense of mystery.

From a technical standpoint, Nordaas’s resourcefulness shines through despite budgetary constraints. The minimal use of CGI, though at times appearing unpolished, works to the film's advantage by keeping the focus on character interactions and atmospheric tension rather than on special effects. However, the pacing does falter slightly in the second act, momentarily slowing the narrative. Despite this minor setback, "Thale" remains an engaging low-budget film that effectively marries horror with folklore, offering an atmospheric experience that keeps viewers on edge while exploring deeper themes of humanity and myth.

"Thale" intriguingly draws on Scandinavian folklore, focusing on a pair of friends who stumble upon a mysterious huldra in the forest. Its success hinges on the atmospheric mystery encircling Thale's origin and life, making it a captivating watch for fans of folklore-based storytelling. The narrative thrives on suggestion and the subtle interactions between characters, distinguishing it from more bombastic entries in the genre. This minimalist approach, necessitated by budget constraints, allows for creative storytelling that is often overlooked in contemporary cinema.

The Blu-ray release presents an adequate visual experience, capturing the film's dark ambiance with reasonable clarity. However, it truly shines through its audio quality, enhancing the immersive aspect of the forest setting and the eerie undertones of the film. While there's a notable absence of extensive special features, the inclusion of a trailer and DVD copy offers minimal added value. This bare-bones approach might not appeal to those seeking an in-depth exploration of the film's production.

In conclusion, "Thale" is a film that may divide audiences. While it may not satisfy viewers looking for traditional horror and fantasy thrills, its thoughtful execution and inventive storytelling are commendable. Director Aleksander L. Nordaas showcases a rare finesse in utilizing minimal resources to engage viewers' minds rather than merely their senses. Recommended for those who appreciate nuanced, character-driven narratives, "Thale" is best approached as a rental for a brief yet enriching experience.