Vile Blu-ray Review
Score: 49
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Vile offers a Saw-like experience, though the Blu-ray's video is uneven and the audio disappointingly lossy.
Disc Release Date
Video: 50
Vile's Blu-ray video presentation is underwhelming, despite a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in 1.78:1 with a 4K DI; plagued by sub-par resolution, dull color correction, and flawed digital capture, it struggles with inadequate shadow delineation, sickly flesh-tones, macroblocking, and aliasing.
Audio: 70
The Blu-ray of "Vile" features audio options of 5.1 Dolby Digital and 2.0 LPCM, delivering a mix of intense sound effects and quasi-punk music, yet the reliance on lossy codecs results in less impactful audio clarity, with clean dialogue but occasional burial in softer moments, complemented by optional English subtitles.
Extra: 16
Vile's Blu-ray extras feature deleted scenes and trailers, showcasing Director Taylor Sheridan in action, with packaging that includes a reversible sleeve and slipcover, all presented region-free as part of MVD's Marquee Collection.
Movie: 41
Vile, Taylor Sheridan's indie endeavor, mirrors the torture-porn aesthetic of Saw and Hostel, depicting a predictable yet graphic scenario where strangers must inflict pain on each other to survive. Despite its derivative nature and unpolished elements, it delivers shocking twists and practical effects that engage fans of the genre.
Video: 50
"Vile" on Blu-ray, presented via the MVD Marquee Collection, offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio that falls short of expectations, despite being captured using Red technology—typically renowned for its quality. Originally produced with a 4K digital intermediate (DI), the movie's visuals are surprisingly underwhelming. The majority of scenes unfold in confined locations, like the so-called "torture dungeon," characterized by a blue and slate gray color palette reminiscent of early digital horror films such as "Saw." Unfortunately, the overall visual presentation appears to suffer from poor color grading and occasional shoddy aesthetic choices that do not seem stylistically intentional.
The Blu-ray’s 1080p resolution exhibits numerous technical shortcomings that hinder the visual experience. Dull colors and inadequate shadow delineation are compounded by sickly flesh-tones, undermining what could have been an intense atmospheric setting. Instances of macroblocking and aliasing are present, signaling limitations possibly embedded in the decrepit digital intermediate used. Detail levels momentarily improve in lighter kitchen scenes, but are largely inconsistent across the board. Whether this is due to low-budget constraints or legacy digital filmmaking techniques from the early 2010s, the transfer doesn’t fully leverage its origins in high-quality capture technology.
While the Blu-ray encoding on a BD-50 provides a framework for high-definition content, the indie film’s original cinematography, with its infrequent definition and clarity, hinders visual satisfaction. Despite being distributed by MVD with presumably little influence over the source material's execution, "Vile" struggles to present a compelling visual experience.
Audio: 70
The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Vile" includes a 5.1 Dolby Digital surround track and a LPCM 2.0 stereo option, both offering distinct listening experiences. While the inclusion of only lossy Dolby Digital for the surround track is a surprising choice, this mix still delivers on gruesome sound effects and captures the edgy punk and prime 2000s era music that characterizes the film's soundtrack. However, the potential for more impactful audio is somewhat unfulfilled by the lack of a lossless track, which could have enhanced the head-banging qualities of the music cues.
Dialogue clarity remains consistently strong across both audio formats, although some reports indicate that softer dialogue might occasionally get overshadowed in the surround mix. For those seeking a more robust audio experience, the 2.0 PCM option provides punchier sound dynamics with distinct kick, making it an attractive alternative for users preferring stereo playback. Nevertheless, the immersive potential of the surround sound option continues to be a commendable feature when utilized in a well-equipped home theater setup.
Optional English SDH subtitles are available in a clear yellow font, ensuring accessibility and understanding during complex or subtle audio moments. In summary, despite some limitations due to the lossy codec used for the surround track, the audio offerings provide varying options for customizing the viewing experience according to listener preferences and equipment capabilities.
Extras: 16
The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Vile" provide an eclectic mix of content that enhances the viewing experience by delving deeper into the film’s behind-the-scenes action. These features include a series of deleted scenes offered in standard definition, shedding light on narrative elements omitted from the final cut. Notably, "Director Taylor Sheridan Mops Up the Aftermath" provides an intriguing glimpse into Sheridan's early contributions to filmmaking, capturing him in a hands-on role on set. Additionally, a plethora of trailers in both high and standard definition not only highlight "Vile" but also showcase other titles from MVD's collection. The disc packaging stands out with its reversible sleeve and slipcover, aligning with the aesthetic qualities of MVD’s Marquee Collection.
Extras included in this disc:
- Deleted Scenes: Unseen footage including "Drug Deal" and "Greg & Lisa."
- Director Taylor Sheridan Mops Up the Aftermath: Behind-the-scenes with Sheridan.
- Trailers: "Vile" plus others from MVD’s lineup.
Movie: 41
"Vile" is an indie horror film that fits snugly into the torture porn subgenre, echoing elements of iconic franchises like "Saw" and "Hostel." Directed by Taylor Sheridan, who much later gained fame for "Sicario" and "Hell or High Water," this early effort was an attempt to salvage a troubled project. The movie's premise involves a group of strangers, including characters played by Eric Beck and April Matson, ensnared in a sadistic game requiring them to torture one another to accumulate a chemical released by the brain during pain. This brutal setup serves as a bleak commentary on human desperation and survival instincts, albeit with predictable and generic storytelling that tempers any genuine scares.
Despite its derivative nature, "Vile" manages to stand out slightly by incorporating moral dilemmas and psychological complexity into its narrative. The characters, caught in a relentless death game, are pushed to their limits, revealing hidden alliances and betrayals that provide the story with some depth. Although rough around the edges, with instances of unpolished dialogue and direction, the film is not without merit. The cast delivers solid performances, and the use of practical effects accentuates the visceral impact, adding to the film's suspense amidst its grisly scenes.
While lacking in originality, "Vile" presents a moderately compelling exercise in horror, marked by unpredictable twists that keep viewers engaged. Fans of the genre will appreciate its commitment to blood and gore, though those squeamish about such themes may want to steer clear. Sheridan's work here might not hint at his future acclaimed projects but offers a glimpse into his nascent directing style. The film includes a noteworthy soundtrack featuring artists like Kurt Vile and Holly Golightly and even features a minor role from "Yellowstone" actor Ian Bohen. "Vile," although imperfect, satisfies as a chilling spectacle for horror aficionados.
Total: 49
"Vile" on Blu-ray presents an intense viewing experience reminiscent of the "Saw" series, delivering a comparable blend of suspense and gore, characteristic of the horror genre's torture-porn formula. The film, an early directorial endeavor by "Yellowstone" co-creator Taylor Sheridan, is noted for its audacious approach, echoing the tension and grisly aesthetics typical of such narratives. However, the video quality exhibits several rough patches. While it adequately captures the film’s dark and gritty atmosphere, moments of inconsistency disrupt the visual immersion.
From an audio perspective, the Blu-ray includes a lossy surround track that may disappoint audiophiles expecting a high-fidelity experience. The auditory shortcomings could detract from the film's intended impact, particularly for viewers prioritizing premium sound quality in their cinematic experiences. Despite these technical limitations, the inherent intensity of the plot and its execution might serve as a sufficient draw for horror enthusiasts seeking visceral thrills akin to those offered by the Saw franchise.
In conclusion, for viewers anticipating the release of "Saw X" in home formats, "Vile" might temporarily satisfy cravings for similar psychological and physical horror challenges. While its filmic execution lacks certain technical refinements, its thematic alignment with established horror motifs and its connection to Taylor Sheridan's directorial evolution provide enough intrigue for a one-time watch. However, considering the subpar audio and variable video quality, potential buyers might be better served by awaiting higher-quality releases or seeking alternative streaming options.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 70
The vast majority of this feature plays out in just a couple of locations, and what I'd call the "torture dungeon" is typically graded toward blues and slate grays (echoes of Saw again, believe it or don't),...
Audio: 70
The track is populated with both gruesome sound effects as various immolations take place, and some kind of quasi-punk source cues that I frankly think could have sounded a good deal more head banging...
Extras: 20
Director Taylor Sheridan Mops Up the Aftermath (SD; 1:01) offers Sheridan as a veritable janitor, a "credit" for this film he hasn't yet disavowed....
Movie: 30
In fact the parallels between the two properties are so frequent I'm kind of surprised that there wasn't some kind of Writers Guild arbitration forced on the production, but much as with Saw, Vile involves...
Total: 30
If you just can't wait until Saw X arrives on Blu-ray and 4K UHD disc in about a month or so as this review is being written, I guess you can get your fix courtesy of Vile, which is for all intents and...
DoBlu review by Christopher ZabelRead review here
Video: 40
Vile’s picture quality is nothing to write home about on Blu-ray, a remnant of an earlier era shot with inferior cameras and a hideously dull color correction....
Audio: 80
A little disappointing MVD could only include the surround mix in lossy form, the soft dialogue occasionally gets buried....
Extras: 20
Drug Deal Deleted Scene (02:24 in SD)Greg and Lisa Deleted Scene (04:09 in SD)Director Taylor Sheridan Mops Up the Aftermath (01:01 in SD) – Future Hollywood superstar creator Sheridan is seen cleaning...
Movie: 60
Who is willing to suffer for their fellow victims and who is sadistic enough to torture the others for survival?Vile is a slightly more clever take on the basic Hostel premise, married to the self-infliction...
Total: 50
Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s early indie directorial effort is a memorable riff on Saw’s torture porn formula...
Director: Taylor Sheridan
Actors: Eric Jay Beck, April Matson, Akeem Smith
PlotA group of four friends find themselves in peril when they agree to give a ride to a stranded woman, hoping to do a good deed. However, their goodwill takes a dark turn as they are abducted and wake up in a locked room with several other captives. A disturbing video informs them that they are part of a twisted experiment: everyone in the room has been fitted with a device at the base of their skulls that can only be removed once they collectively produce a specified amount of pain-based endorphins. If they fail to meet the quota within the time limit, the devices will kill them.
With no choice but to comply, the group is forced to inflict pain on themselves and each other, revealing deep-seated fears and testing their relationships to the breaking point. As the hours tick by, alliances shift and crumble, exposing the vicious lengths some captives will go to ensure their survival. The situation grows increasingly desperate as they confront not only the physical agony they must endure but also the psychological torment of the horrific dehumanization. Tensions mount as trust becomes a rare commodity and the lurking suspicion that there might be more to the seemingly random selection process heightens their paranoia. The grim realization dawns that escape may only be achievable at an unthinkable cost.
Writers: Eric Jay Beck, Rob Kowsaluk
Release Date: 24 Jul 2012
Runtime: 88 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English