Vile Blu-ray Review

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.