Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines" delivers a mixed bag in its 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. The film, plagued by a low budget and subpar production values, naturally showcases its limitations through cheap sets, poor lighting, and an overall made-for-TV aesthetic. However, the transfer itself admirably adheres to the source material and remains largely free of significant compression or encoding issues. While noise is visibly present during darker scenes and some shots involving portable cameras exhibit noticeable compression, these distractions are relatively infrequent. The film does achieve a respectable level of clarity, with fine detail evident in facial features and clothing textures, despite the cinematography being flat and purely functional.

Color fidelity is generally adequate with dense hues and good contrasts, though the palette can occasionally feel subdued. Deep blacks facilitate a solid depth that proves beneficial for the numerous nighttime scenes, ensuring that low-lit interiors maintain ample visibility without compromising background detail. Contrast levels remain stable throughout most of the viewing experience, with only a few minor instances of blown highlights. While colors can appear a little flat at times, they are usually accurate and moderately vibrant. Fine object details are sharp and distinct, delivering healthy flesh tones, but it is important to note that this high-def transfer will not astonish viewers. Despite the extensive shortcomings in other aspects of its production, the Blu-ray encode of "Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines" manages to provide a surprisingly decent visual experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track in "Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines" delivers a professional auditory experience despite its front-heavy mix. The cringe-worthy dialogue is cleanly recorded and easily understood, ensuring clear communication throughout the film. Although primarily front-focused, the track provides occasional rear-channel ambiance and directional effects, such as insect sounds, a crackling fire, and cackling hillbilly laughter, effectively enhancing the atmosphere. These elements are complemented by an adequate score, featuring minor-key piano arpeggios and overdriven guitar riffs. Optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles, in easy-to-read white lettering, are also included on the disc.

In addition, the presentation's imaging is wide and engaging, with a surprisingly extensive mid-range that remains sharp and detailed during loud segments. Flawless panning and movement enhance the immersive experience, particularly during scenes where subtle atmospheric effects add depth to quieter moments. Claude Foisy's score seamlessly extends into the back channels, creating a satisfying sound field that bolsters the film’s dramatic tension. Low-frequency effects are highly responsive and palpable, with several key scenes delivering a serious, wall-rattling punch. Vocals maintain excellent prioritization throughout the film, ensuring dialogue remains clear and balanced against the background score and action sequences.

The Extras on the Blu Ray of "Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines" are diversely engaging, offering an in-depth look behind the scenes with a mix of technical insights and personal anecdotes. The Audio Commentary features writer-director Declan O’Brien and producer Brett Levinson, providing an energetic and extensive discussion on the cast, story, shooting locations, and special effects. A Day in the Death gives a snapshot of two specific death scenes through a video diary format filmed by the cast, adding a humorous touch to the production process. Hillbilly Kills delves into the special effects and creative inspirations (notably from Peter Jackson's "Dead Alive"), with interviews from the cast and crew. Lastly, Director's Die-aries presents more behind-the-scenes footage shot by O’Brien, cohesively edited to illustrate the on-set atmosphere.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Enthusiastic and informative discussion by director and producer.
• A Day in the Death: Cast-shot video diary of two death scenes.
• Hillbilly Kills: Insightful discussion on special effects and kill inspirations.
• Director's Die-aries: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes footage shot by the director.

The fifth installment in the "Wrong Turn" series, "Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines," is directed by Declan O'Brien, who continues to helm the franchise with his second screenplay for it. This film, often regarded as the series' nadir, follows a formulaic narrative where drugged-up college kids are picked off by inbred hillbilly cannibals. Set during the fictional Mountain Man Festival in Fairlake, the story revolves around their encounter with Maynard, played by Doug Bradley of "Hellraiser" fame. The set design comes across as cheap and unconvincing, with cardboard cutout characters and performances that lack depth. Notably, the movie features grotesque and creative kills that call back to the slasher films of the '80s, albeit with minimal emotional engagement or suspense.

The plot stitches together clichés and predictable scenarios, leading to a stillborn impact on both thrill and horror. The antagonists—brothers One Eye, Saw Tooth, and Three Finger—come off as unthreatening due to subpar makeup and uninspired acting. The film's low budget is evident in its indoor soundstage setting in Bulgaria, various technical limitations, and a cast primarily composed of British actors struggling with American accents. Despite aspiring to elicit shock-laughter through grotesque violence, the film hastily assembled elements result in an experience devoid of genuine scares or innovative storytelling. While a few might enjoy its dark humor and inventive gore setups, most audiences will likely find the movie an insufferable addition to an already flagging series.

"Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines", directed by Declan O'Brien, offers a grim addition to the popular horror franchise. Despite ongoing criticisms, this film manages to stand out slightly within the series due to its unexpected shocks and a darkly humorous tone. Horror icon Doug Bradley lends his experience and presence, bolstering an otherwise mediocre cast. It thrives on its gore and relentless brutality, elements that will likely appeal to hardcore horror aficionados. The Blu-ray release showcases exceptional audio and video quality, ensuring every gruesome detail is rendered with chilling clarity, even if the supplemental features are somewhat sparse.

Where "Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines" falters is in its overall execution and narrative coherence. The film struggles with a lackluster story and subpar direction, which could have been mitigated by a larger budget or a director better suited to the material. The ill-fated attempts at suspense are often undermined by predictable plot twists and clichéd character arcs. Although its grim humor provides periodic relief, it is not enough to elevate the film from its straight-to-video limitations. This results in a viewing experience that feels tedious and unoriginal.

Friends don't let friends waste their time on miserable straight-to-video horror sequel cash-ins. "Wrong Turn 5" isn't just the worst film in a franchise that probably shouldn't have inspired any followups, it's also on the shortlist for the worst film I've personally seen in 2012. This is a movie that actively doesn't want you to enjoy it, and I'm at a loss as for why this series continues to stumble zombie-like forward. If I were Fox, I'd let it finally die or else reboot it with a decent budget and a director with a better vision for Appalachian hillbilly terror.