Jackals Blu-ray Review

"Jackals" features a 2.39:1 1080p transfer that is indicative of its digital origin. The MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 release courtesy of Scream Factory maintains an average video bitrate of 29990 kbps, with the full disc amassing a total bitrate of 38.00 Mbps. The resulting image effectively captures the film's visual essence despite some inherent limitations. The daylight scenes around the Powell cabin are lush and vividly rendered, casting a warm glow that seamlessly transitions into the film's darker sequences. However, hints of video noise and occasional softness are discernible, particularly in the opening Halloween-inspired POV shots, which imbue the film with a low-fi and gritty aesthetic.

As the narrative shifts into night, "Jackals" showcases solid black levels, providing depth to confined spaces and enhancing the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Fine details remain sharp—facial features and intimate details such as clothing are distinctly visible despite the frequent murkiness due to artificial lighting. Black levels and shadow details remain impressive, though not devoid of slight murkiness due to the golden overtones of the lighting. Macro-blocking is minimal, and overall authoring and compression are top-notch ensuring a smooth visual experience.

While there are moments where video noise and camera glare become evident, these instances are rare and do not significantly impact the viewing experience. The nuanced rendering of individual details in dimly lit scenes, complemented by the eerie illumination from candles and fires, makes for a visually captivating portrayal. In summary, "Jackals" delivers a gratifying and immersive video presentation on Blu-ray, adeptly balancing its low-fi elements with high-quality visual fidelity.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Jackals" offers a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (2326 kbps, 24-bit) alongside a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo downconversion (1605 kbps, 24-bit). Throughout the film, dialogue is clear and consistently audible, providing an essential backbone to the overall sound experience. Notably, Anton Sanko's atmospheric score substantially benefits from the surround channels, creating an immersive environment with pulsating and throbbing sounds that enhance tension. The subwoofer and side channels deliver prominent low-frequency effects that made the floor rumble during key moments, while satellite speakers captured the eerie howls of the Jackals and Justin with remarkable range.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix excels in its sound design by leveraging silence effectively to build suspense. The film wisely uses ambient sounds such as digging in the dirt, crackling tree branches, and distant howling to amplify the sense of dread, especially during scenes involving the cultists. Dialogue remains pristine and interference-free across the board. Although much of the soundscape focuses on the front/center channels, there are critical moments where surround activity shines through the sides and rears, providing a fully immersive audio experience when needed. Levels are meticulously balanced, eliminating the need for volume adjustments once the film commences. Optional English SDH subtitles enhance accessibility. Overall, this lossless audio effort stands out as one of IFC Midnight's better releases.

The Blu-ray extras for "Jackals" offer a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes, characteristic of Scream Factory’s attention to detail. The commentary with Director Kevin Greutert and Writer Jared Rivet is exceptionally informative, delving into the film's script evolution, editorial decisions, casting, costume design, and music. This feature-length track is a must-hear for fans and industry professionals alike. Additionally, the interviews with the cast and crew provide valuable insights despite having a somewhat promotional feel. Two original theatrical trailers give a nostalgic touch to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary with Director Kevin Greutert and Writer Jared Rivet: In-depth discussion on script evolution and production details.

Interviews with Cast and Crew: Features director, producer, writer, and main actors.

Trailers: Original theatrical trailers presented in 1080p, DTS-HD MA 2.0.

"Jackals" presents an intriguing premise but ultimately fails to deliver a memorable horror experience. The film's narrative revolves around the Powell family, who hire cult deprogrammer Jimmy Levine (Stephen Dorff) to rescue their son, Justin (Ben Sullivan), from a brutal cult. While this setup promises psychological depth, it falters in execution. Akin to "You’re Next" and "The Strangers," Greutert's film initially builds tension through atmosphere and character dynamics. However, it lapses into predictability and lacks the visceral intensity that hallmarks exceptional horror cinema.

The performances are a mixed bag. Stephen Dorff stands out as the no-nonsense deprogrammer, though his role is regrettably short-lived. Ben Sullivan provides a commendable portrayal of the brainwashed Justin, adding a layer of complexity to the otherwise one-dimensional screenplay. Unfortunately, the film’s supporting characters lack depth, with their actions driven more by horror tropes than logical progression. The cult members in animal masks, despite their ominous presence, fail to evoke genuine terror due to insufficient backstory and characterization.

Technically, "Jackals" is competently crafted. Director Kevin Greutert and cinematographer Andrew Russo exhibit a methodical approach to scene construction, notably paying homage to John Carpenter's "Halloween" with well-executed POV shots. However, the film’s potential is undercut by its adherence to genre clichés and a rushed conclusion. The promise of a deeper familial psychodrama remains unfulfilled as the narrative shifts focus towards conventional horror beats. Despite these shortcomings, "Jackals" provides intermittent thrills and a strong atmospheric foundation that may appeal to less discerning horror aficionados.

"Jackals" embarks on familiar territory within the home invasion and cult thriller genres, treading a path well-worn by its predecessors. Directed by Kevin Greutert and starring Stephen Dorff, Deborah Kara Unger, and Johnathon Schaesch, the film presents a narrative filled with familiar horror tropes. When a family attempts to extricate their son from a cult, their lack of preparation leads to a cascade of perplexing decisions that challenge logical continuity and demand a high level of suspension of disbelief. However, the performances, particularly by Ben Sullivan, who brings depth to Justin's character, provide some salvageable moments within the film.

Technically, "Jackals" benefits from a commendable A/V transfer. The 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio captures the tension adequately, and the English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track ensures that the ambiance is appropriately unsettling. The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory on October 3rd, 2017, includes a few decent bonus features that may appeal to hardcore genre fans. While these technical aspects bolster the viewing experience, they do little to elevate the film beyond its pedestrian storyline.

In conclusion, "Jackals" suffers from an overwhelming sense of mediocrity. Despite competent direction and a solid cast, the movie fails to deliver anything of notable originality or impact. Its predictable plot and reliance on established horror conventions render it forgettable amidst a sea of similar films. Fans of the genre might find some value in its technical execution and performances, but for most, it’s skippable fare. Proceed with tempered expectations if you decide to give it a watch.