Alleluia Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Alleluia," brought to us by Music Box Films and Doppelgänger Releasing, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The choice of shooting on Super 16 by director Fabrice du Welz, known for his preference for enhancing the grittier elements of his narratives, lends a distinctly rough texture to the film's visual composition. This creative decision, while intentional, results in a transfer that can often be described as gritty. In many scenes, especially those highlighted in screenshot 17, the fine line between grain and noise is narrowly walked, sometimes detracting from image clarity as seen in screenshot 5. These characteristics underscore an aesthetic commitment but come with their fair share of technical caveats.

In settings that are adequately illuminated, the video quality manages to shine through despite its inherent coarseness. Here, details become more pronounced and the color palette appears vibrant, albeit not exceptionally so. The cinematography, crafted by Manuel Dacosse—who previously garnered acclaim for his work on the neo-giallo "Amer"—manifests through a visually arresting mix of color washes and shadow play. Dacosse's expertise in using chiaroscuro lighting techniques is evident, skillfully obfuscating characters within shadows and thus adding a layer of visual intrigue and thematic depth to the presentation.

However, it's imperative to note that this visual strategy may not cater to all preferences, given its tendency to obscure finer details under certain conditions. Despite these idiosyncrasies, the presentation offers a unique viewing experience, characterized by its bold textural decisions and nuanced color handling. The cinephile with an appreciation for the tactile quality of film and a penchant for stylistic flourishes will find "Alleluia's" Blu-ray video quality to evoke a certain rawness that complements its narrative intensity, albeit with occasional sacrifices in detail for the sake of artistic expression.

The audio presentation of "Alleluia" on Blu-ray, powered by a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, delivers a dynamic and immersive auditory experience. The film’s soundtrack, characterized by its energetic bursts and manic musical sequences, encapsulates the viewer in a cocoon of sound that enhances the cinematic journey. Despite this, a significant portion of the narrative unfolds through quiet, intimate dialogue. These softer moments, while less bombastic, are rendered with crystal-clear fidelity, ensuring every whispered word is as impactful as the loudest crescendo.

However, it's important to note that while the film’s audio dynamics range from the thunderous to the subtle, there are segments where the lack of sonic variety may leave audiophiles wanting. The quieter scenes, predominant throughout, might not fully showcase the system's potential for 'wow' factor sonics typical of more action-packed or musically diverse films. Yet, the audio track’s excellence lies in its ability to maintain a high level of detail and clarity across the spectrum, from the lowest lows to the highest highs.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track on "Alleluia’s" Blu-ray presents a well-rounded auditory experience. The track excels in delivering both the frenetic and the hushed with great aplomb, ensuring that the film's varied mood and tone are perfectly captured. This audio presentation serves as a testament to the importance of nuanced sound design in filmmaking, providing an enveloping atmosphere that is both expansive and minutely detailed.

The "Alleluia" Blu Ray extras present a comprehensive view into the making of the film, offering insight into both the practical and creative aspects of production. Directed by Fabrice Du Welz, the extras include a director's commentary where despite occasional language barriers, Du Welz enriches the viewing experience with valuable production insights and interesting anecdotes. The inclusion of a short film, extensive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with key actors, and cut scenes further deepens our understanding of the film's journey from concept to screen. Notably, the focus on technical details, such as scene setting by production designer Manu de Meulemeester, underlines the meticulous craftsmanship behind the movie. The overall presentation is direct and professional, catering primarily to cinephiles and budding filmmakers interested in the minutiae of film production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Director Fabrice Du Welz: Insights and anecdotes about the film’s production.
• A Wonderful Love: A short film by Fabrice Du Welz.
• Home Cinema Episode with Fabrice Du Welz: A casual feature with the director.
• Shooting Alleluia: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Cut Scenes: Deleted scenes from the film.
• Setting the Scene: Focus on production design by Manu de Meulemeester.
• Interviews with the Actors: Insights from Lola Dueñas, Laurent Lucas, Helena Noguerra.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official film trailer.

Alleluia," a film that veers off the beaten path of traditional horror fare, offers viewers a dive into the depths of human monstrousness and obsession, cleverly updated for the contemporary era with online dating as its backdrop. Director Fabrice Du Welz transplants the chilling tale of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck - the infamous homicidal duo - from its historical moorings in the United States to modern-day France, convening the spirits of their story through the lives of Gloria, an unassuming mortuary worker with a void in her heart, and Michel, a man whose nefarious intentions are cloaked behind a disarming smile. The transformation of Beck into Gloria by the filmmakers stands as a testament to the timelessness of a tale where love descends into a macabre dance with death, driven by Gloria's unyielding obsession once she falls for Michel's deceitful charms.

The narrative structure of "Alleluia" is ingeniously segmented into four chapters that progressively draw the curtains back from Gloria and Michel's facade of normalcy, delving into three subsequent victims entangled in their destructive orbit. This structural choice adds a methodical pacing to the unfolding horror, as Gloria transforms from victim to perpetrator under the spell of an obsessive love that knows no bounds. The horrific acts committed by the pair are rendered with a Grand Guignol flair, particularly accentuating Gloria's dark descent, whose actions shock even Michel - a conman by trade. This film boldly challenges the viewer's perceptions of victimhood and villainy, masterfully blending gruesomeness with dark humor, especially in scenes that exploit Gloria's mortuary skills.

Despite initial appearances that suggest a mundane journey into a budding romance, "Alleluia" quickly morphs into an unsettling narrative that's anything but. The careful insertion of bizarre elements like Michel's pre-first-date ritual set the stage for a radical shift from romantic intrigue to outright horror. The execution does tread occasionally on problematic grounds with its tonal shifts and narrative leaps, yet it remains a compelling exploration of the lengths to which obsession and a perverse form of love can warp the human soul. With outstanding performances that anchor the film’s moody atmosphere, "Alleluia" emerges as a potent blend of true-crime inspiration and fictional horror, proving itself as an off-kilter choice for those seeking psychological terror that lingers far beyond the screen.

Alleluia" presents a gripping narrative that intricately portrays Gloria's deepening obsession, a theme meticulously crafted with a sense of growing foreboding. As the storyline meanders through the realms of insanity and homicide, the film's ambiance transitions correspondingly, mirroring the tumultuous psychological states of its central characters with finesse. This deliberate stylistic choice may disconcert viewers accustomed to pristine visual presentations, as the film embraces a raw, granular aesthetic inherent to its small format origins. However, it's precisely this visual strategy that enhances the narrative's intensity and allure. Moreover, the supplementary content included with the Blu-ray edition adds significant value, offering a comprehensive view of the filmmaking process for enthusiasts seeking a deeper dive into the film's unique attributes.

The technical aspects of the "Alleluia" Blu-ray reflect a dedicated effort to preserve the film's original tonal qualities, balancing between fidelity to its gritty visual roots and the expectations of contemporary home cinema viewers. While some may find the film's sharpness and clarity wanting, this does not detract from the overall viewing experience; instead, it enriches it by maintaining an authentic connection to the director’s artistic vision. The sound design and mix are effectively rendered, ensuring that the film's auditory elements are as compelling and immersive as its visual ones, thus complementing the storytelling beautifully.

In conclusion, "Alleluia" on Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for aficionados of genre-bending cinema, blending psychological thriller elements with a distinct art-house aesthetic. The slow-burn tension, coupled with a meticulously curated supplemental feature set, makes this release not just a movie but an experience. While its deliberate departure from high-definition polish might not cater to all tastes, it stands as a testament to cinematic storytelling that prioritizes atmosphere and character depth over digital perfection. This release is highly recommended for those in search of a cinematic journey that is both unnervingly intimate and stylistically bold.