They Look Like People Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray presentation of "They Look Like People" is delivered through an AVC encoded image with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, resulting in a slightly subdued video experience. The 1080p HD transfer effectively conveys the intended moody atmosphere, utilizing a restrained color palette dominated by blues, greens, browns, and beiges. This choice supports the film's narrative by presenting everyday scenes with vivid primary colors, while psychotic episodes are intentionally dialed down to enhance the thematic depth.

Detail resolution is moderately soft with facial particulars displaying passable texture, complemented by satisfactory delineation in decorative and exterior elements. Although facial skintones are rendered naturally, the overall visual definition occasionally lacks, with black levels remaining inky but not exceptionally deep. Furthermore, the dynamic contrasts within brighter sequences are somewhat understated.

Compression artifacts are evident throughout, with occasional banding and mild blockiness distracting from the viewing experience. Additionally, issues like aliasing and noise intermittently surface, detracting from the otherwise competent transfer quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Blu Ray video presentation succeeds in delivering an atmospheric visual experience that aligns well with the psychological themes of the film.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "They Look Like People" is delivered through a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, emphasizing clear and consistent dialogue exchanges. Throughout the film, dialogue remains prominent, albeit with occasional synchronization issues due to the ADR efforts, which can disrupt immersion. The mix prioritizes vocal clarity with minimal interference, allowing the nuanced conversations to stand out effectively against the backdrop. Additionally, the score adds subtle tension to scenes, despite being sparse in presence.

Sound effects within this stereo mix are notably robust, although they are utilized sparingly and do not heavily impact the overall auditory experience. While these effects contribute an essential atmospheric layer, the mix avoids overwhelming the audio landscape with unnecessary elements. The atmospherics are well-executed, injecting a crisp sense of madness that complements the film's unsettling theme. However, there is an absence of deep bass lows, which somewhat limits the depth and fullness typically expected in more dynamic soundscapes.

Overall, "They Look Like People" offers a dialogue-centric audio experience that aligns well with its psychological narrative focus. The technical execution in terms of clear dialogue is commendable, though minor synching issues may be noticeable to attentive viewers. While not a showcase for expansive sound design, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix delivers a serviceable auditory performance that underscores the film’s suspenseful tone without unnecessary embellishment.

The Blu-ray release of "They Look Like People" offers an engaging suite of extras crafted with cinephiles in mind. Featuring three insightful commentary tracks, they provide depth into the film's creation. The first track, led by director Perry Blackshear, dives into his inspirations and the film-making process, while the second track adds dynamic discussions with actors MacLeod Andrews and Evan Dumouchel. The third track presents the cast's perspectives on their experiences. Complementing these are video interviews via a conference call setup, enriching the viewer's understanding with behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The 23-minute Behind-the-Scenes Collection immerses viewers in the film’s development, showcasing planning and production efforts. Deleted and extended scenes with optional commentary provide additional narrative insights, elevating the viewing experience. An engaging introduction and a thoughtfully curated booklet round out this comprehensive package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Booklet: Includes an essay by Anton Bitel.
• Intro: Perry Blackshear welcomes viewers to the Blu-ray.
• Commentary #1: Perry Blackshear discusses film-making aspects.
• Commentary #2: A lively discussion with Blackshear, Andrews, and Dumouchel.
• Commentary #3: The actors discuss their experiences.
• Interviews: Video conference interviews with cast and director.
• Behind the Scenes Collection: Examines film planning and production.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: With optional commentary by Perry Blackshear.
• Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.

"They Look Like People" offers a nuanced exploration of mental illness, skillfully blurring the lines between horror and psychological drama. Perry Blackshear, serving as both writer and director, crafts a narrative that delves into the fragile psyche of a character battling schizophrenia. Through a careful and intimate portrayal of friendship, the film intricately examines the erosion of reality from the perspective of these emotionally scarred individuals. Rather than succumbing to conventional horror tropes, Blackshear focuses on building tension by illustrating how unchecked impulses and compromised realities can create a truly precarious situation.

In this low-budget indie feature, sophistication arises not from lavish production techniques, but from Blackshear’s ability to create suspense through a slow-burn approach. The film follows two long-time friends whose reconnection becomes fraught with chilling hallucinations of an apocalyptic nature. This serves not only as a vehicle for horror elements but also as a deep dive into the psyche of someone overwhelmed by mental illness. Blackshear manages to strike a balance where terrifying visions are part of a broader exploration of human vulnerability and desire for healing.

The Blu-ray release complements the film’s eerie ambiance with its presentation. Distributed by OCN Distribution and Yellow Veil Pictures, the disc comes in a sturdy clear plastic case. The packaging features stark artwork of the protagonist screaming — a haunting image that encapsulates the film’s thematic focus on inner demons. Although lacking extensive special features due to its budget constraints, the release includes a booklet that further immerses viewers into the film's unsettling yet compelling world.

"They Look Like People" offers a distinct exploration of paranoia and personal connection through the lens of a psychological thriller. While crafted on a modest budget, the film excels in creating an atmosphere charged with tension and human drama. The performances are notably strong, highlighting the themes of confusion and emotional struggle without making light of mental illness. Director Perry Blackshear delivers a unique vision, occasionally hindered by pacing issues, but ultimately enriches the narrative with depth and authenticity.

The technical presentation of the Blu-ray is commendable. The 1080p HD video transfer preserves the film’s aesthetic, effectively capturing the eerie and atmospheric visuals. Accompanied by a DTS-HD 2.0 audio mix, it may not push audio boundaries but provides clear and immersive sound, enhancing the viewing experience. The bonus features are a valuable addition, offering insights into the filmmaking process and further elevating the package.

In conclusion, "They Look Like People" is an indie film that succeeds as both a character-driven story and a compelling psychological thriller. Its handling of mental illness is sensitive and insightful, contributing to a narrative that resonates on a personal level. With decent technical specifications and enriching bonus content, this Blu-ray release is highly recommended for audiences seeking an engaging cinematic experience with both emotional and suspenseful elements.