I Spit on Your Grave Blu-ray Review

The 2010 remake of "I Spit on Your Grave" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p High Definition video presentation in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The transfer showcases commendable fine detail, particularly in textures such as clothing, wood, and screen doors. This is a solid transfer for a modern production, devoid of digital noise and other common artifacts. While there is some minor banding present, the image generally stays clean throughout. The film's color scheme remains faithful to its bleak and somber tone with a predominantly blue-gray palette, punctuated by accurately rendered but muted primary colors and neutral flesh tones.

However, this Blu-ray release maintains an intentionally flat and dreary aesthetic. Black levels are nearly perfect, deep, and inky without overshadowing finer details within the frame. Yet, the restrained contrast level imparts a dull appearance to blacks in certain sequences and affects shadow detail negatively, sometimes rendering interiors murky. While facial complexions can reveal fine details such as skin blemishes, they occasionally appear drained and sallow. Despite these drawbacks, the clarity and resolution are exceptional, especially in daylight scenes where background details remain sharp and distinct. Overall, while not visually spectacular, this transfer efficiently captures the intended atmosphere of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "I Spit on Your Grave" is highlighted by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that delivers a solid, though not overly remarkable, audio experience. Dialogue clarity is a standout feature, with whispers, shouts, and off-screen noises presented with coherence, albeit primarily constrained to the front channels. Atmospheric effects are abundant, with exterior scenes enriched by ambient sounds such as train whistles, barking dogs, and buzzing insects, adding a layer of authenticity. Major sound effects, including gunshots and torture-related noises, come through convincingly, though some effects like pistol shots lack authority. Bass performance is relatively subdued and would benefit from tightness improvements; however, certain moments, such as shotgun blasts, deliver notable impact.

The front-heavy presentation ensures good channel separation and well-prioritized vocals. The soundtrack exhibits a nicely balanced mid-range and crisp fidelity detail that helps maintain viewer engagement, particularly during intense violent scenes. While the surround channels are underutilized, they do contribute reasonably to the eerie woodland setting and are more actively employed by the musical score, expanding the soundfield appreciably and enhancing atmospheric cues that build tension.

Overall, the Dolby TrueHD track aligns well with the source material. Although it does not offer a fully immersive experience, it provides a distinct sense of space and fulfills its role effectively. This mix serves its purpose adequately, making for a soundly executed audio experience on Blu-ray.

The Blu-ray release of "I Spit on Your Grave" includes a satisfactory assortment of extras that provide deep insights into the film's production and legacy. The audio commentary with director Steven R. Monroe and producer Lisa Hansen is a standout, offering a detailed look at the challenges faced during the production, differences between the original and the remake, and various story elements. "The Revenge of Jennifer Hills: Remaking a Cult Icon" is an EPK-style featurette that, though brief and somewhat fluffy, gives a cursory overview of modernizing this cult classic. Deleted scenes extend several sequences but offer little additional value to the narrative. Finally, the disc includes multiple trailers and a radio spot. Overall, while not groundbreaking, these extras offer a solid supplementary experience for fans of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Director Steven R. Monroe and Producer Lisa Hansen.
• The Revenge of Jennifer Hills: Remaking a Cult Icon: Cast and crew discuss updating the cult classic.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional footage extending various sequences.
• Trailers: Teaser and theatrical previews.
• Radio Spot: Audio advertisement.

"I Spit on Your Grave" (2010) revisits the haunting narrative of Jennifer Hills (Sarah Butler) with a modern lens, bringing significant improvements in production value, storyline coherence, and acting quality. The film follows Jennifer as she retreats to a secluded cabin to work on her novel. Her serene escape is shattered by a brutal gang rape orchestrated by local townsmen, including Johnny (Jeff Branson) and the mentally challenged Matthew (Chad Lindberg). The attack sequence, while disturbing, features a higher level of tension and more convincing performances from both the victim and perpetrators compared to the 1978 original. However, this version's intense focus on hyper-real violence and graphic scenes aligns it more closely with the torture porn genre, reminiscent of "Hostel" or "Saw," rather than the emotionally-driven revenge thriller it attempts to remake.

Following Jennifer's traumatic ordeal, the narrative shifts its focus predominantly on the rapists as they try to cover up their crime, falsely believing Jennifer to be dead. This remake diverges from its predecessor by adding a superfluous fifth assailant and highlighting each rapist’s character traits as focal points for Jennifer’s revenge. This change arguably dilutes the potency of Jennifer’s vengeance, making it feel more mechanical and devoid of the raw emotional triumph that marked the original film. Additionally, the contrived and overly elaborate nature of Jennifer’s revenge methods, especially the notorious genital mutilation scene with garden shears, can come off as unintentionally farcical and diminish the psychological impact intended.

While the 2010 remake demonstrates technical prowess through superior filmmaking techniques and polished visuals, it conspicuously lacks the emotional depth and heart that defined Meir Zarchi’s cult classic. Despite delivering visceral and gruesome sequences that may appeal to gore enthusiasts, it neglects to convey the authentic sense of dread and genuine empowerment integral to the original's harrowing legacy. This iteration proves less about eliciting a profound emotional response and more about showcasing brutality, ultimately rendering it a shallow reinterpretation of an already polarizing film.

Anchor Bay’s Blu-ray release of "I Spit on Your Grave" (2010) presents a technically impressive package yet ultimately struggles to justify the film's existence. The movie, a remake of the 1978 cult classic, has divided audiences with its focus on relentless violence and explicit retaliation. While director Steven R. Monroe reproduces some grindhouse aesthetic, the narrative pales in comparison to the original’s raw emotional impact. The heroine's vengeance is depicted in a manner that borders on parodying torture porn, failing to evoke genuine sympathy or resonance.

The Blu-ray edition offers a solid, albeit not exceptional, video transfer that maintains clear visuals, effectively rendering the film’s gritty tone. The audio presentation is robust, capturing the full intensity of the film’s abrasive score and sound effects. However, the supplemental materials are minimal and offer little additional value, leaving much to be desired for fans who may be looking for deeper insights into the film’s production or thematic exploration.

To recap: take what is already one of the ultimate love-it-or-loathe it movies and remake it, this time leaving out all things the lovers loved and amping up all the things the loathers loathed, and the result is a movie that doesn't have much of an audience left. This one's all about the violence. It's brutal and unforgiving and cleverly implemented in a sadistic sort of way, and while, yes, the audience will cheer for the girl, they'll do so out of their basic humanity -- because it's the right thing to do -- not because she's a particularly sympathetic character or the film plays on the audience's innermost raw emotions. For as awful as the rape is and as sweet as the revenge may be, it just doesn't resonate in quite the same way as the original. I Spit on Your Grave is a movie that probably shouldn't have been remade, and this take on the story does the original no justice. However, Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release does feature an impressive technical presentation, but the rather small supplemental package will disappoint fans. Recommended as a rental for those who just have to see it.