The Possession Blu-ray Review

The visual presentation of "The Possession" on Blu-ray is meticulously executed, presenting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The film's visual style is intentionally muted, with a purposely limited color palette focused on Vancouver's brooding gray skies and monochromatic tones. This choice enhances the movie's dark, atmospheric quality. The muted primary colors and softer secondary hues are complemented by drab lighting schemes that, together, foster a stark, thematically fitting appearance. Close-ups emphasize abundant fine detail without stability issues, though the film utilizes a light grain veneer to maintain a gritty, film-like texture. Shadow detail is generally strong, although there is slight crushing in darker scenes.

Director Ole Bornedal’s approach is notable for its abundant use of wide, well-lit shots, which contrast with more traditional shadow-heavy horror aesthetics. Even within the numerous nighttime sequences, excellent resolution ensures clarity without blending into the pitch. Bright light features prominently, sometimes washing out foreground objects to create a visually blinding effect that sharply contrasts with the film’s otherwise dull tone. Specific scenes employ heavy reds to prevalent, unnerving effects, such as in the red-hued morgue scene. Here, the deliberate saturation overshadows minute details but serves as a calculated artistic decision rather than a technical fault in the Blu-ray transfer.

The Blu-ray’s standout strength lies in its remarkable portrayal of fine textures and detailed imagery. Skin tones exhibit varying textures and minutiae, true to every performer. Scenes capture every facial hair, fabric detail, and potential tactile sensation, providing an immersive visual experience. Despite this near-perfection, minimal flaws exist, such as occasional white specks resembling dead pixels during specific scenes. These are minor and infrequent but are worth noting amidst an otherwise exceptional video quality presentation.

The audio presentation of "The Possession" on Blu-ray boasts a meticulously designed lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that elevates the film's thematic elements through a robust, immersive sound experience. The mix deftly employs the entire sound field to elicit reactions, with precise use of sounds from varying vantage points based on camera perspective. Technical execution includes crystal-clear dialogue delivered through the center channel, maintaining prominence within a well-defined front soundstage. The beautifully orchestrated music, characterized by light instrumentation and tonal balance, permeates the listening area, enhancing the viewing experience with subtle sophistication.

Dynamic range and bass are significant highlights of this audio track. The aggressive mix utilizes every sonic cliché expected from a horror film but manages to do so in ways that provoke genuine tension and startles. Key scenes benefit immensely from this approach, such as the unsettling quiet moments when characters sense intrusions, or the intense sequences involving swarming moths whose individual buzzing is seamlessly rendered across speakers. The soundtrack occasionally opts for complete silence, further amplifying the impact of louder, more chaotic sequences that effectively contribute to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.

Director Ole Bornedal's thoughtful integration of sound and music plays a crucial role in differentiating this audio experience from typical horror fare. The use of Anton Sanko’s compositions, inspired by Arvo Pärt, provides moody piano cues that contrast with traditional horror music choices, enriching the psychological depth of certain scenes. However, it’s worth noting that this mix occasionally steps back, opting for silence during significant portions of the film. While this directional choice contributes to an eerie viewing experience, it limits opportunities for the audio to consistently shine at its fullest potential. Nonetheless, the overall execution remains impressive, making the audio mix a standout element of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Possession" provide a captivating and comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. Director Ole Bornedal's commentary stands out for his insightful and focused discussion on sound editing and his unique storytelling cadence. In contrast, writers Juliet Snowden and Stiles White bring an energetic and engaging dynamic, delving into their adaptation process and collaboration with Bornedal. The featurette "The Real History of the Dibbuk Box" delves into the chilling true story behind the movie's inspiration, offering firsthand accounts of the infamous box and the eerie events tied to it. This must-watch featurette enriches the narrative context for viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Ole Bornedal: Insightful, focused commentary on sound editing.
• Audio Commentary with Writers Juliet Snowden and Stiles White: Energetic discussion on adapting the Dibbuk Box story.
• The Real History of the Dibbuk Box: Documentary recounting the true story behind the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official promotional trailer.
• Digital Copy: For mobile viewing.
• Ultraviolet Digital Copy: Secure cloud-based copy.

"The Possession" centers around the unsettling tale of young Em, who becomes enthralled with an antique wooden box acquired at a yard sale. This seemingly innocuous purchase unleashes a malevolent entity known as a Dibbuk, leading to a cascade of increasingly erratic and frightening behavior. Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick deliver performances as the concerned parents trying to save their daughter from the dark force. The film introduces a unique twist by exploring Jewish folklore and exorcism rituals, diverging from the typical Roman Catholic perspective seen in similar horror entries like "The Exorcist."

Director Ole Bornedal's visual style adds a layer of dread through effective use of aerial shots and tense close-ups, though some scenes veer into predictable territory. Despite its PG-13 rating, the movie manages to evoke genuine scares through adept sound design and sudden visual shocks. Sound is utilized sparingly and with precision, enhancing the jump-scare moments without overwhelming the narrative—a filmmaking technique that recalls Sam Raimi’s work, notably "Drag Me to Hell." However, while the film attempts to integrate Orthodox Jewish symbolism and rituals authentically, some elements come off as forced or unintentionally humorous.

Overall, "The Possession" stands out within its genre for its fresh cultural angle and effective tension. Though not pioneering, it succeeds better than many PG-13 horror contemporaries, delivering a gratifying, albeit flawed, supernatural experience.

"The Possession," a notable entry in the horror genre, is a well-executed film that brings some innovation to the well-worn possession trope. While elements of the movie feel generic and reminiscent of standard possession narratives, the film distinguishes itself with its strong tie to Jewish folklore, embodied through the concept of a Dybbuk. However, this intriguing idea often falls short due to certain sequences that verge on the comical rather than eerie. Nonetheless, the film successfully delivers several genuine scares that adhere to the expectations of horror enthusiasts.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "The Possession" is outstanding. The visual presentation is highly detailed and true to the film's dark and intense shooting style. The eeriness of the cinematography is accentuated by near-perfect video quality, which captures every nuance. The sound design, crafted in the distinctive style reminiscent of Sam Raimi's work, benefits greatly from a lossless audio mix. This high-fidelity sound immerses viewers into the chilling ambiance of the film. However, the special features are limited, with the exception of a compelling featurette that delves into the real-life story inspiring the narrative.

In conclusion, while "The Possession" might tread familiar ground in some areas of its plot, it sets itself apart through its unique cultural lens and technically superior Blu-ray presentation. The film’s few but effective scares are bolstered by exemplary video and audio quality that enhance its immersive experience. Despite lacking in substantial special features, this release is highly recommended for horror genre aficionados and Blu-ray collectors alike.