Killing Ground Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Killing Ground" by Scream Factory is impeccably executed, utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-25 and boasting an average video bitrate of 27995 kbps for the main feature. The total bitrate for the disc stands at 34.55 Mbps, ensuring a high-quality visual experience. The film is presented in a 2.37:1 aspect ratio, closely mirroring its theatrical exhibition during the festival circuit. This transfer delivers a virtually flawless presentation, with natural skin tones, vivid daylight scenes, and deep, consistent black levels. Issues such as edge enhancement, chroma/low-level noise, and macro-blocking are conspicuously absent.

Damien Power’s directorial debut is impressively captured on this 1080p Blu-ray. The 2.37:1 aspect ratio transfer is bright and boasts naturally produced colors that particularly shine in the forest setting, where vegetation and daylight scenes exhibit remarkable detail and vibrancy. Fine details in skin textures and costuming are finely rendered, enhancing the overall realism of the film. Even in dark interior scenes with minimal lighting, noise is not present, showcasing the technical rigor behind this low-budget film's video presentation. Scream Factory has ensured that "Killing Ground" receives a top-tier visual treatment, adding notable value to this release for collectors and cinephiles alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Killing Ground" features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix (2915 kbps, 24-bit) along with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (1509 kbps, 24-bit) down-conversion, offering a versatile listening experience. The dialogue, particularly the authentic Aussie dialect and Aaron Pedersen's aboriginal voice, is captured with precision, though certain consonants can be difficult to discern. Optional English SDH subtitles are recommended to alleviate this issue, with Spanish subtitles also available. Environmental effects like crickets, tree brush, and animal sounds are deftly placed in the surround channels, creating an immersive soundscape complemented by Leah Curtis's string-intensive score from the rears.

While the audio may not be groundbreaking, the DTS-HD MA mix effectively enhances the film's tension through atmospheric elements. Surround channels contribute significantly with supportive ambient sounds and a poignant musical score that heightens the suspense. Dialogue can occasionally become overshadowed within the texture of the mix, particularly in the center and front channels. Enabling subtitles can be especially helpful given the strong regional accents. Overall, this mix balances musicality and environmental effects well, ensuring an engaging auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Killing Ground" offers a compact yet diverse selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. These extras are presented in high-definition and boast clear DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio, ensuring an immersive addition to the main feature. Notably, the collection includes the official theatrical trailer of "Killing Ground," giving a glimpse into the film's intense atmosphere. Additionally, there's a trio of trailers from other engaging titles which, while they cannot be accessed from the main menu, provide compelling previews upon disc insertion. The extras are concise but informative, making them a valuable accompaniment for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: IFC Midnight's official theatrical trailer for "Killing Ground".
• Previews: Trailers for "The Survivalist," "Wakefield," and "A Dark Song," auto-playing after disc insertion.

Killing Ground, directed by Damien Power, is a disturbing and intense horror film that roots itself in the stark wilderness of Gungilee Falls, Tasmania. The narrative follows Ian (Ian Meadows) and Sam (Harriet Dyer), a couple on a New Year's camping trip, who unwittingly encounter two malevolent locals, German (Aaron Pedersen) and Chook (Aaron Glenane). As the film unfolds, Power deftly uses a non-linear storyline to juxtapose the couple's holiday with another family's simultaneous ordeal, a narrative device that builds tension incrementally while keeping viewers on edge.

Simon Chapman’s cinematography captures the deceptive tranquility of the Australian outback, creating a chilling contrast with the subsequent violence. The film leverages common horror themes like unreliable cell coverage and isolation, but transcends clichés through relentless and escalating brutality. The villains’ heinous acts are depicted with implied but palpable menace, steering clear of overt "torture porn" territory. This restraint does not reduce the impact; sequences involving infant Ollie are especially unsettling, demanding short reprieves from the screen. Lead actors Harriet Dyer and Ian Meadows deliver stellar performances, credibly portraying the desperation and terror their characters endure. Simultaneously, Pedersen and Glenane embody the psychopathic intensity required for their roles with unsettling ease.

Despite its strong points, Killing Ground occasionally stumbles in its execution. The film's non-chronological structure, while innovative, sometimes diffuses suspense by prematurely revealing critical plot twists. This narrative choice can make subsequent events feel predictable, sapping some tension from later scenes. Nonetheless, Power's debut remains a compelling entry in the Australian horror genre, offering a grim yet gripping watch. It harnesses raw performances and intense situations to keep audiences engaged despite some structural flaws. Fans of visceral horror will find substantial merit in this unflinchingly brutal tale of survival.

"Killing Ground" is an Australian horror film that attempts to merge multiple timelines and narratives, creating a disjointed yet visually compelling experience. Director Damien Power intriguingly blends conventional camping horror tropes with moments of shocking violence and unexpected twists, making it more than just a derivative effort akin to "Wolf Creek." While the storytelling occasionally falters due to its ambition, Simon Chapman’s cinematography shines, providing a visually arresting backdrop that elevates the film's tense atmosphere.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release does justice to the film’s technical aspects. The transfer is pristine, showcasing the Australian wilderness with clarity and depth. The DTS audio mix is solid, facilitating an immersive auditory experience; however, it falls short of being exceptional. A notable downside is the lack of supplementary materials, which detracts from the overall value for collectors and hardcore fans who seek additional insights into the film's production.

In conclusion, while "Killing Ground" may not redefine the horror genre, it delivers enough intense moments and visual appeal to warrant a watch. Fans of survival horror will appreciate its merits despite its narrative inconsistencies. A slight recommendation for horror enthusiasts, especially those keen on appreciating high-quality cinematography in the genre.