Dog Soldiers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Dog Soldiers" by Scream Factory showcases a 2K scan in 1080p HD with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Supervised and approved by director Neil Marshall, this transfer confronts the inherent limitations of its 16mm origin. While not reaching blockbuster clarity, the detail is commendable; close-ups reveal meticulous textures, from werewolf fur to blood splatter. Though the film is swathed predominantly in lantern and fireplace light, depth is appreciable in cabin and forest scenes. However, viewers may notice intermittent dirt, debris, and scratches reflecting the original prints. The transfer's organic look, if accepting the desaturated color grading, offers a genuine if imperfect experience.

The image exhibits a swarthy grain field sometimes exacerbated by boosted contrast, causing notable black crush in darker scenes. Despite a shifted and brighter color temperature with less blue, reds and greens notably stand out. This edition deftly handles grain resolution without major compression artifacts or artificial sharpening, unlike its predecessor. Flesh tones are consistently bleached with impressive detail in close-ups but less so in wider shots. Black levels are deep, though they and low-budget lighting can obscure detail in shadows. Overall, while flaws inherent to the source material persist, this edition delivers a viewing experience arguably true to the gritty tone of the film.

The encoding using the MPEG-4 AVC method ensures respectable handling of the grain and streaks present. The presentation's atmospheric depth especially shines in interior scenes, providing a tangible sense of space. While the altered brightness is unmistakable during gloomy settings, it contributes an interesting visual dynamic. Fans might find the radical color temperature shift contentious, yet this transfer stands out with minimal compression issues and no evident noise artifacts. It’s a striking rendition for those seeking a raw and authentic portrayal of "Dog Soldiers" despite its imperfections.

The Blu Ray release of "Dog Soldiers" offers both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, providing users with a choice between immersive multi-channel audio and a more straightforward stereo experience. The 5.1 track, while not as aggressive as many contemporary horror-action soundtracks, delivers a reasonably immersive experience, particularly during action sequences where rear channel placement becomes more pronounced. Despite some underwhelming sound effects, the mix does provide clear, crisp audio with good prioritization of dialogue, score, and effects. However, the lower range is somewhat anemic in both mixes but remains serviceable and non-intrusive throughout the film.

The 2.0 DTS-HD track maintains clarity and cleanliness in its presentation, making it suitable for those without a multiple speaker setup. Although surround activity and speaker-to-speaker dynamics are limited in the 5.1 track, the audio presentation remains impressive during key moments of suspense, punctuated by sharp, realistic sound effects such as explosions and gunfire. Directionality is well-handled, adding to the immersive atmosphere principally during the battle scenes inside the house. The dialogue is consistently rendered with clarity, free from any pops, cracks, or hisses, ensuring viewers can easily follow along even with accented speech. The low-frequency extension excels during heavy action scenes, providing a notable rumble that enhances the overall viewing experience.

Ultimately, while the score may feel somewhat tacked on and less impactful compared to other elements, it adequately supports the film's atmosphere without overpowering other components of the soundtrack. Both audio tracks offer clean and precise delivery, ensuring an engaging auditory experience even if the multi-channel setup isn't fully exploited. Subtitles are included in English for accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dog Soldiers" offer a comprehensive and engaging glimpse into the production, featuring high-quality behind-the-scenes content and insightful commentary. The standout feature is "Werewolves vs. Soldiers," an in-depth documentary with cast and crew interviews, enriched with on-set footage and humorous moments. "A Cottage in the Woods" provides an intriguing look at the film's production design. Neil Marshall's commentary is a must-listen, providing entertaining and informative insights into the challenges of filming. Additional content includes two photo galleries showcasing promotional and behind-the-scenes images, trailers, and Marshall's short film "Combat," featuring actors from "Dog Soldiers."

Extras included in this disc:

• Werewolves vs. Soldiers: The making of the film with interviews, on-set footage, and anecdotes.
• A Cottage in the Woods: Insight into the set design.
• Trailers: Promotional trailers for "Dog Soldiers."
• Dog Soldiers Photo Gallery: Posters and promotional photos.
• Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery: Slideshow of behind-the-scenes images.
• Combat: Short film by Neil Marshall.
• Audio Commentary with Neil Marshall: Director’s insights into the production.

Neil Marshall’s "Dog Soldiers" is a celebrated entry into the werewolf genre, known for merging horror, action, and dark humor. The film follows an elite group of Scottish soldiers engaged in a training exercise in the Highlands who accidentally stumble upon the remnants of a special forces unit decimated by werewolves. This discovery sets the stage for a high-octane battle for survival against towering, ferocious werewolves. The movie is often compared to "Predator," owing to its blend of military action and horror, executed with practical effects that eschew CGI in favor of organic monster designs, enhancing its gritty and realistic feel. The film's practical effects and make-up are particularly lauded for their quality, providing some of the most memorable creature designs in modern horror.

The climactic sequences exhibit Marshall’s prowess in creating intense, blood-pumping action scenes with a palpable sense of danger. Characters are well-developed, each soldier given distinct traits that add depth amidst the mayhem. The banter among soldiers injects humor without detracting from the tension, contributing to a viewing experience that balances thrills and laughs effectively.

Despite its success as a film, the journey to its latest Blu-ray release has been tumultuous, as revealed by Marshall himself. The original negatives were lost, forcing reliance on 13-year-old cinema prints to achieve the new HD transfer. While this version boasts high contrast, rich colors, and a grainy texture reflective of its 16mm origins, some fans have criticized these visual aspects. Marshall acknowledges these limitations but affirms that the current release represents the best possible version under challenging circumstances, stressing that significant restoration without the original negatives remains unattainable. This Blu-ray edition thus stands as a testament to both the film’s enduring appeal and the complex realities of film preservation.

Scream Factory’s release of "Dog Soldiers: Collector’s Edition" solidifies its status as arguably one of the best werewolf movies ever made. Neil Marshall adeptly combines suspense, comedy, and gore within a tight, engaging runtime. The characters are richly developed, the action is intense, and the bloodshed is unapologetically relentless. This Collector’s Edition introduces enhanced video and audio presentations that make the film feel fresh, despite any imperfections revealed by its 16mm origin. The plethora of new extras supplements this edition well, making it a worthy addition for any horror aficionado or werewolf movie enthusiast.

While some may find the film’s transfer to high definition polarizing due to its inherently gritty and lo-fi aesthetic, the care taken by Scream Factory in this release mitigates such concerns. Despite the absence of a few expected extras, the new retrospective documentary and Neil Marshall’s short film “Combat” add significant value. Though debates have arisen among fans concerning specific aspects of the transfer, it is clear that this edition stands as the current definitive release in the US, making it a crucial pick-up for followers of the genre.

Overall, "Dog Soldiers" continues to captivate with its raw charm and visceral thrills. The Scream Factory release, despite its imperfections, offers a solid presentation complemented by rich supplemental content. Enthusiasts might find themselves hoping for a more definitive release should better source material be discovered in the future. However, with the current package delivering both technically and content-wise, "Dog Soldiers" remains highly recommended for anyone interested in high-quality horror cinema. Whether you are revisiting the film or watching it for the first time, this edition is undoubtedly an upgrade worthy of any collection.