The Green Inferno Blu-ray Review

The Green Inferno's video presentation on Blu-ray, initially released by Universal Studios in 2016 and later carried over by Scream Factory, showcases an AVC encoded image with a 2.39:1/2.40:1 aspect ratio that breathes vibrant life into the gruesome narrative. The high-definition capture enhances the boldness of the film's palette, where primaries explode off the screen, accentuating the vivid tribal body paint and lush jungle scenery. Detail reproduction is striking, from the nuanced textures of facial expressions to the intricate designs of fibrous costumes. The gore is rendered with unsettling clarity, offering viewers a ghastly detailed view of the movie's more visceral sequences. Despite a general excellence in image quality, there are minor issues with delineation and occasional moments of noise and blurring, particularly noticeable in fast-moving scenes such as the plane crash and select nighttime sequences.

The transfer excels in delivering a bright and sharp image underpinned by robust black levels that contribute to an almost tangible depth, especially in dark costume elements and shadowy underbrush scenes. There's a minor critique regarding the appearance of purplish hues in what are supposed to be deep black shadows and a nostalgic yearning for a grittier visual aesthetic that could have complimented the film's harrowing theme. Furthermore, natural lighting is used to dramatic effect, highlighting the contrasting reds of cannibal skin against the neon of activist jumpsuits, ensuring these visual elements punch through with impressive vibrancy.

In summary, while The Green Inferno's Blu-ray video presentation impresses with its dynamic range of colors and meticulous attention to detail, it isn't without its flaws. The occasional noise and a slight deviation from what some might expect from a horror film's visual texture do not significantly detract from an otherwise excellent visual experience. Enhanced by solid black levels and a vivid display of color and detail, this Blu-ray release makes for an engaging viewing, though it may leave aficionados of grittier, less polished visuals yearning for more.

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "The Green Inferno" is a testament to immersive sound engineering, providing viewers with an auditory experience that is as engaging as it is meticulous. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix impresses with its aggressive use of surround sound, breathing life into the atmospheric chaos of protest riots, jungle expeditions, and the bustling streets of Peru. Smart panning effects add a layer of depth, ensuring that the mix is not just about volume but about creating a palpable environment. Dialogue is rendered with remarkable clarity, allowing the actors' performances and the nuances of their native accents to shine through. The score supports the on-screen action with compelling volume and rich instrumentation, while the low-end is assertively handled, accentuating explosive sequences and lending weight to the soundtrack's percussive elements.

Extending the auditory offering, "The Green Inferno" provides both DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless and 2.0 options, ensuring a robust audio experience regardless of your sound system setup. The 5.1 mix, in particular, stands out for its dynamic range — from the subtlest ambient sounds to the overwhelming cacophony of a cannibal slaughterhouse, the soundstage is richly layered and impeccably balanced. Every scene is enhanced by the audio's ability to maintain clear and clean dialogue amidst chaos, projected predominantly through the center channel. The scoring is noteworthy for its heavy rhythms that pervade the soundfield, utilizing the LFE channel to full effect without succumbing to distortion. For audiophiles and score enthusiasts alike, the inclusion of the CD soundtrack is a welcome bonus, offering another avenue to appreciate the film's auditory artistry.

In essence, the audio presentation of "The Green Inferno" on Blu Ray is a thoroughly engineered experience that complements the film's visual ferocity with a sonic depth that is equally potent. From its articulate handling of dialogue to its expansive use of surround soundscapes and low-end power, it ensures that every moment is as audibly engaging as it is visually striking.

This Blu-ray release of "The Green Inferno" is a true gem for enthusiasts, enriched with an impressive array of extras that delve into the making of Eli Roth’s horror film. The highlights include comprehensive interviews with Roth, who shares his passion and challenges in bringing this cannibalistic tale to life, notably his efforts in scouting authentic locations and interacting with the local community in Peru. The in-depth behind-the-scenes footage offers a raw glimpse of the actor preparations, location challenges, and the collaborative spirit between the crew and villagers. Additionally, the commentary track featuring Roth, Nicolas Lopez, and key cast members is a standout, providing insightful and entertaining perspectives on the production process. Equally engaging are the featurettes focusing on specific aspects like character development and location insights, rounding out an exceptional supplemental package that significantly enhances the viewing experience of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Eli Roth, Nicolas Lopez, and several main actors discussing the making of the film.
• Into 'The Green Inferno': A detailed interview with Eli Roth about his inspirations and filmmaking process.
• Uncivilized Behavior: Conversations with main cast members about their experiences on set and their characters.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Extensive raw footage showcasing the production efforts and actor preparations.
• Making-of Featurette: A standard EPK-style summary of Roth's vision and execution.
• Meet the Villagers: Brief introductions to the local actors involved in the movie.
• Lorenzo Izzo: A short featurette on the actress's role in the film.
• Amazon Jungle: Quick glimpses into the movie's jungle setting.
• Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots: Promotional material for the film.
• Image Galleries: Featuring movie stills, behind-the-scenes photos, village construction, storyboard and makeup tests, and publicity images.

Eli Roth's "The Green Inferno" is a homage to the Italian cannibal films of the '70s and '80s, an era Roth clearly venerates, hoping to reintroduce the cannibal genre to a modern audience that's been oversaturated with zombie narratives. Despite Roth’s evident passion and his attempt to navigate through the grisly subject matter with a dose of humor, the film struggles to recapture the raw intensity and nightmarish quality of its predecessors. The storyline follows naive Columbia University freshman Justine, played by Lorenza Izzo, who, driven by a newfound activist zeal, finds herself and her group ensnared by a cannibal tribe in the Peruvian jungle—a harsh juxtaposition against their initial mission to save said tribe from corporate destruction.

Technical prowess is evident in the movie's production, with special commendation deserved for the practical effects work led by Greg Nicotero. The detailed gore, a hallmark of Roth’s style, promises to satisfy genre enthusiasts with its authenticity and visceral impact. Yet, the film is hindered by its inconsistent tone; what begins as a deeply foreboding journey into the jungle’s heart is occasionally undercut by Roth’s penchant for levity in dire situations. Furthermore, character development is stunted, employing clichés over complexity, leaving the audience less invested in the fates of the protagonists. This is compounded by performances from a mix of seasoned and unseasoned actors who navigate their roles with varying degrees of success, though Lorenza Izzo delivers a commendable performance as Justine, embodying vulnerability amidst the horror with conviction.

"The Green Inferno" encapsulates Roth's attempt to pay tribute to an era of filmmaking he deeply admires, attempting to bridge the gap between past and present cannibal cinema. While it flounders in fleshing out a compelling narrative or evoking the sheer terror of its inspirations, it stands as a visually arresting piece that revisits less-trodden paths of horror. The film oscillates between being an earnest homage and a modern reinterpretation, grappling with its identity but ultimately providing a blood-soaked spectacle that uncovers both Roth’s limitations and his ability to orchestrate gruesomely memorable cinematic moments.

The Green Inferno" arrives on Blu-ray with an ambience that is as unsettling as it is remote, backed by Manuel Riverio's potent score which masterfully blends a memorable theme with tribal percussion. Despite these highlights, the film unfolds in a manner that may feel routine to aficionados of the cannibal genre, lacking the visceral unease that propelled its predecessors to cult status. Notably, the exploitative subgenre's often criticized element of animal cruelty is absent here, perhaps a small mercy in an otherwise faithful homage to cannibal cinema's gory delights. The effort falls short in delivering the stomach-churning sense of peril that defines the best of exploitation films, hampered by its pacing and underdeveloped characters.

The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory, however, stands out for its exceptional audiovisual presentation and a wealth of special features that are sure to delight enthusiasts. This makes upgrading from the more basic 2016 Universal Blu-ray release an enticing proposition. Eli Roth’s affection for the cannibal genre is evident, aiming to pay tribute to its iconic films and creators. Despite failing to fully capture the genre's infamous sense of danger, Roth's effort is commendable and shows potential appeal for a specific audience segment, including his fans, millennial gorehounds, or those looking to dip their toes into a horror subgenre that steers clear of the undead.

In conclusion, while "The Green Inferno" might not satiate the hunger of those craving the electrifying dread of classic cannibal films, its solid Blu-ray release offers enough technical prowess and special features to warrant attention. It serves as a modern homage to a controversial genre and, despite its shortcomings in story and character development, represents a worthwhile addition for collectors and genre enthusiasts seeking comprehensive home media offerings.