Cell Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films' Blu-ray presentation of "Cell" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed at 2.40:1. The film appears to be digitally shot, which is evident in its smooth textures and high levels of detail. However, the transfer wrestles with consistency issues, particularly in darker scenes where details tend to get murky and ill-defined. Color grading varies significantly throughout, from teal and greenish tones to purplish tints, and some scenes feature strikingly desaturated outdoor sequences with selective hues standing out. While detail remains fairly commendable overall, it falters in the dimly lit scenarios typical of this movie’s aesthetic.

The 1080p transfer maintains respectable sharpness, especially in well-lit scenes and close-ups, showcasing facial features and the grimy intricacies on the zombies with clarity. However, night-time or low-light settings reveal weaknesses, as shadows lack depth and contrast, rendering these darker moments somewhat flat and lifeless. Additionally, the high definition inadvertently highlights the subpar quality of some special effects, particularly CGI elements like smoke, which appear reminiscent of lower-budget productions.

Ultimately, while the Blu-ray transfer provides a generally crisp and detailed viewing experience, viable discrepancies in visual consistency underline its budgetary limitations.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "Cell" delivers a commendable audio experience that, while not reaching demo-worthy status, provides solid and often immersive sound design. Notable highlights include the initial chaos at the airport, where the surround channels erupt with the pandemonium of masses going insane, creating an enthralling atmosphere that places the viewer in the heart of the action. Another standout moment involves swarms of 'phoners' passing through the frame, their movements effectively captured with engaging surround capabilities.

Despite its occasional dialogue-heavy nature, which somewhat limits continuous surround activity, the mix excels in maintaining excellent fidelity and a wide dynamic range. The rear channels regularly come alive with piercing screams and frantic footsteps, adding a heightened sense of tension. Low-frequency effects are particularly prominent during intense sequences and explosions, delivering a palpable impact. Panning effects, though not overly abundant, are executed smoothly, enhancing the fluidity of on-screen movements.

Dialogue clarity remains impeccable throughout, ensuring that conversations are always discernible against the backdrop of chaos. The movie's soundtrack permeates all channels seamlessly, contributing to the eerie and unsettling ambiance. Overall, while "Cell" may not set a new standard for audio demonstration discs, it presents a robust mix that thoroughly supports its narrative and effectively immerses the audience in its world.

The Blu-ray of "Cell" offers a thorough and engaging array of extras that provide an in-depth look at the film's production. The highlight is the Filmmaker Commentary with director Tod Kip Williams, offering valuable insights into the creative process and challenges faced during shooting. Also included is the featurette To 'Cell' and Back: The Making of the Film, a 12-minute high-definition piece. This standard EPK fare presents a series of interviews with the cast and crew, interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage, offering viewers a comprehensive behind-the-scenes perspective on the film's production. Despite its brevity, the featurette effectively captures the essence of the filmmaking journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Filmmaker Commentary: Director Tod Kip Williams provides intricate details on the film's production.
• To 'Cell' and Back: The Making of the Film: A 12-minute featurette with cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

"Cell," a film adaptation of Stephen King's novel, intertwines technology-driven horror with a narrative that struggles to maintain coherence and tension. The premise is striking: a mysterious frequency transmitted through cell phones transforms users into berserk, bloodthirsty killers. While this concept had potential for a gripping plot, the execution falls short. Despite Stephen King himself co-authoring the screenplay, the movie's numerous narrative threads and underdeveloped suspense leave much to be desired. The film degenerates into a B-movie version of "The Walking Dead," marked by inconsistent writing and haphazard production choices.

The opening sequence at Logan Airport, where protagonist Clay Riddell (John Cusack) narrowly avoids the chaotic outbreak due to a dead phone battery, sets a thrilling tone. However, subsequent scenes fail to capitalize on this momentum. Clay's journey with characters like Tom (Samuel L. Jackson) and Alice (Isabelle Fuhrman) offers moments of genuine creepiness and unsettling suspense, yet these instances are sporadic and diluted by cut-rate special effects and underwhelming action sequences. The character development is minimal, with stellar performances often overshadowed by incongruous editing and narrative gaps.

While "Cell" does harbor King’s trademark ambiguity and unease, vital questions about the source and purpose of the ominous frequency remain insufficiently explored. This lack of clarity, coupled with visually subpar CGI effects, detracts from the intended terror and urgency of the story. The film endeavors to explore deeper themes about technology’s pervasive influence but ultimately treats significant plot points superficially. The potential for a terrifying blockbuster is palpable but unrealized, making "Cell" an entertaining yet flawed addition to the zombie-horror genre.

The Blu-Ray release of "Cell" offers a blend of professional presentation and technical mediocrity, adapted from Stephen King's intriguing, though derivative, story. Its premise of killer cell phones serves as a suspenseful hook but the overall execution is lackluster. The film suffers from a disjointed structure, lackluster editing, and uninspired directing. Performances by the cast are perfunctory, perhaps motivated more by the desire to complete their contracts than to delve into their characters.

On a technical level, the Blu-Ray's video quality is inconsistent, with fluctuating detail levels and occasional visual noise. Despite these issues, the audio performance stands out, providing a robust and clear listening experience that heightens the few well-executed moments of tension in the film. This dichotomy between video and audio quality may influence potential buyers to consider a rental rather than an outright purchase.

In conclusion, "Cell" does deliver some quintessential Stephen King thrills that may satisfy hardcore fans of his work. However, the haphazard direction and uneven technical merits make it more suited for a casual viewing rather than a permanent addition to one's home media collection. For those curious enough, a rental is advisable to experience its sporadic moments of suspense without fully committing to the purchase.