It Follows Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "It Follows" boasts a stellar 1080p transfer, showcasing pristine digital photography that maintains a natural and meticulously detailed presentation. Filmed on the ARRI ALEXA Plus, the transfer brings out intricate textures such as brick facades, grass, leaves, and even the smallest print on electronic devices. The colors are naturally balanced, offering vibrant yet realistic hues without ever appearing garish. Deep and satisfying black levels are critical to several scenes, providing significant depth to the overall image. Skin tones remain natural and consistent, portraying an authentic appearance throughout. The transfer is practically free of common visual artifacts such as banding, aliasing, or blocking, though some minor aliasing appears on panning shots.

Technical specifications include an AVC MPEG-4 encoding, resolution of 1080p, and an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The clarity and detail in the image are outstanding, with no apparent compromise despite the film's homage to a classic 70s look. Depth of field is especially remarkable during outdoor scenes, providing an almost three-dimensional feel for the characters. Essential scenes involving deep black levels, such as interiors of cars or various hauntings, are delivered flawlessly with deep inky blacks enhancing the atmosphere. Additionally, the color reproduction can shift from vivid and bright to drab and murky, effectively mirroring the film's varying tonal quality. There are no noticeable noise or artifacts that detract from the viewing experience, maintaining an impeccable visual quality throughout the film.

The audio presentation of "It Follows" on Blu-ray is captured with a stellar English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The standout element is undoubtedly Disasterpeace's (Rich Vreeland) score, which resonates with a design reminiscent of John Carpenter’s 1980s compositions. The music is delivered with an intentional prominence that immerses the listener, maintaining impeccable clarity and a robustly defined stage. The low-frequency effects, such as driving rain and thunder, are deep and well-rounded without causing unwanted rattling, contributing to a high-quality auditory experience.

From a technical standpoint, the track excels in delivering environmental ambiance and complex sound effects with finesse. Gunshots are crisp and authoritative, though some indoor shots could benefit from a slightly deeper sound. The mix features a balanced surround sound presentation that heightens the tension through the film, with scenes involving crashing glass, whipping wind, and other haunting noises providing an all-encompassing immersion. Dialogue reproduction is primarily clear and centered, although there are moments where it becomes soft-spoken and slightly harder to discern.

Overall, while not entirely reaching reference quality standards, the audio track of "It Follows" substantively elevates the film-watching experience. The meticulous use of LFE and surround sound ensures that every scare and musical note engulfs the audience, creating a gripping atmosphere that persists even through the credits. This Blu-ray release boasts subtitles in English SDH and Spanish, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The Blu-ray extras for It Follows are relatively scarce but provide some insightful content for enthusiasts. The highlight is the audio commentary featuring critics like Scott Weinberg, Eric D. Snider, and Britt Hayes, which, despite its unconventional format of spliced-in phone conversations, offers a wealth of information and perspectives on the film. Equally captivating is the brief conversation with composer Disasterpeace, where he delves into his background and the creative process behind the film's eerie soundtrack. While the poster gallery is succinct, it presents an eclectic array of promotional art from global artists. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer rounds out the set nicely, providing a nostalgic look at how the film was marketed.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film critics discuss insights and perspectives on the film.
• A Conversation with Film Composer Disasterpeace: Composer discusses his career and work on the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for It Follows.
• Poster Art Gallery: Collection of promotional images by international artists.

David Robert Mitchell’s "It Follows" reinvigorates the horror genre with an evocative fusion of modern sensibilities and classic influences. The film’s minimalist narrative arc, centered around Jay (Maika Monroe) and her relentless supernatural pursuer, strikingly reclaims the pure thrill of horror with a compelling story without relying on excessive gore. "It Follows" eschews contemporary genre pitfalls, instead building tension through psychological scares, superb cinematography, and an eerie score by Disasterpeace that channels vintage vibes. The film’s thematic depth, addressing sexual transference like an uncanny STD allegory, only intensifies the dread and profundity, potentially inviting various interpretations related to innocence and human fears.

"It Follows" exhibits strong ties to John Carpenter's "Halloween," not just through its visual homages but also in its mastery of suspense and deliberate pacing. Director of Photography Mike Gioulakis meticulously composes each shot for maximum visual storytelling, from suburban exteriors to atmospheric interiors. The cast, particularly Monroe, delivers understated yet powerful performances within this simple yet haunting premise. The absence of heavy-handed gore allows Mitchell’s script to shine, making Jay's plight more resonant and the pursuing entity disturbingly omnipresent.

Technically exceptional in every way, "It Follows" isn't just a by-the-numbers scare-fest but a nuanced and sophisticated horror film. Every element—from its evocative soundtrack to its visually arresting scenes—contributes to a nightmarish experience that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll. It stands as a modern horror classic that respects its predecessors while confidently charting new territory.

"It Follows" is a standout entry in the horror genre, praised for its sophisticated blend of psychological terror and a unique yet comforting nod to past horror greats. The film eschews the typical trappings of modern horror, such as excessive gore and cheap jump scares, in favor of subtle and mounting dread. Its evocative cinematography, tight script, and innovative narrative premise converge to create a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. In terms of technical execution, the Blu-ray release by Anchor Bay is exemplary, featuring pristine video quality and immersive audio that significantly enhance the viewing experience.

Critics have lauded "It Follows" as a revolutionary piece within its genre for its original storytelling that still pays homage to horror classics. Its minimal use of bloodletting does not detract from its ability to instill fear; rather, it amplifies the film's haunting qualities through a slow-burn approach. The core idea is both imaginative and familiar, making it accessible yet fresh. The few supplemental features on the Blu-ray disc are well-curated and add significant value without overwhelming the viewer.

There's not enough praise one can bestow upon "It Follows". It's a modern classic that fully understands and embraces everything that's good about the horror genre (psychological scares, a refined script, moody photography, a creative yet familiar core idea) and leaves out everything that isn't (overwhelming/unnecessary gore, cheap jump scares, watered-down details, found footage). Every bit of the production is special. Everything works. Everything is magic. This is the best horror film to come along in a long, long time and a film that needs to be at the top of every movie watcher's must-see list. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of "It Follows" features excellent video and audio. Supplements are few in number but satisfying. Very highly recommended.