Devil's Due Blu-ray Review

"Devil's Due" is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, consistent with its 'found footage' aesthetic. The image quality intentionally mimics that from home video cameras, contributing to its lo-fi video ambiance. Although this creative choice aligns with the movie's theme, it results in a number of visual imperfections. Artifacts such as shimmer, aliasing, and moiré patterns are prevalent, detracting from the viewing experience. Darker sequences are particularly susceptible to noise, resulting in a murky presentation that hampers detail discernment. Brightly lit scenes and even high-action moments lack the vibrancy and precision that might be expected from a typical Blu-ray transfer, leading to an overall flat and somewhat washed-out visual experience.

Color grading is another area of concern; many key scenes have been heavily filtered and graded, which further impacts their visual integrity. The red-soaked finale, for instance, suffers from lackluster shadow detail and an absence of fine detail due to the skewed palette. Although some close-up shots provide sharp detail, revealing makeup blemishes, these moments are fleeting and counterbalanced by predominant softness affecting the rest of the film. Inconsistencies in contrast and color fidelity, particularly with brighter outdoor sequences, highlight a somewhat pale and subdued visual tone. While the directors' intent to convey a sinister atmosphere through selective color grading is apparent, the overall video presentation could have benefited from more refined post-production attention.

The audio presentation of "Devil's Due" on Blu-ray delivers an unexpectedly robust and immersive experience, primarily through its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. From the outset, the track showcases a remarkable Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) footprint—impressing first during the conception scene and returning with vigour during the climactic assisted birth scene. The blending of pulsating and vibrating sound effects to signify Satan’s presence is a standout choice, manifesting through the soundstage with significant presence and punch. Dialogue throughout the film is impeccably clear, consistently clean, and well-positioned directionally, especially during critical scenes like the intense climax where the mix shines.

The overall audio fidelity is exceptional, and the dynamic range is notably vast, rendering every sound effect—from loud bangs to eerie satanic noises—in stellar fashion. The track is full, lively, and most importantly, balanced impeccably throughout its runtime. Unlike the film itself, which may be divisive among viewers, the audio track stands out as a significant achievement. The consistent clarity of dialogue unencumbered by pops or hisses ensures that every line is understandable. Similarly, the sound effects, especially the ominous vibrating noises, are delivered with a punch that enlivens and often rattles the listening environment. This excellent audio mix brings a level of engagement and immersion crucial for a genre piece like this.

The Blu-ray extras for "Devil's Due" provide a somewhat mixed viewing experience. Notable highlights include "Radio Silence: A Hell of a Team," which offers insightful interviews with the creative minds behind the film, and "The Director's Photo Album," a behind-the-scenes slideshow. However, the audio commentary feels disjointed and lackluster, adding little value. Additionally, the found footage segments ("Ashes to Ash," "The Lost Time") bring minimal content. Deleted scenes, although comprehensive with an extended ending, don't significantly enhance the narrative. The internet-origin prank videos lack humor and seem like unnecessary additions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Nine deleted scenes, including an extended ending.
• Radio Silence: A Hell of a Team: Interviews and on-set footage with the filmmakers.
• Director's Photo Album: Slideshow of behind-the-scenes images and production stills.
• Ashes to Ash: Ostensible found footage of a dead bird.
• The Lost Time: Found footage involving two kids discovering something creepy.
• Roommate Alien Prank Goes Bad: Unfunny prank video seen online.
• Mountain Devil Prank Fails Horribly: Another unfunny prank video.
• Audio Commentary: Commentary by Radio Silence members; disjointed and skippable.

"Devil's Due" aims to blend elements of found footage, possession, and devil baby genres reminiscent of the classic "Rosemary's Baby," but it ultimately falls flat due to a combination of unoriginality and technical mediocrity. The film attempts to modernize Ira Levin's 1960s horror masterpiece by adopting a found footage format. However, this choice only serves to highlight the film's narrative weaknesses. The story should have provided a strong connection between the footage and the main characters, yet the approach used here feels fragmented and unconvincing, leaving the audience feeling detached rather than engaged.

The film opens intriguingly enough with Zach (Zach Gilford) being interrogated in a police station, but soon reduces itself to tired clichés and uninspired storytelling. Initial scenes show Zach and his wife Sam (Allison Miller) on their honeymoon, captured via self-indulgent video selfies. This leads to an incoherent sequence where they attend a bizarre party, get drugged, and become part of a satanic ritual. The supposed horror is undermined by a disjointed visual style that fails to evoke genuine fear, transitioning in and out of consciousness in a manner that seems forced and gimmicky rather than eerie or suspenseful.

As Sam's mysterious pregnancy unfolds, the film slavishly adheres to familiar tropes borrowed from "Rosemary's Baby"—cravings for raw meat, creepy apparitions, and dubious medical professionals—without adding any fresh twists or engaging character development. The performances feel lackluster, bogged down by poor dialogue and a script bereft of originality. While the opening Bible quote about multiple antichrists hints at a larger sinister world and potential sequel, given the lackluster execution here, one can only hope those future endeavors are more compelling.

"Devil's Due" is, regrettably, a lackluster addition to the horror genre, especially when viewed through the lens of Blu-ray release quality. The film attempts to emulate the atmospheric terror of classics such as "Rosemary's Baby," yet falls short due to its reliance on predictable tropes and a found footage style that fails to innovate or even engage effectively. The storyline is punctuated with clichés and circumstances that seasoned horror aficionados will find all too familiar, rendering the experience more tedious than terrifying.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release of "Devil's Due" is a mixed bag. Video quality is subpar, lacking the crispness and detail one expects from high-definition formats, and often suffering from muddy visuals that detract from the movie's intended eerie aesthetic. In contrast, the audio presentation stands out as a significant positive, with a robust and clear sound design that enhances the occasional moments of genuine suspense. The disc includes a selection of extras, though notably sparse on compelling content, leaving much to be desired for those seeking in-depth behind-the-scenes insights or extended lore.

In conclusion, while "Devil's Due" strives to join the pantheon of horror greats, it ultimately underscores how formidable Ira Levin’s "Rosemary's Baby" remains in the genre. Levin’s work, both literary and cinematic, continues to be unrivaled in its chilling narrative and psychological depth—qualities that "Devil's Due" conspicuously lacks. For those interested in a truly spine-tingling experience, revisiting Levin's book or Roman Polanski's masterful film adaptation is strongly recommended over this Blu-ray edition.