Bedevilled Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Bedevilled" by Well Go USA, utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, delivers a visually engaging experience marked by its exceptional clarity and robust color palette. This high-definition transfer captures the sunlit ambiance of the film beautifully, although it does reveal signs of post color grading with a peculiar green sheen in certain skies. The director's penchant for extreme close-ups is meticulously rendered, allowing for excellent detail and emphasis during the film's intense final act. Noteworthy, however, are minor anomalies such as a fleeting moiré pattern in the closing shot of the island; while subtle, these do not detract significantly from the overall stellar visual quality.

The 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 codec oscillates between captivating brilliance and minor flaws. Early scenes set in Seoul boast formidable clarity and contrast, seamlessly transitioning to the rural landscape of Moo-do without losing visual fidelity. Although some daylight scenes appear slightly washed out by the sun's harsh rays, this seems intentional, aiming to enhance the film's thematic and cinematic direction. These scenes still manage to showcase the lush details of the island and its vivid inhabitants effectively. However, darker scenes occasionally suffer from banding and crush, particularly in gray to black transitions. These issues, while intermittently distracting, don't significantly degrade the overall image quality, making the Blu-ray a worthwhile investment despite these minor hindrances.

"Bedevilled" presents an expertly engineered DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix in its original Korean language, alongside a standard Dolby Digital 2.0 mix. This review focuses exclusively on the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio track. Utilizing ambient environmental sounds to great effect, the audio design draws listeners into the haunting island setting, with subtle touches such as the gentle lapping of waves and the buzzing of bees enhancing the atmosphere. These ambient sounds are primarily contained within the surround channels, contributing to a compellingly immersive experience.

Dialogue clarity is consistently high, predominantly occupying the center channel while occasionally extending into the rear speakers to enhance spatial interaction. This meticulous directionality ensures seamless transitions between scenes and underpins the film’s narrative flow. The dynamic range is noteworthy, coming into full effect during the more intense, violent sequences, bringing both gruesome sound effects and emotional impact sharply into focus.

The musical score greatly benefits from the lossless audio track, heightening tension in later scenes without overpowering dialogue or other critical auditory elements. Primarily channeled through the front speakers, the score sporadically employs rear channels to amplify the mix's immersive qualities. This blend of directionality and fidelity ensures that each element of the soundtrack is represented with precision and depth, delivering an auditory experience that will satisfy discerning listeners.

The extras for the "Bedevilled" Blu-ray offer a mixed experience, primarily consisting of a behind-the-scenes featurette and the theatrical trailer. The behind-the-scenes compilation, although engaging with its raw handheld footage, unfortunately lacks depth and significant insight into the filmmaking process or the director's vision. It predominantly captures various exterior scenes and sequences revolving around the film’s climax without offering substantial commentary or interviews. On the other hand, the inclusion of the theatrical trailer provides a concise and polished glimpse of the movie's appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: Compilation of handheld video footage showing the cast preparing for and shooting various scenes.
• Trailer: The official promotional trailer of the film in high definition.

"Bedevilled," directed by Cheol-soo Jang, is a powerful and unsettling film that delves deep into themes of abuse, apathy, and revenge. Set on the remote island of Moo-do, the film contrasts the cutthroat, indifferent world of modern Seoul with the brutal, almost primitive living conditions on Moo-do. The story revolves around Hae-won (Seong-won Ji), a Seoul bank loan officer who is forced to take a vacation after a series of disturbing events at work, including her refusal to identify assailants in an assault case. Seeking solace, she reconnects with her childhood friend Bok-nam (Yeong-hie Seo) on Moo-do, only to discover an environment rife with intense misogyny and abuse.

The narrative unearths the profoundly oppressive life Bok-nam endures, with vivid depictions of her mistreatment at the hands of her husband and his brother, both fueled by the island’s plant-based narcotic "Bozo leaves." Bok-nam's attempts to protect her daughter from the same fate culminates in tragedy and eventually triggers her descent into violent retribution. The film's first half meticulously builds tension, exploring themes of complicity and momentary betrayals amidst overt patriarchal cruelty.

"Bedevilled" offers a seamless transition from a slow-building psychological thriller to an intense, visceral revenge spectacle. Bok-nam’s harrowing journey from victim to avenger is portrayed with remarkable depth and perspicuity. The violence she inflicts in the latter half is both a cathartic release and a stark commentary on the failed support systems around her. The director skillfully contrasts the dire consequences of apathy with moments of raw, unrestrained justice, creating a deeply layered narrative. By examining both societal apathy and overt aggression, "Bedevilled" emerges as not just a horror film but a potent commentary on systemic brutality and the dire need for empathy and action.

"Bedevilled" is an unflinching exploration into the depths of human suffering and revenge, deftly avoiding the pitfalls of traditional slasher tropes or simplistic revenge fantasies. The film delves deeply into the psychological torment of two women, leading to dramatically different forms of catharsis. The performances of the leading actresses are spellbinding, drawing viewers into a narrative that juxtaposes idyllic landscapes with grotesque violence. The early pacing demands patience, but the eventual shift into madness and mayhem offers a rewarding, albeit harrowing, experience. Though some may critique the stereotypical portrayal of male characters, this serves to heighten the film's oppressive atmosphere and thematic depth.

"Bedevilled" is a standout in the Korean cinematic landscape, easily equating to classics such as "Oldboy" and "I Saw the Devil." Its ability to balance calculated tension and explosive violence makes it an engaging and thought-provoking watch. This Blu-ray edition marks its first U.S. release, offering superior high-definition video and audio quality that does justice to the film's striking visual and auditory elements. While supplemental material is sparse, the content that is present makes this edition a must-own for fans of Korean cinema.

In conclusion, "Bedevilled" is not for the faint-hearted but is a compelling narrative that combines intense emotional depth with visceral horror. Its Blu-ray release, though minimal in extras, stands out for its exceptional audiovisual quality. This film is highly recommended for those willing to confront its dark themes and appreciate its artistic merit.