Lisa Frankenstein Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Lisa Frankenstein" rejuvenates the 80s-themed horror romcom with an impressive replication of its distinguished visual style. Across its runtime, this fresh transfer flawlessly encapsulates the vividness of the era's fashion and decor, boasting a kaleidoscope of neon hues and rich, saturated colors that radiate off the screen. Detail is a high point, with textures such as the characters' terrycloth bathrobes and the Creature’s worn attire appearing highly discernible, allowing viewers to appreciate the granular aspects of both costume and set designs. The intentional grain overlay enhances the film's retro aesthetic, marrying well with the accurate and inky black levels to forge a commendable visual depth, notwithstanding occasional issues where darker scenes suffer from black crush, obscuring finer details.

The technical execution of this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode demonstrates a laudable balance between sharpness and the film’s original stylistic softness, ensuring that everything from Lisa’s iconic 80s hair to the eerie graveyard settings is conveyed with clarity. The reproduction of the 80s color palette is particularly noteworthy; neon tones and primary colors like the sensational reds of the school lockers and Lisa's dress burst with vibrancy, while skin tones remain natural and lifelike amidst the colorful extravagance. The inclusion of a consistent layer of film grain further authenticates the period feel, complementing rather than detracting from the overall visual experience.

Enhanced by a 1.85:1 image ratio, the video presentation supports an impeccable contrast level throughout, enabling a crisp delineation of objects in both brightly lit and shadow-infused sequences. While the majority of scenes are depicted with clear precision, showcasing enviable detail in environmental textures and character attire, it's worth noting the presence of occasional black levels overshadowing minute elements in lesser-lit areas. Despite this minor drawback, the Blu-ray transfer succeeds in delivering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience that faithfully honors "Lisa Frankenstein’s" original creative vision, making it a standout for both aficionados of the genre and lovers of 80s nostalgia.

The "Lisa Frankenstein" Blu Ray audio, presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, impresses with its meticulous handling of dialogue and an iconic 80s soundtrack that enhances the movie's immersive quality. The dialogue is crystal clear, ensuring that every line is easily understandable and centered, which is crucial for maintaining engagement with the film. The selection of 80s tracks, including hits from The Pixies and The Jesus and Mary Chain, is not only nostalgically satisfying but also technically well-integrated, engulfing the audience in a wave of audial nostalgia. Sound effects, from the ambient rumble of a pivotal thunderstorm to the minutiae of a malfunctioning tanning bed, add depth and realism without overshadowing the dialogue or music.

However, the soundtrack doesn't come without its minor flaws, particularly concerning the bass levels. Although the low-frequency effects (LFE) channel brings an energetic and sometimes menacing depth to the film, especially during music-heavy scenes, it occasionally becomes overpoweringly muddy. This is likely due to the bass being pushed beyond its optimal range, causing a less precise sound that can detract from the overall clarity of the track. Despite this, the audio mix shines in its dynamic range and vocal prioritization, ensuring dialogue cuts through the most action-packed scenes without being overwhelmed.

The technical execution extends to a wide and engaging sound field, where directional effects and background noises are cleverly utilized to create an enveloping atmosphere. Although the overzealous bass is a minor distraction, it doesn't significantly impair the audio experience. The sound design skillfully balances sharp midranges and well-placed sounds to craft a memorable auditory experience. Subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish are also available, making the film accessible to a wider audience.

The Blu-ray release of "Lisa Frankenstein" offers a modest yet engaging collection of extras that delve into the creative process behind the film. Viewers are treated to a selection of deleted scenes that provide intriguing insights into alternate storylines and character developments, which, for various reasons, did not make the final cut. The gag reel offers a light-hearted glimpse behind the scenes, showcasing the cast's camaraderie and the inevitable bloopers that occur during filming. "An Electric Connection" stands out by offering in-depth discussions with key cast and crew members, shedding light on their experiences and aspirations for the project. "Resurrecting the '80s" explores the nostalgic influences that shaped the film's aesthetic and atmosphere, with contributions from various departments highlighting their dedication to authenticity. The commentary by director Zelda Williams is notably comprehensive, guiding viewers through the filmmaking process with personal anecdotes and technical insights. This collection, while not exhaustive, enriches the viewing experience by providing context and celebrating the collaborative effort required to bring "Lisa Frankenstein" to life.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Includes five scenes offering additional character moments and plot points.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of outtakes and humorous mistakes from the production.
• An Electric Connection: Cast and crew interviews focusing on the making of the film.
• Resurrecting the '80s: A deep dive into the era's influence on the film's design and story.
• A Dark Comedy Duo: Discussion on blending comedic elements with darker themes.
• Feature Commentary: Director Zelda Williams shares her insights throughout the film's production.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment presents "Lisa Frankenstein" on Blu-ray, adorned with a glossy slipcover and a Digital Copy that unlocks the 4K UHD version with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio. Accompanied by a variety of special features like making-of snippets, a gag reel, and an insightful feature-length commentary by director Zelda Williams, this single-disc package is a treat for fans and newcomers alike. The dual-layered BD50 disc is packaged in a standard blue, eco-elite keepcase, ensuring that upon insertion, viewers are greeted by a straightforward menu screen, setting the stage for the intriguing film experience that lies ahead.

Set in the vibrant yet tumultuous year of 1989, "Lisa Frankenstein" takes viewers on a quirky, horror-comedy adventure penned by Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams in her feature-length debut. The story swirls around the life of Lisa Swallows (brilliantly portrayed by Kathryn Newton), a misunderstood goth teenager grappling with the chaos of high school and the aftermath of her mother's tragic demise. Her unorthodox salvation comes in the form of a reanimated Victorian-era young man, aptly named The Creature (Cole Sprouse), sparking an absurdly enchanting narrative that is both heartwarming and morbid. The film exquisitely blends the nostalgia of '80s pop culture with the timeless fascination surrounding Mary Shelley's Frankenstein archetype, all while incorporating clever nods to iconic films and music of the era.

Though "Lisa Frankenstein" navigates its genre-bending path with an array of witty dialogues and dark comedic elements, it occasionally stumbles in its pacing and tone. Nonetheless, Newton’s captivating transformation from subdued teenager to empowered goth queen, alongside Sprouse's compelling evolution from a stumbling zombie to a sympathetic human(ish) figure, anchors the film's heart. Despite its narrative imperfections and the challenge of marrying horror with comedy without diminishing its characters' likability, Williams skillfully maneuvers through these complexities, delivering a film that invites viewers into its peculiarly endearing universe. Boasting an amalgamation of eerie humor, unconventional romance, and a poignant yet cheeky critique of the '80s cultural panorama, "Lisa Frankenstein" emerges as an intriguing addition to the horror-comedy genre, intriguingly capturing the spirit of adolescent angst and monstrous affection amidst an array of severed body parts and neon-lit dreams.

Zelda William's directorial debut, "Lisa Frankenstein," wades into the vibrant waters of '80s nostalgia with a mix of horror and humor that, while ambitious, yields mixed results. Diablo Cody's script oscillates between clever wit and awkward execution, portraying a narrative that struggles with its own identity. The blend of horror-comedy aims for a throwback vibe but occasionally misses the mark, resulting in an uneven tone that could have been mitigated by choosing a clearer direction—either embracing the horror fully or leaning into a lighter approach. The ensemble cast, featuring notable performances by Newton, Guigano, and Sprouse, brings energy and entertainment to the film, though the material sometimes underutilizes their capabilities. The Blu-ray release shines with an excellent video quality and a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that complements the late '80s college radio soundtrack excellently, though it's marred by a paltry selection of supplemental material.

Technical observations of the Blu-ray presentation highlight its strengths in audiovisual quality, with High-Def Digest's review system ensuring a thorough assessment. The disc's visual fidelity is commendable, showcasing vibrant colors and sharp details that do justice to the film's aesthetic ambitions. However, the extras on offer leave much to be desired for fans looking for an in-depth exploration of the film's creation and behind-the-scenes content. This aspect could have significantly enhanced the overall value of the Blu-ray package, offering insights into Williams' directorial choices and Cody's writing nuances.

In conclusion, "Lisa Frankenstein" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag that mirrors the film's own tonal inconsistencies. Despite the stellar audiovisual presentation, the lack of substantial extras detracts from the package's appeal. The film itself, while uneven, showcases enough potential and charm to warrant a viewing, anchored by a trio of engaging performances. Collectors and fans of genre-bending narratives may find it worth adding to their library for its technical merits and the novelty of its concept. However, those seeking a more cohesive and comprehensive horror-comedy experience might find it falls short of expectations.