Hellbenders Blu-ray Review

"Hellbenders" is presented in 1080p HD with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, featuring an AVC encoded transfer from Lionsgate Films. Utilizing Red Epic digital cameras, the film's video quality suffers due to the director J.T. Perry's choice to film many of the crucial scenes under low light conditions. This results in a generally murky presentation with limited shadow detail and low contrast. Brightly lit scenes are scarce, and even when they appear, they exhibit desaturated colors and a notable loss of fine detail, which is further compounded by the post-processing color grading. Faux documentary segments are intentionally distressed for effect, integrating clips from fictitious exorcisms and interview snippets.

The 3D version of "Hellbenders" offers a surprisingly good experience considering the inherent limitations of low-light cinematography. Director J.T. Perry and cinematographer Ryan Samul effectively frame scenes to create a sense of depth and dimension, with foreground objects enhancing the spatial planes. Unfortunately, the overall darkness hampers the visibility of these effects, making well-lit sequences, such as an early scene of Larry smoking a joint, stand out for their clarity and impact. However, both 2D and 3D versions suffer from inconsistent black levels, evidence of compression issues, and an overall dark palette that diminishes the full potential of the viewing experience. Despite these issues, the 3D implementation shows commendable effort in achieving depth and occasional pop-out effects.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix in Hellbenders provides a satisfactory listening experience, albeit with some notable shortcomings. The surround sound is effectively utilized during the few exorcism scenes to create an immersive atmosphere, though it lacks the thunderous low end one might anticipate from such sequences. Additionally, the post-looped demon voices suffer from occasional lip-synching issues that detract from the overall experience. That said, a later scene with a conflagration stands out due to its commendable low-end impact and well-executed surround channel use. Dialogue remains consistently clean and well-articulated, with excellent fidelity throughout the film.

The audio mix falls short in delivering the spine-chilling experience one would expect from a demonic possession narrative. The dynamic range appears unexpectedly narrow, leading to a less impactful auditory experience, especially in moments where creepy sound effects and ambient noises from the rear channels should enhance the fear factor. One would expect the demonic voices to be more daunting, with a deeper, more resonant bass capable of instilling dread; however, this element is disappointingly muted. Despite these issues, the clarity of dialogue ensures that viewers can follow the story without strain, even if the audio mix itself could benefit from more richness and crispness.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "Hellbenders" provide a rich, entertaining experience, maintaining a balanced mix of insight and humor. The Audio Commentary by writer/director J.T. Petty and cast members Clancy Brown and Andre Royo stands out with its engaging conversations, providing both levity and informative anecdotes about the filming process. God's Dirty Work: The Making of Hellbenders combines interviews with cast and crew, offering behind-the-scenes insights with intercut film scenes. The Fly on the Wall Behind the Scenes Footage gives viewers a taste of the chaotic nature of film production, while the Original Exorcism Short Films present fuller versions of the exorcism snippets seen in the movie, accompanied by a note on intentional video anomalies. Finally, the included Theatrical Trailer provides a succinct preview of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director J.T. Petty and Cast Members Clancy Brown and Andre Royo: Lively discussions and humorous stories about making the film.
• God's Dirty Work: The Making of Hellbenders: Interviews with cast and crew interspersed with film scenes.
• Fly on the Wall Behind the Scenes Footage: Insight into the chaotic nature of filming.
• Original Exorcism Short Films: Full versions of exorcism clips shown in the film with intentional video anomalies.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for the film.

"Hellbenders" is an over-the-top possession comedy that weaves together elements of horror and irreverent humor with mildly uneven results. Centered around a motley crew of priests who embrace debauchery and sin as part of their unique method of exorcism, the film treads on controversial topics with a mix of slapstick and dark comedy. The rogue priests, led by the inebriated Angus (Clancy Brown) and his less experienced but equally indulgent second-in-command Larry (Clifton Collins Jr.), are dedicated to drawing demons into their own damned souls to ensure a one-way ticket to Hell for the unwelcome entities. This rather ludicrous premise oscillates between moments of absurdity and predictably crude humor.

While some may appreciate the film's bold irreverence, its low-budget execution often hampers the engaging potential of its high-concept plot. The film might evoke comparisons to "Ghostbusters" with its mix of supernatural elements and comedic antics, but it struggles to maintain a consistent tone or deliver a comparable level of entertainment. Notably, the possessed character Surtr wreaks havoc on New York, generating some laughs through juvenile humor, but largely failing to capitalize on its comedic promise during its 87-minute runtime.

Performances across the board, including those by Dan Fogler and Andre Royo, are energetic and committed, though they may come across as an exercise in futility given the material's shortcomings. Despite brief flashes of ingenuity, "Hellbenders" leans heavily on vulgarity and shock value without fully developing its narrative or thematic depth. The film’s attempt to inject some “heart” toward its chaotic climax feels incongruent and ultimately unsatisfying. While it provides scattered laughs and ephemeral amusement for those prepared for its unapologetically coarse approach, it falls short of delivering a lasting impact.

"Hellbenders" offers a unique and sacrilegiously humorous concept, suited for fans who enjoy a blend of horror and comedy. While the film's plot can be inconsistent, resulting in an uneven comedic impact, it does deliver a steady pace maintained by J.T. Perry's direction. A word of caution: the humor is often crude, packed with relentless F-bombs, and the gore is both abundant and graphic, illustrated by disturbing scenes like demons chewing off their own fingers.

Despite these intriguing aspects, "Hellbenders" struggles to fully realize its high aspirations. The narrative seems to lose its footing, often feeling over-the-top and ridiculous without ever reaching a satisfying conclusion. Video clarity is occasionally subpar, particularly in its 3D presentation, which might hinder the viewing experience during darker scenes. However, the performances are notably strong, contributing positively to the overall experience.

In conclusion, "Hellbenders" may find its audience among die-hard fans of raunchy horror comedies. It provides enough blood and shock value to warrant a one-time viewing. However, the film falls short in critical areas such as consistent humor and technical presentation. Therefore, it is recommended to rent the film first before committing to a purchase.