Ouija: Origin of Evil

Ouija: Origin of Evil" debuts on Blu-ray with a commendable video presentation that encapsulates both the film's digital ancestry and its stylistic nod to horror classics of the 1970s. Shot digitally, and deliberately softened to evoke an old-fashioned, somewhat nostalgic sensation, the image benefits from a keen attention to period detail and a distinctive cinematographic approach by Director Mike Flanagan and Cinematographer Michael Fimognari. Despite exhibiting a constant source noise, more noticeable in dimly lit scenes such as the early seance, the presentation remains robust, enveloping viewers in a meticulously crafted visual environment. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode thrives, capturing the texture of clothing, interiors, and the nuanced landscape of the Zander household with precision. From soft-focus diffusers to digitally inserted cue marks, every choice is aimed at reinforcing the film's thematic and temporal setting.

The color grading favors warmth, with a mild bronze tint enhancing the film's period feel without compromising naturalness or balance. Skin tones are believable, and black levels are deep, contributing to an image that is as inviting as it is haunting. Details are rendered with clarity, from facial complexions to the intricate designs of furniture and fabric, all contributing to an immersion that is both aesthetically pleasing and thematically coherent. Brightness and contrast levels are expertly managed, ensuring that even in scenes dominated by shadows or stygian blacks, there's no loss in detail. This careful balance furthers the cinematic quality of the presentation, allowing for a viewing experience that is as close to the filmmaker's vision as possible.

The blend of technical proficiency and stylistic homage makes this Blu-ray release a standout. Universal’s handling of "Ouija: Origin of Evil" respects the film’s digital roots while celebrating its creative aspirations towards evoking the visual feel of 1970s horror cinema. Despite some inherent source noise and a choice to digitally mimic older film attributes, the video quality remains superior, boasting detailed textures, deep blacks, and a color palette that enhances the supernatural ambiance. Compression artifacts are virtually non-existent, ensuring that the digital photography's clarity and fidelity are preserved throughout, making for a captivating home viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Ouija: Origin of Evil" on Blu Ray via its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is a dichotomy of subtlety and sheer auditory force, typical for modern horror films but executed with notable precision. The soundtrack excels in replicating the quiet, eerie sound elements—like the omnipresent ticking clock that rhythmically ticks away in the background, occasionally punctuated by the aggressive dynamics of chilling moments or frenetic cacophonies during peak action scenes, such as the schoolyard scene around the 45-minute mark. This balance ensures that the atmosphere is not just heard but felt, with ambient sounds filling the spaces to weave a tapestry of auditory suspense. The mix’s handling of jump scares and atmospheric tension showcases a professional clarity and sharpness, ensuring that every scare is as impactful audibly as visually.

Despite the absence of a Dolby Atmos track, which marked its theatrical release, the Blu Ray edition's sound field is thoroughly engaging with commendable directionality and an expansive soundscape that retains action primarily in the front stage, yet skillfully utilizes the rear channels when needed. This approach crafts an environment that is both broad and detailed, allowing for an immersive experience that doesn’t always rely on the surrounds but takes advantage of them through discrete and chillingly effective ambient pans. The midrange detail shines, maintaining clarity even during the most sonorous moments, ensuring footstep, bang, and musical swell are discernible and impactful.

Overall, while the bass may not be exhaustive, it contributes sufficiently to the atmosphere alongside The Newton Brothers' score, which along with dialogue remains crisp and prominent throughout. The absence of Dolby Atmos at home may be felt by some but does little to detract from a sound design that captivates and terrifies, making "Ouija: Origin of Evil’s" audio presentation an exemplary facet of its home theater experience. The care in audio specificity and placement enriches the cinematic experience, pulling the viewer into a well-crafted aural representation of on-screen events, solidifying its position as a robust and meticulously engineered horror film soundtrack.

The Blu-ray extras for "Ouija: Origin of Evil" offer a satisfying, albeit standard, complement for enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into the film's creation and the eerie ambiance it so skillfully conjures. The inclusion of both a DVD copy and a digital download voucher adds tangible value, catering to various viewing preferences. The assortment ranges from a cluster of deleted scenes that shed light on character development and plot nuances, to insightful behind-the-scenes segments focusing on the making, location importance, and pivotal character insights. Particularly engaging is director Mike Flanagan's audio commentary, which serves as a comprehensive guide through the movie's production journey, blending technical filmmaking aspects with personal reflections and a passion for horror that enriches the viewing experience. This collection, though expected, provides a deeper appreciation for the craft and creative vision behind this chilling tale.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Various cut scenes offering more depth to the storyline.
• The Making of Ouija: Origin of Evil: Insights into the film's concept, cast attraction, and overall production.
• Home Is Where the Horror Is: Examination of the film's primary location.
• The Girl Behind Doris: A dive into Lulu Wilson's character and her portrayal.
• Audio Commentary: Director Mike Flanagan discusses the movie in depth, sharing his personal and professional insights.

Ouija: Origin of Evil," a sequel that dares to outshine its predecessor, delivers an unexpectedly engaging experience given its stereotypical promos suggesting another run-of-the-mill horror flick. Despite the market's weariness of sequels, particularly in the horror genre where they tend to plummet in quality, this movie emerges as a breath of fresh air. Situated in the backdrop of Los Angeles, 1967, it weaves a narrative around Alice (Elizabeth Reaser), a widow struggling financially and endeavoring to support her family through a makeshift seance business. Incorporating a Ouija board into their act invites unforeseen dread into their lives, catalyzing a series of chilling events guided by her youngest daughter's mysterious communications.

Director Mike Flanagan, along with co-writer Jeff Howard, navigates this narrative with a finesse that dodges the pedestrian pitfalls of excessive jump scares and superficial gore. Instead, they opt for a storytelling approach that slowly builds an atmosphere of authentic terror, reminiscent of possession horrors from the 1970s. The incorporation of classic horror tropes against the setting of the 60s crafts a mood befittingly eerie and suspenseful. Even the presentation of the movie, marked by old Universal logos and cigarette burn effects, attempts a homage to the era, albeit slightly marred by its actual video quality that betrays its filmic aspirations.

Critically, "Ouija: Origin of Evil" distinguishes itself through a blend of quality performances and thoughtful direction that escalates the standard horror narrative into something genuinely engaging. While not revolutionary in its genre, it fortifies the foundation for potentially revitalizing franchise hopes and injects a necessary vigor into contemporary horror narratives. Its success is underwritten by Flanagan's adept handling of mood and tension, elevating what could have been a dismissible follow-up into a commendably frightful experience that surprisingly overshadows its origin story.

Ouija: Origin of Evil" emerges as a surprisingly well-crafted piece in the horror genre, distinguishing itself from its predecessor and standing a head above many contemporaries in the field. Leaning into a more deliberate pace, the film succeeds by elaborating on mood and atmosphere rather than falling back on the usual genre trappings of gratuitous jump scares and gore. This approach, underpinned by solid narrative detailing, character development, and a marked improvement in style and structure, makes the movie not only a notable sequel but also an intriguing chapter in the horror category. The Universal Blu-ray release augments this experience with its impeccable video quality and superior audio delivery, though it presents a somewhat standard selection of supplementary content.

The Blu-ray package itself underscores the film's achievements, boasting near-reference video quality that enhances the atmospheric tension and an excellent audio track that immersively conveys the eerie soundtrack and nuanced sound design. This technical finesse complements the film's deliberate pacing and storytelling, providing an engaging viewing experience. However, the lack of substantial bonus material may leave some enthusiasts wanting more insights into the production's creative process. Still, the overall quality of the film and its presentation justifies the investment for horror aficionados seeking depth and finesse in their scares.

In conclusion, "Ouija: Origin of Evil" Blu-ray release stands as a compelling purchase for those appreciating a more atmospheric and intricately crafted horror experience. The film itself exceeds expectations, capitalizing on effective storytelling and mood-setting over conventional tactics. While supplemented content may not be as robust as desired, the exceptional video and audio quality ensure that viewers receive a highly satisfying visual and auditory experience. This release underscores the film's unexpected excellence and is a worthy addition to any horror fan's collection.