The Awakening Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation of "The Awakening" brings forth a mixed bag of visual qualities that whilst striving to uphold the atmospheric essence of the film, occasionally stumbles due to its handling of noise and detail. Despite being shot on the richer, more textured 35mm format, the actual image often resonates more closely with what one might expect from a digital BBC production. This incongruity primarily manifests through an overabundance of noise that, while at times mimicking the aesthetic of film grain, more often disrupts the clarity and intricacy of the picture. The persistent noise issue particularly undermines mid-range shots, rendering them soft and lacking in definition, with shadows and darker areas suffering from a greyish tinge rather than true black, thereby compromising depth and detail.

On a more positive note, close-ups tend to fare better, offering refined textures and a level of detail that allows for a more immersive viewing experience. Specific scenes, such as a quiet interrogation around the 42-minute mark, showcase this dichotomy perfectly; close-up shots reveal intricate facial details and textures, while wider shots succumb to a distracting level of noise that nearly reaches pixelation. The video's color grading and contrast alignment do remain faithful to the film's intended visual atmosphere—colors are deliberately muted, and the overall palette complements the eerie and gloomy setting of the story. Black levels are consistent, albeit with a tendency towards a dustier appearance that suits the film’s aesthetic, even if it does so at the expense of some visual depth.

Despite these challenges, it's clear that significant effort has been made to minimize other common digital transfer issues. The absence of significant artifacts, banding, aliasing, and ringing is commendable. Nevertheless, viewers should brace themselves for a visual experience that oscillates between capturing finely detailed moments and struggling with pervasive noise—an aspect that might detract from fully appreciating the otherwise beautifully shot cinematography of "The Awakening.

The audio presentation of "The Awakening" on its Blu-ray release, specifically the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, beautifully complements the visual horror with an equally terrifying auditory experience. Engrossing and meticulously detailed, the sound mix remarkably captures every creak of the old school floorboards, every whisper of the wind, and the subtle yet discomforting noises that fill the haunted house. The design takes full advantage of the surround sound setup, with ghostly footsteps, distant bells, and even the faintest jingles of trip wires tied to bells echoing through the channels, creating a palpable atmosphere of dread. Directional audio effects are implemented with precision, enhancing the eeriness of moments by making sounds seem to come from all around, and at times, directly behind the viewer. The low-end frequencies delivered by the subwoofer punctuate the suspense with well-timed jolts, ensuring that every scare not only visually but audibly impacts the audience.

Particularly noteworthy is how the audio mix manages to maintain crystal clear dialogue amidst the myriad of background sounds and sudden scares. Whether it’s the whispered secrets of characters or the sudden screams that break the silence, every word remains intelligible. This clarity is crucial in a film where whispered dialogue is abundant, ensuring that the plot and character nuances aren't lost amidst the audio spectacle. The balance between dialogue, music score by Daniel Pemberton, and ambient sound is seamless, with none overpowering the other, allowing for an immersive storytelling experience.

The masterful use of sound in "The Awakening" sets a high bar for haunted house films, creating a sensory envelopment that rivals the visual horror unfolding on screen. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix doesn’t just complement the film; it elevates it. Offering a spooky delight that engages viewers both visually and auditorily, it proves that immersive sound isn't just desirable in horror—it's essential. From the smallest jingle to the most thunderous roar of the LFE channel, every aspect of the audio track is calibrated for maximum effect, cementing "The Awakening" as a prime example of how powerful a tool sound can be in crafting an unforgettable horror experience.

The extra presentation of "The Awakening" Blu-ray treats viewers to a comprehensive deep dive into the making of this haunting film, seamlessly blending the technical, historical, and supernatural elements that underpin the movie’s eerie narrative. It kicks off with a collection of deleted scenes, enriched by director Nick Murphy's detailed intros, offering insight into the editing process and what content was left on the cutting floor for pacing considerations. A substantial section titled "A Time for Ghosts" delves into the period-specific fascination with spiritualism in early 20th-century Britain, adding a rich historical context to the story. The behind-the-scenes footage, coupled with extensive interviews in "Behind the Scenes" and the "Extended Interview with Nick Murphy," provide an intimate look at the filmmaking process, from casting to location challenges. Additionally, special featurettes like "Anatomy of a SCREAM" and "Anatomy of a Scene: Florence and the Lake" dissect particular aspects of the movie, from its scream-worthy scare moments to the meticulous crafting of key scenes, encapsulating the blend of belief and skepticism towards the supernatural among the cast and crew. This extensive suite of extras is presented in 1080i quality, ensuring viewers receive both a visually and intellectually stimulating experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director Nick Murphy: Insights and unused scenes shedding light on editorial decisions.
• A Time for Ghosts: Exploration of British history, spiritualism, and their influence on the film.
• Behind the Scenes: Candid interviews and footage offering a glimpse into production.
• Extended Interview with Nick Murphy: In-depth discussions on diverse aspects of filmmaking.
• Anatomy of a SCREAM: Cast and crew share their views on the supernatural.
• Anatomy of a Scene: Florence and the Lake: Detailed breakdown of a pivotal scene.
• My Scenes Bookmarking: Personalized scene selection feature.

The Awakening," a BBC Films period piece set in the brooding backdrop of London in the early 1920s, encapsulates the quintessence of haunted house narratives while intertwining a psychological thriller's complexity. Anchored by Rebecca Hall's Florence Cathcart, a skeptic turned supernatural investigator, and Dominic West's Robert Malory, the film navigates the eerie corridors of a boarding school alleged to be haunted. Despite bearing similarities to other works such as "Red Lights," this movie differentiates itself through its confident exploration of supernatural occurrences, bolstered by hallmark performances. While its foundation lies in conventional horror tropes, what elevates "The Awakening" are the meticulous production elements—Eduard Grau's cinematography, Victoria Boydell's editing, and Daniel Pemberton's score—that collectively weave a chilling atmosphere synonymous with the genre's best.

However, the film flirts with greatness but ultimately succumbs to its convolutions—particularly a twist that, while ambitious, muddles rather than clarifies. It excels in building tension and fostering an environment ripe for the scares that follow, showcasing Murphy and co-writer Stephen Volk's ability to craft moments of genuine terror. However, their screenplay falters in its ambition, leading to a third act that betrays the poise of its setup. Despite this, performances—especially from Hall and West—shine through, embodying their characters with depth that transcends the script. These portrayals, coupled with technical prowess, do much to salvage the film from its narrative missteps.

Notably, "The Awakening" maintains a visual spectacle that complements its thematic endeavors—a meticulous portrayal of post-war London enveloped in dread and skepticism. The film decisively captures the era's aesthetic, using its setting not just as a backdrop but as an integral character that enhances the unfolding mystery. As such, while it adheres strictly to the mechanics of its genre—sometimes to its detriment—it still manages to evoke a sense of intrigue and unease, making it a worthy addition to the pantheon of ghost stories, albeit one hampered by an overly intricate denouement.

The Awakening" finds itself as a somewhat middling entry into the haunted house genre, with a presentation that bifurcates opinion, particularly regarding its narrative and technical execution. While the film might not stand as a beacon of innovation or terror capable of redefining horror conventions, it certainly carves out a space of decency amidst a crowded field. The screenplay by Murphy and Volk shows strain in delivering a climactic conclusion, yet the ensemble cast and technical crew elevate the material beyond its inherent limitations. This effort is mirrored in the Universal Blu-ray release, which is lauded for its robust video quality and an impeccable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that enriches the viewing experience. The Blu-ray is further complimented by an extensive arsenal of special features, though some may argue their repetitive nature over extended viewing.

Despite the film's inability to significantly distinguish itself from the legion of ghost stories that precede it, there's an undeniable craft in its production values that warrants acknowledgment. The audio design, in particular, emerges as the unsung hero of the experience, delivering the lion's share of scares and atmospheric tension that the visual elements occasionally struggle to match. The video quality, while described as peculiar by some, does not detract from the overall experience, suggesting a deliberate aesthetic choice rather than a shortfall in production capability. This commitment to auditory immersion alongside respectable visual fidelity makes the Blu-ray edition a tempting prospect for genre enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In conclusion, "The Awakening" Blu-ray presents a package that, while not without its flaws, offers enough in terms of technical prowess and supplemental content to merit consideration. Its narrative may tread familiar ground without leaving significant impressionistic marks in the sands of cinematic history, but the film and its home release stand as testament to the enduring allure of ghost stories and the continual pursuit of refining their presentation. As such, it becomes a candidate for rental rather than outright purchase, catering primarily to aficionados of horror looking to momentarily engage with the genre's reliable tropes delivered through commendably polished audio-visual elements.