S. Darko Blu-ray Review

"S. Darko" on Blu-ray offers a mesmerizing visual experience that, while inconsistent at times, displays considerable strengths in its high definition presentation. Delivered in 1080p using the AVC codec, with an average bit rate of 28Mbps, the film showcases impressive image depth and lifelike textures, especially notable in daylight scenes where the lush Utah landscapes come to life with exceptional clarity and color delineation. Objects within scenes possess a tangible structure, enhancing the overall three-dimensional feel. Colors are well-balanced, exhibiting a natural, transparent quality with punchy whites and vivid primaries that add to the visual appeal. However, it’s not without its faults; occasional softness in detail and a varying level of grain mar some of the darker sequences, contributing to a slight inconsistency in video quality.

The transfer shines in its portrayal of intricate details, such as facial textures and minute background elements, which generally remain sharp and defined. Blacks are usually deep and dynamic, although they sometimes lack the inky depth found in top-tier Blu-ray transfers, affecting the contrast in nighttime scenes to a degree. Notably, color saturation and shadow detail fluctuate, reflecting a possible directorial intention rather than a flaw in the transfer itself. Despite these variances, scenes burst with striking colors and clarity that can indeed rival some of the best Blu-ray releases.

One cannot overlook the occasional softness and the intrusive grain in certain dark shots, which detract from an otherwise stunning visual presentation. Some scenes display a noticeable drop in detail or exhibit excessive brightness, undercutting the otherwise consistent quality of the imagery. Moreover, the high-definition transfer occasionally highlights the limitations of the film's CGI effects, making them starkly evident against the naturalistic backdrop. Nonetheless, 'S. Darko' largely impresses with its clean, sharp visuals and a color palette that ranges from vibrant daytime shots to more muted nighttime sequences, ensuring that, despite a few hiccups, it provides a visual feast that almost justifies its place on Blu-ray.

The audio presentation of "S. Darko" on Blu-ray, with its 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, delivers a compelling auditory experience that complements the film's thematic complexity and visual storytelling. The mix excels in crafting an immersive soundscape, making effective use of the surround channels to draw listeners into the film’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere. Key to this immersion is the handling of directional audio, which aligns with the onscreen action to enhance the viewer's engagement, particularly during sequences featuring jump scares and the film’s signature vision scenes. These moments are characterized by a rich, dynamic range where deep, resonant bass and the crackle of thunder envelop the room, accompanied by a meticulously balanced score that weaves through the sound field with haunting precision.

Vocal clarity is another standout aspect, with dialogue maintaining a crisp, well-textured presence at the forefront of the mix. This ensures that every tonal nuance and emotional beat is conveyed with clarity, whether it be the normal conversational tones or the more disturbing, dreamlike exchanges between characters. However, the audio mix does have its idiosyncrasies, such as a slightly bass-heavy treatment of voices that occasionally detracts from the clarity. Despite these minor criticisms, the surround sound design effectively creates a subtle yet enveloping atmosphere that extends beyond the immediate action, incorporating light environmental effects and echoes that enrich the film's sonic world.

While boasting moments of exceptional audio quality that showcase the film's more intense and dynamic sequences—like the enveloping synthesized voice of the rabbit figure or the multi-directional assault of a meteor shower—the presentation is not without its flaws attributable to its low-budget origins. Occasional lapses in sound design reveal these limitations, preventing the soundtrack from reaching the heights of a truly reference-quality audio presentation. Nonetheless, for its ambition and overall execution, the audio track of "S. Darko" stands as a commendably immersive component of the film's Blu-ray release, even if it might not serve as the definitive test material for high-end audio equipment.

The extra features on the "S. Darko" Blu-ray offer an intriguing mix for fans and detractors alike. The Commentary Track with Director Chris Fisher, Writer Nathan Atkins, and Cinematographer Marvin V. Rush provides some much-needed background and insight into the making of this divisive sequel, focusing on technical construction and the challenges faced. The featurettes, notably The Making of 'S. Darko', offer a look at the continuation attempt of the 'Donnie Darko' story, with cast and crew interviews that reveal a somewhat contentious understanding of the original mythos. Utah Too Much feels like a lighthearted detour with its behind-the-scenes song, although it might not resonate with all viewers. The Deleted Scenes add depth to certain characters and subplots that were arguably missing from the final product. The inclusion of trailers, most notably for "The Day the Earth Stood Still," feels slightly out of place but is an interesting addition for cinephiles. Overall, while the extras attempt to justify "S. Darko's" existence and provide additional context, they ultimately mirror the film's polarizing nature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An informative discussion with director Chris Fisher, writer Nathan Atkins, and cinematographer Marvin V. Rush.
• The Making of 'S. Darko': A 15-minute featurette exploring the film's production and thematic intentions.
• Utah Too Much: A quirky 6-minute documentary featuring a song by the cast.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes that provide more character and subplot depth.
• Trailers: Includes a trailer for “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and others viewed before the main menu.

"S. Darko," the sequel to the cult classic "Donnie Darko," ventures into the complex narrative voids of time travel, apocalyptic prophecies, and personal tribulations seven years after Donnie's death, focusing on his younger sister, Samantha, played by Daveigh Chase reprising her role. However, despite the connection to its illustrious predecessor, "S. Darko" fails to captivate or maintain the intricate and heavily thematic storytelling that made "Donnie Darko" an iconic piece of cinema. The storyline, embroiled in Samantha's premonitions and a series of mysterious town events, including child disappearances and an inexplicable meteorite crash, lacks cohesive development and struggles under the weight of its ambition to mirror the first film's success.

Technical details offer little salvation; a direct-to-home video release signifies the movie's inability to match the quality of "Donnie Darko". The visual and auditory elements that attempt to pay homage to the original film's eerie atmosphere and its blend of somberness with speculative fiction unfortunately emerge as mere replicas rather than genuine tributes, resulting in a contrived sequel that feels disconnected despite its geographical and narrative proximity. The film stumbles in its execution of time travel, a central element that feels both overused and underdeveloped, failing to deliver the awe-inspired reflection or innovation fans might have hoped for.

Acting performances throughout "S. Darko" also reflect a broader issue of substance over form; with actors struggling against a script that fails to fully flesh out its characters or provide meaningful development beyond surface-level interactions. This is emblematic of a sequel that might have thrived on the potential for exploring nuanced familial and existential themes but instead regresses into the shadows of its precursor. "S. Darko" encapsulates the challenge of sequels in not only needing to honor their origins but in aspiring to carve out their own identity—a feat this film falls noticeably short of achieving.

The Blu-ray presentation of "S. Darko," a follow-up to the cult classic "Donnie Darko," leaves much to be desired in terms of storytelling and thematic cohesion, falling significantly short of its predecessor's charm and complexity. Despite being tested on a high-end setup including a JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector, a Carada Precision Brilliant White 96 Screen, and supported by top-notch audio equipment like the Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor and Sherbourn Technologies 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier, the film's narrative fails to captivate. The audio and video quality of the release, however, is undeniable. Tested across several devices including a Panasonic DMP-BD55K and Sony Playstation 3 for Blu-ray playback, the visual clarity and sound fidelity were consistently impressive, highlighting the stark contrast between the film’s technical merits and its narrative shortcomings.

The supplemental material provided with "S. Darko" does offer some redemption, featuring a range of extras that, while not groundbreaking, provide a glimpse into the production process. This aspect, tested across various playback setups, from the Oppo 970HD universal disc DVD Player to the more sophisticated Marantz DV7001 Universal Disc Player, performed well but could not compensate for the overall lack of substance in the film itself. The quality of cables and accessories used, including products from Wireworld, Audioquest, and Cool Components cooling package, ensured that every technical detail was accounted for during the review process.

In conclusion, "S. Darko" on Blu-ray stands as a prime example of how excellent technical presentation can only go so far in salvaging a sequel that lacks the original's depth and intrigue. While video and audio aspects shine on high-end home theatre systems, they ultimately serve as a polished facade for a disappointing follow-up. For fans of "Donnie Darko," the sequel might provoke curiosity but is unlikely to fulfill the longing for a sequel that captures the original's unique spirit. In this case, revisiting "Donnie Darko" itself might be the better choice for those looking to recapture that magic.