Wake Wood Blu-ray Review

Dark Sky Films has delivered "Wake Wood" on Blu-ray with a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded presentation, framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The digitally shot film maintains a crisp and detailed image, with a thin layer of noise that mimics film grain, adding an appealing warmth to the visual experience. Fine textures in the actors' faces, clothing, and hair are impressively detailed, with even higher clarity notable across most scenes. Although the color palette leans towards bland and neutral, specific hues such as grass greens and blood reds display satisfying density. Black levels, while not the deepest, remain adequate but tend to appear somewhat hazy during darker sequences.

Though minor, there are occasional digital anomalies such as slight banding and horizontal lines resembling combing in some sequences. These brief imperfections do not significantly detract from the overall high-definition presentation. Despite these minor issues, the AVC MPEG-4 codec used holds up well, producing sharp and well-delineated visuals. Flesh tones are realistic and consistent, giving lifelike portrayals throughout. Special effects, though sometimes lackluster, are depicted with striking clarity—an example being the unsettling scene of a baby calf birth which is vividly grotesque in high definition. Overall, for a low-budget horror film, “Wake Wood” translates effectively to the Blu-ray format, showcasing the enhanced capabilities of HD video equipment and providing a strong visual experience for viewers.

The audio presentation of "Wake Wood" on Blu-ray positions itself as a noteworthy experience, particularly enhanced by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. This track excels by immersing the audience in the film's eerie atmospherics. Realistic ambience, such as heavy rain, the rustling of wind through trees, and the unsettling lowing of a bull, are meticulously rendered. Moreover, stylized sound effects like swooshes and thuds further build tension. While the rear channel output is not excessively used, its strategic deployment significantly enhances the menace of the film's locales. The dynamic range is robust, displaying solid LFE output during critical moments, contributing to a palpable sense of suspense.

In addition to its terrestrial appeals, Michael Convertino's score is a standout element. The music is rendered full and rich within the audio mix, filling the sound field with an air that complements the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Dialogue clarity is generally maintained across the board, though it occasionally dips slightly below optimal levels without affecting intelligibility. For those preferring an alternative, a 2.0 PCM mixdown is provided, along with optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles presented in easily readable fonts.

While some reviews contain minor objections to a lack of a lossless audio track, the 5.1 Dolby Digital surround presentation does not disappoint. The action sequences come alive through rear speakers, and the LFE channel subtly underscores these moments. Dialogue clarity may be more consistent here compared to the DTS-HD version, maintaining high audibility throughout. The musical score’s haunting quality profoundly enriches the viewing experience, making it an essential feature for horror aficionados. In essence, despite minor critiques, "Wake Wood" delivers an impressively effective auditory landscape that captures and elevates its chilling narrative.

The Blu-ray extras of "Wake Wood" offer a captivating glimpse into the film's behind-the-scenes intricacies and additional content, presenting a mix of deleted scenes and trailers. The stand-out feature includes the deleted scenes, which provide further context to the narrative and include unique visual elements such as a Bratz doll crying blood. This scene alone hints at the film's dark and imaginative undertones. The trailers, though conventional, serve as an effective teaser for potential viewers, capturing the horror essence of the movie. The addition of related content from Dark Sky Films enriches the viewing experience by broadening the audience's exposure to similar genre works.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Several short deleted shots and full scenes offering additional context and unique visual elements.
• Trailer: A 2-minute trailer that encapsulates the film's core horror themes.
• Also from Dark Sky Films: A collection of trailers and previews from related films within the same production house.

Wake Wood marks a significant return for Hammer Films, famously known for their dominance in the horror genre during the mid-20th century. Directed by David Keating, this UK-Irish production stars Aidan Gillen, Eva Birthistle, and Timothy Spall in a somber yet chilling narrative about grief and resurrection. The film layers its atmospheric storytelling with an ominous rural setting, reflecting the nuance found in classic Hammer films while introducing modern thematic elements. The plot revolves around Patrick and Louise Daley, grieving parents who relocate to the secluded village of Wake Wood after their daughter’s brutal death. Their discovery of the town's dark ritual to resurrect the dead ignites the central tension, leading to moral dilemmas and horrifying results that resonate well with the genre's enthusiasts.

The narrative structure bears strong resemblances to King’s Pet Sematary and Hardy’s The Wicker Man, effectively marrying familial horror with pagan folklore. The film benefits hugely from solid performances by the lead actors, who imbue their roles with genuine grief and desperation. The first half of the film meticulously builds suspense through their emotional turmoil and eerie village dynamics. Keating's directorial prowess shines through scenes brimming with foreboding without resorting to excessive gore. His atmospheric control, however, does dip in the later stages, leaning onto more conventional horror tropes like a possessed child on a killing spree, which somewhat detracts from the poignancy established earlier.

Cinematically, Keating does well to leverage the natural Irish landscape, with lush woods and archaic agricultural setups enhancing the isolated and timeless feel of Wake Wood. Spall’s role as Arthur, a seemingly amiable yet menacing village leader, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. While the final act indulges in visceral horror with some gory spectacles, the film manages to pull off a rewarding twist. However, some might find fault in the uneven editing and minor plot inconsistencies. Despite these flaws, Wake Wood successfully revives Hammer Film’s legacy in modern horror cinema, making it a compelling watch for aficionados of occult-themed narratives.

"Wake Wood" starts off with a compelling and atmospheric journey, establishing a mood that draws the audience into its mysterious setting. Throughout its runtime, the movie maintains a steady ambiance, bolstered by strong cinematography and an eerie soundtrack. However, as the narrative progresses, it gradually falls into familiar horror tropes and conventional storytelling methods that may diminish its initial allure for seasoned horror aficionados.

The Blu-ray presentation offers a commendable visual quality, with sharp image clarity and well-balanced colors that enhance the film's dark and foreboding environment. The audio quality is equally impressive, delivering a crisp and immersive experience, with clear dialogue and atmospheric background scores that highlight the film's tension-filled moments. The disc also includes a selection of behind-the-scenes features and interviews that provide insight into the filmmaking process, adding value to the overall package.

In conclusion, while "Wake Wood" might not reinvent the horror genre, it remains a worthwhile viewing experience for those intrigued by mature horror themes and an eerie atmosphere. Its descent into cliché may be a drawback for some, but it retains enough unsettling moments and intriguing elements to recommend at least a rental. For fans of horror looking for more than just jump scares, "Wake Wood" offers a moody and occasionally unsettling experience.