ExTerminators Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "ExTerminators" is presented in 1080p with an AVC encode, delivering a visually competent yet unspectacular viewing experience. The video rendering exhibits a clean and detailed image with noticeable but controlled grain structure. While facial details are well-captured in close-ups—exposing individual hairs and pores—the overall image remains soft, particularly in wider shots. Colors are natural yet somewhat muted, and flesh tones fluctuate depending on the scene's lighting, tending to alter between pale and orange hues.

Black levels are mostly solid, although there are instances of crushed blacks and compression artifacts during darker scenes. These artifacts, along with occasional aliasing and banding, slightly detract from the otherwise crisp presentation. Noise is manageable but does become apparent in low-light situations. Despite these shortcomings, the video quality does not diminish the viewing experience significantly.

In summary, while "ExTerminators" may not be the best candidate for showcasing high-definition home theater equipment, its video presentation is adequate for general viewing. It's a straightforward portrayal that suits the film’s unembellished style without introducing major visual distractions that would severely compromise your enjoyment.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "ExTerminators" falls short of being impressive, primarily relying on a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix that is, at best, serviceable. The film is heavily dialogue-driven, and the audio track does manage to deliver clear and intelligible dialogue throughout. Unfortunately, the mix remains front-centered, significantly limiting the use of surround channels and resulting in a rather flat listening experience. Even during scenes that could benefit from a more immersive surround sound—such as car chases and crashes—the audio fails to utilize the rear speakers effectively, producing a sound that is more of a whimper than a roar.

Moreover, the bass extension does not pack the punch one might expect during intense scenes. Low-frequency effects are sparse, and when present, lack the depth and resonance that could have provided a more dynamic experience. The original score by Chris Haijan, along with the choice of indie rock tracks, fits well with the film’s quirky vibe, but it’s reproduced with a mediocrity that does little to elevate the overall sound experience. While the mix is generally balanced and vocals are clearly rendered, it leaves much to be desired in terms of surround activity and major dynamics. This audio presentation meets the basic requirements but fails to deliver any standout moments, ultimately making it a forgettable experience for audiophiles.

The extras in the Blu-ray of "ExTerminators" provide a mixed bag of content, catering both to fans seeking laughs and those interested in the filmmaking process. The primary feature, the Gag Reel, is not just a series of bloopers but a comprehensive look at Jennifer Coolidge’s improvisational style, reminiscent of extensive ad-lib reels from productions like "Tropic Thunder." At 21 minutes and 29 seconds, this standard-definition montage offers an insightful peek into on-set dynamics and is as entertaining as it is informative. Unfortunately, the disc does not include additional substantial extras beyond the Gag Reel, keeping this section concise and uncomplicated. Previews for two other films surface at startup but disappear thereafter, making their presence negligible.

Extras included in this disc:

• Gag Reel: A look at improvisations and bloopers, primarily featuring Jennifer Coolidge.
• Previews: Initial trailers for “The Lightkeepers” and “Fade to Black,” which play during startup.

In "ExTerminators," we follow Alex (Heather Graham), whose tumultuous journey begins with a cheating boyfriend and lands her in a court-ordered anger management class. There she meets Stella (Jennifer Coolidge), a pest control business owner, and Nikki (Amber Heard), a vengeful dental technician. The film blends dark humor with an offbeat narrative, steering into the realms of quasi-vigilantism as these women channel their collective resentment into a hidden service for other scorned females. Coolidge's portrayal of Stella, a seemingly dissociated yet calculating avenger, stands out with her balanced mix of sinister calm and macabre practicality.

The script, penned by Suzanne Weinert and directed by John Inwood, tackles feminist themes through a twisted lens, infusing an otherwise outrageous storyline with moments of biting satire. The film's tone vacillates between deadpan comedy and unsettling violence, delivered through unexpectedly casual dialogue and a slew of bizarre sequences, such as the ladies' shopping spree for murder weapons. This peculiarity reaches its zenith with Coolidge's character, whose traditional demeanor starkly contrasts her covert homicidal ventures.

The narrative's absurdity isn’t limited to its plot; character development is intentionally exaggerated. Alex’s transformation from a glasses-wearing caricature of nerdiness to a crucial player in the women's subversive enterprise epitomizes this stylization. However, the film fails to navigate beyond its own thematic gimmicks—every male character is an irredeemable brute, which oversimplifies and distorts the moral landscape. Despite stylistic flaws and implausible elements, "ExTerminators" clings to its cult potential, buoyed by its sharp wit and unconventional performances, particularly Coolidge’s unique blend of comedy and menace.

"ExTerminators" brings together a promising cast, including the incandescent Jennifer Coolidge and the dynamic Amber Heard, under the direction of John Inwood. The film revolves around a somewhat lackluster premise that could have scaled greater heights given its talent pool. Jennifer Coolidge, in particular, delivers a standout performance, providing depth and subtlety to her character, Stella, which is a delight to watch. However, the movie struggles to maintain this level of engagement across its runtime, often dragging and failing to fully capitalize on the potential of its cast.

The Blu-ray presentation itself falls into the middling category. While it doesn't boast spectacular video or audio quality, it delivers a reasonably clear and serviceable viewing experience. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray's overall appeal is further hampered by the absence of notable special features, which diminishes its value as a purchase for collectors or casual viewers alike.

Overall, "ExTerminators" could have delivered more with its compelling cast and interesting premise. It's clear this film could have soared higher, but it ultimately released as a straight-to-video title partially because of its underwhelming execution. Despite its flaws, fans of Jennifer Coolidge and Amber Heard will find some moments worth appreciating; for them, a rental is advisable. For most others, due to its mediocre presentation and lack of additional content, it's a title better skipped.