The Squad Blu-ray Review

"The Squad" receives a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in 2.35:1 on Blu-ray from Scream Factory. The presentation has an unsettling incidence of digital errors, most notably at 12:21, where a soldier's face distorts into a pixelated mass. This anomaly is jarring and suggests a lapse in quality control. Despite this, the film's intentionally desaturated palette delivers an atmosphere-hugging aesthetic, utilizing grays and browns to paint its bleak narrative. When lighting allows, detail is commendably sharp, though occasional instability is noted.

The environmental authenticity is strong, courtesy of the remote Colombian military base setting. This results in a dark, hazy image that heightens the film's realistic anxiety. Fine details are proficiently rendered, capturing facial features and minute background specifics even in low light. The narrative strategically employs vibrant but sparse colors to dramatic effect. Shadows and contrasts are well-executed, with strong black levels avoiding crushing and maintaining depth, elevating the menacing ambiance.

Overall clarity is impressive despite occasional 'digital hits' like those around the 13- and 32-minute marks. While the contrast and color reproduction, including the standout blood red, serve the narrative well, the sporadic technical glitches and deliberate bleakness marginally detract from what could have been a near-perfect visual score. Nonetheless, the Blu-ray’s video quality strongly supports "The Squad's" dramatic and immersive atmosphere.

The audio presentation of "The Squad" on Blu-ray, specifically its Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, performs admirably overall but comes with certain caveats that may affect the experience for discerning listeners. Notably, there are intermittent sync issues within the 5.1 mix, though these are less pronounced in the included 2.0 mix. Both mixes offer excellent fidelity, with the 5.1 mix featuring a robust low end that significantly heightens anxiety levels and augments the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (Spanish) mix excels with atmospheric and ambient sound design, handling echoes and gunfire effectively through meticulous imaging and directionality. Most of the audio is directed through the front right and left speakers, while ambient elements are dispersed through the rear channels, creating an immersive experience. However, the balance in dialogue can occasionally falter, with voices sometimes sounding lower or muted, potentially impacting Spanish-speaking viewers who do not rely on subtitles. Despite this, sound effects and score blend seamlessly, contributing to a compelling audio experience.

Dynamic range is another strong suit of this audio mix, offering a vivid sense of spatial awareness and capturing a diverse array of effects with accurate volume and placement. The track ensures that voice, effects, and score coexist harmoniously without one element overshadowing the others. Low-frequency extension is particularly noteworthy, with the subwoofer responding well to score hits and action moments, adding depth and intensity to critical scenes. Surround sound presentation enhances the eerie ambiance through effective use of rear speakers, enveloping the viewer in the film's tense atmosphere. Overall, despite minor imperfections, the audio presentation provides a highly engaging and impactful sonic experience.

The Blu-ray of "The Squad" includes a concise set of extras that give valuable insight into the production, albeit primarily in Standard Definition. "Behind The Squad (Making Of)" stands out, offering a 20-minute deep dive into the challenges faced during the shoot, including high altitudes and harsh climates. It features a blend of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew, highlighting the team's efforts to overcome environmental adversities, such as the need to redub nearly every line due to pervasive wind noise. The visual presentation, however, suffers from anamorphic stretching in some parts, giving it an unconventional look. The extras also include a theatrical trailer, available in both SD and possibly HD depending on the edition.

Extras included in this disc:

Behind The Squad (Making Of): A comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film’s challenging production.

Theatrical Trailer: Previews the film with original trailer content.

"The Squad," directed by Jaime Osorio Márquez, ventures into the atmospheric tension of military horror with a unique setting high in the Colombian mountains. Early scenes effectively showcase the psychological turmoil of a counter-terrorist unit sent to investigate a remote base that has lost contact. Márquez's adept use of dense fog and steep terrain creates an atmosphere imbued with dread and mystery. The cinematography captivates with close-ups that delve into the soldiers’ potentially PTSD-stricken psyches, maintaining an engagingly ominous tone.

Despite the promising start, "The Squad" becomes increasingly muddled, oscillating between the supernatural and psychological thriller genres without committing firmly to either. The plot thickens as the soldiers find a terrified woman ensnared among ritualistic symbols, sparking a conflict that heightens tension but only partially resolves. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of paranoia and fear, features that intensify as the squad’s fragility is revealed through disjointed, anxiety-filled observations and actions. However, the film struggles with pacing, leading to moments of suspense that too often dwindle without satisfying payoffs.

Performances, particularly Juan Pablo Barragán’s depiction of Ponce, are commendable in reflecting the soldiers' deteriorating trust and sense of reality. Yet, the narrative’s rampant ambiguity might deter some viewers seeking more concrete resolutions. The squad’s interactions and the eerie environment drive home themes of superstition versus rationality effectively, keeping the audience on edge even as the storyline begins to falter under its ambiguity. Ultimately, "The Squad" offers an intriguing look at horror through a militaristic lens but might have benefited from more decisive storytelling amidst its strong atmospheric elements.

"The Squad" attempts to blend psychological tension within a military setting, interspersed with supernatural elements. The film introduces an intriguing concept of isolated soldiers grappling with creeping paranoia and the presence of a mysterious woman, possibly a witch. Unfortunately, despite these promising plot points, the execution falls short with an uncomfortably slow pace and a conclusion that may leave audiences unfulfilled. Technically, the film features some notable missteps in the video transfer that detract from the overall presentation, indicating lapses in quality control.

Nevertheless, "The Squad" excels in effectively utilizing its atmospheric setting to evoke a strong sense of dread and suspense. The unique approach of infusing found footage techniques into a traditional narrative format adds an immersive layer to the viewing experience. Although ambiguity often serves as a drawback in horror films, here it enhances the eerie ambiance, making the film stand out in its genre. The picture clarity and sound quality, despite minor inconsistencies, generally support the film's chilling vibe.

In conclusion, "The Squad" is an interesting yet flawed horror film, marked by compelling ideas that are not fully realized. Its atmospheric strengths make it worth viewing for genre enthusiasts, even as it grapples with pacing issues and technical slights. While it could benefit from additional bonus content and sharper editing, the Blu Ray release captures the essence of a unique story that horror fans may appreciate for its raw attempt at innovation.