Chernobyl Diaries Blu-ray Review

The 1080p AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) of "Chernobyl Diaries" provides a substantial, though somewhat restrained, visual experience. The digital cinematography results in an immaculate, clean presentation, free from distracting debris. However, minor banding does appear infrequently. The overall image has a cold bluish-gray tone, which effectively evokes an ominous mood fitting for the desolate setting of Prypiat. Although black levels are fairly deep and add to the foreboding atmosphere, they lack profoundness and do not fully draw the viewer into the dark recesses of each scene.

Colors are intentionally subdued, bordering on lifeless, which aligns with the filmmakers' intentions but prevents any significant visual pop. Reds can appear dark and lean towards purplish tints, while flesh tones often seem flushed and ill. Despite this, moments of bloodshed maintain a natural red hue adding slight vibrancy. Costuming offers some variety to the palette, keeping visuals from becoming entirely monochromatic. Fine details are consistently good, effectively capturing the textures of dilapidated structures and registering facial expressions with emotional clarity.

The presentation boasts a commendably consistent sharpness throughout, aided by a narrow depth of field that adds dimensionality. Contrast remains crisp and vibrant even in scenes awash with deep shadows and rich blacks. Although not the sharpest image in high-definition offerings, the film manages to deliver well-defined details during close-ups, ensuring viewers will appreciate the textured read of the ghost town’s decay. Overall, while not immediately striking, the video quality supports the intended atmospheric narrative impeccably.

The Blu-ray release of "Chernobyl Diaries" features a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that delivers a mixed but generally positive performance in the audio department. The sound mix is remarkably restrained for a horror film, leaning heavily on dialogue exchanges which are crisp, weighty, and well-placed in the front channels. The surround channels are sparingly utilized, maintaining a calm and atmospheric soundscape characteristic of the desolate setting of Prypiat. This quiet approach does not lack effectiveness; ambient sounds like wind, echo, and faint water movement sustain the eerie atmosphere. Sound effects such as croaking radiation detectors are effectively amplified to enhance the unsettling mood during key scenes.

Mid to low-range frequencies are handled competently, with the low-end being effective albeit light, accentuating soundtrack cuts and emphasizing sudden jolts without overwhelming the soundstage. The sound design achieves a wide and warm soundstage, with well-balanced channel separation and clean, smooth pans across the screen. Vocal clarity remains consistently fluid and intelligible, keeping dialogues front-and-center while leaving room for discrete sound effects that broaden the auditory image and keep listeners engaged.

When it comes to dynamics, the audio track displays considerable range, particularly coming into play during the later acts as characters navigate through tunnels filled with disturbing noises. However, some reviewers noted that the rear activity can be almost silent or feel slightly off, potentially due to deliberate design choices meant to emphasize the town's isolation. Although the bass is relatively deep, it does not deliver a memorable impact typical of the genre's more intense moments. Overall, while it might not rattle the senses as expected of horror, the Chernobyl Diaries' audio presentation remains serviceable and aligns well with the atmospheric demands of its setting.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Chernobyl Diaries" offer a mixed bag of content, ranging from fictional promotional material to an alternate ending. "Uri's Extreme Tours Infomercial" is a brief, humorous advertisement for Uri's adventurous tours, including a visit to Chernobyl. "Chernobyl Conspiracy" provides a quick overview of the disaster's history and aftermath but should not be taken seriously. The "Welcome to Kiev" deleted scene is a lackluster addition that fails to add depth to the plot or characters. Lastly, the "Alternate Ending" presents a different, more cryptic conclusion to the film. These features, while varied in their usefulness, provide some additional context and entertainment for viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Uri's Extreme Tours Infomercial: A short faux commercial for Uri's adventurous tours.
• Chernobyl Conspiracy: A brief rundown of the disaster's history and aftermath with a viral marketing twist.
• Welcome to Kiev: A generally useless deleted scene spotlighting a celebratory toast.
• Alternate Ending: An alternate clip offering a more cryptic conclusion.

"Chernobyl Diaries" is a misguided attempt at horror, drawing heavily from Wes Craven's "The Hills Have Eyes" but failing to deliver on its eerie premise. The film follows a group of tourists led by Chris (Jesse McCartney), planning to explore the abandoned city of Prypiat near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. With Chris are his girlfriend Natalie (Olivia Taylor Dudley), friend Amanda (Devin Kelley), and estranged brother Paul (Jonathan Sadowski). However, their tour takes a horrifying turn when they realize the city is inhabited by cannibalistic mutants. The movie's setting, amid the ruins of Prypiat illuminated by Morten Søborg's evocative cinematography, creates an inherently creepy atmosphere that the filmmakers never quite capitalize on.

Despite abandoning the found-footage format prevalent in horror, "Chernobyl Diaries" doesn't exploit its unique environment. First-time director Bradley Parker struggles to maintain suspense, relying instead on clichéd jump scares and improvised, often profane banter among the characters, which does little to enhance the narrative or endear the audience to the protagonists. The film’s runtime is marred by one-dimensional characters and a contrived script lacking emotional depth. Attempts at horror quickly devolve into formulaic, unoriginal scenes that fail to generate genuine fear or tension.

The film’s most notable flaw is its mishandling of the harrowing real-life tragedy of Chernobyl, which it insensitively uses as mere fodder for hackneyed horror tropes. Ultimately, "Chernobyl Diaries" squanders its potential, offering a premise ripe with mystery and dread but delivering nothing more than pedestrian scares and forgettable character arcs. While the setting initially intrigues, Parker’s direction and Oren Peli’s derivative script result in a forgettable venture into horror that lacks intensity and creativity.

Warner Home Video’s Blu-ray release of "Chernobyl Diaries" offers a technically proficient package for a largely disappointing film. The movie fails to capitalize on its eerie setting in Prypiat, Ukraine, and is filled with clichéd characters and predictable jump scares that add little to the horror genre. Directed by Bradley Parker with a script from Oren Peli of "Paranormal Activity" fame, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative and instead feels like an uninspired attempt to cash in on the popularity of found footage horror.

However, the Blu-ray itself is impressive. The video quality is excellent, capturing the surprisingly well-photographed scenes with remarkable clarity. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is notably restrained, utilizing surround channels sparingly but effectively. Despite the absence of engaging bonus features—the alternate ending and deleted scenes offer minimal value beyond fleeting curiosity—the overall technical presentation of the disc is solid. The package also includes a DVD and an UltraViolet digital copy, adding some consumer value.

The lackluster film might not hold much interest beyond its initial viewing. While the atmospheric setting had potential, the execution leaves much to be desired. Fans of horror might appreciate the high-quality presentation on Blu-ray, but will likely find the content deficient in thrills or originality. There’s no care involved in the creation of "Chernobyl Diaries," which has been made solely to cash in on a horror craze. The picture is second-rate and ridiculous (especially the ending) and, worst of all, it's completely uneventful.