Resident Evil: Afterlife Blu-ray Review

Sony’s Blu-ray 3D presentation of "Resident Evil: Afterlife" evokes mixed impressions with its 3D capabilities. Despite being filmed using the Avatar 3D system, the results on Blu-ray do not consistently wow, as depth is generally weak. Most of the film’s scenes exhibit minimal 3D impact, making viewers question the effectiveness of their glasses. The 3D transfer shines during specific gimmicky effects, such as spent shell casings and flying debris, particularly in the action-packed sequences. Environments like the deserted airfield or vast, white rooms in later acts occasionally achieve commendable depth. Still, these moments are sparse, and the 3D experience doesn’t justify itself throughout the entire runtime.

In contrast, technical excellence permeates the remaining aspects of the video presentation. Colors retain their strength akin to the 2D release, with an accurate gray and blue palette, while reds and whites are emphasized at key points. Detail is consistently striking; objects such as rust-covered planes and worn clothing appear lifelike. Black levels are rich without crushing shadow detail, and whites remain clean. Importantly, the Blu-ray transfer is meticulously free from noise, banding is minimal, and there are limited instances of ghosting, mostly confined to a few shots within the prison and helicopter scenes.

Overall, although "Resident Evil: Afterlife" may disappoint with its underwhelming 3D effects, it compensates with outstanding picture clarity, excellent color accuracy, and consistent high-level detail. The release includes both 2D and 3D versions, offering viewers a choice that might lean towards the traditional 2D edition for a more reliably engaging experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray of "Resident Evil: Afterlife" indeed demonstrates the exceptional quality typical of Sony's high-standard output. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is a meticulously crafted aural experience that boasts an impressive soundstage. Viewers are treated to crisp highs, a robust midrange, and deeply resonant lows that all merge seamlessly into an engaging feast for the ears. Directional effects are executed with precision, enhancing the spatial dimension with auditory cues like heavy doors sliding open and bullets whizzing from all directions. Gunfire, a standout element in this mix, is delivered with striking clarity and palpable impact, making every shot convincing. The sound of bullets hitting various surfaces—be it flesh or other materials—is executed convincingly. Music and atmospheric effects are distributed optimally around the soundstage, ensuring immersive and realistic sounds that pull the listener deeply into the action-packed narrative.

The DTS-HD 5.1 mix excels in offering an enveloping experience that authenticates every sound effect down to the most minute environmental nuance. The low-frequency effects are impactful and aggressive, with explosions—particularly a significant one in chapter three—delivering formidable LFE that enriches action sequences. The soundtrack separates channels distinctly without overpowering each other, ensuring clarity in dialogue and a dynamic range that remains untamed throughout the film. The dialogue is clear and sharply defined, although occasional ADR work does lend an unnatural edge at times. The rear channels receive notably extensive use, filling the room with sound in sequences like the undead horde outside the prison, truly immersing the viewer.

Overall, this audio track is nothing short of demo-worthy material, enhancing the film’s shortcomings with its sheer immersive power. It stands as a compelling reason for investing in a high-end surround sound system to fully appreciate its intricate sound design and remarkable audio dynamics. Spanning explosive sequences and haunting atmospheric sounds, this audio experience can't be adequately conveyed through standard TV speakers or outdated home theater setups.

The Blu-ray release of "Resident Evil: Afterlife" comes packed with an impressive array of supplemental features that cater to die-hard fans and casual viewers alike. It includes a total of fifteen distinct extras, headlined by a multi-participant commentary featuring Director Paul W.S. Anderson, Producers Jeremy Bolt, and Robert Kulzer. The commentary delves into the intricacies of shooting in 3D using the Avatar system, while also shedding light on stunt work and special effects. Notably, the "Undead Vision: Picture-in-Picture" is a standout, offering in-depth insights from the cast and crew about the story and special effects, accompanied by behind-the-scenes footage and conceptual artwork.

Extras included in this disc:

• Undead Vision: Picture-in-Picture: Insights into 3D movie-making and special effects.
• Audio Commentary: Detailed discussion on 3D shooting and more.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Various omitted scenes.
• Outtakes: Humorous bloopers.
• Back Under the Umbrella: Directing Afterlife: Examination of directing efforts.
• Band of Survivors: Casting 'Afterlife': Overview of cast selection.
• Undead Dimension: Resident Evil in 3D: Challenges of 3D shooting.
• Fighting Back: The Action of Afterlife: Dive into stunt work.
• Vision of the Apocalypse: The Design of Afterlife: Focus on set design.
• New Blood: The Undead of Afterlife: Zombie makeup discussion.
• Pwning the Undead: Gamers of the Afterlife: Game-to-movie comparisons.
• Sneak Peek of Resident Evil: Damnation: Preview of animated sequel.
• Trailers: Promotional content for other films.
• BD-Live
• MovieIQ

"Resident Evil: Afterlife" delivers an action-packed continuation of the franchise but falls short in several key areas. Director Paul W.S. Anderson returns to balance slick visuals with relentless zombie-killing sequences, starring Mila Jovovich as the iconic Alice. The film kicks off with an ambitious attack on the Umbrella Corporation's Tokyo headquarters, featuring Matrix-style slow-motion and over-the-top action set pieces. Alice’s journey to find a mythical safe haven leads her to a deserted Los Angeles prison teeming with survivors and zombies. Despite the adrenaline-pumping fights and stunning effects, the film suffers from a lack of character depth, relying heavily on familiar action tropes and contrived plot devices.

Technically, "Resident Evil: Afterlife" impresses with its clean and polished visual style, though the 3D presentation disappoints, often feeling more gimmicky than immersive. While the film's visuals lean towards a cartoonish aesthetic, they remain professionally executed, meeting the basic expectations for a major studio release. Noteworthy is the film's homage to video game action sequences, filled with bullet-time shots and gunfights that seldom stray from familiar territory. The score and acting are competent but unremarkable, contributing little to elevate Beyond's narrative above a straightforward, no-surprises zombie splatter fest.

Despite its flaws, the movie remains entertaining for fans who appreciate zombie carnage without seeking narrative depth. The interaction within the Los Angeles prison injects some tension and human drama, but even that is undercut by stereotypical characters and predictability. Alice steals the show yet again, though her character's arcs, especially concerning her supernatural abilities, lack consistency. The climactic battles are visually engaging but ultimately fail to offer fresh excitement or significant narrative weight. Overall, "Resident Evil: Afterlife" stands as a visually satisfying entry in the series that delivers exactly what it promises—nonstop action with minimal narrative complexity.

"Resident Evil: Afterlife" on Blu-ray stands out as a technically proficient but intellectually shallow entry in the horror-action genre. The film, helmed by director Paul W.S. Anderson, delivers a visual spectacle with plenty of high-octane action sequences and special effects, albeit with a narrative that is lackluster at best. The plot is primarily an excuse to engage in zombie warfare once more, with overly familiar tropes and no new imaginative twists. Despite these storytelling shortcomings, the technical aspects of the Blu-ray presentation merit attention.

The Blu-ray's 3D visuals, though not as breathtaking as other natively shot 3D films, manage to offer a commendable depth and presence, justifying the few extra dollars over the 2D edition. The audio track, meanwhile, emerges as a definitive highlight, boasting immersive sound design that accentuates the film’s numerous explosive set pieces and atmospheric tension. The inclusion of a variety of supplementary materials further enhances the value of this release. Despite some missed opportunities and elements that may puzzle even ardent fans—such as the mysterious origins of the axe-wielding giant—the extras and overall package offer significant replay value.

Ultimately, "Resident Evil: Afterlife" is, no surprise, nothing but a generic action movie that's big on spectacle and low on meaning. There's zero originality and the film does nothing that hasn't been done better elsewhere, so there's really not much of a reason to watch. With a storyline that's mildly engaging but ultimately just a flimsy excuse to shoot or otherwise maim zombies, Afterlife is meant to be taken not as a serious picture but instead a comfortable little shoot-em-up that treads well-traversed ground, only in a different pair of shiny new shoes. However, considering the solid extras and excellent audio track on the Blu-ray 3D release, fans might still find value in picking it up, especially if it can be found at a price comparable to the 2D version.