Beneath Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Beneath," distributed by Scream Factory under the Shout! Factory label, impresses with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This digitally filmed feature is notably sharp, with exceptional clarity that captures fine details such as the lifelike texture of the grotesque wounds and the comically exaggerated rubbery fins of the film’s infamous catfish. While the overall brightness of the image can seem slightly excessive, occasionally causing lighter gradients to bloom, it contributes to the film’s distinctly vibrant and vivid visual style, which is somewhat unconventional given the dark subject matter.

Depth of field is effectively utilized throughout, particularly in wide shots on the lake that establish a tangible sense of space and context for the characters' predicament. The high-definition transfer maintains a consistent sharpness and clarity that enhances this immersive quality. Despite the majority of the film taking place on water, the image remains fluid and crystal clear, avoiding compression artifacts. Black levels are well-handled, although some scenes in darker lighting conditions appear intentionally obscured, with minimal crushing observed.

Color reproduction is another strong point, with saturated and bold hues that stand out against the film’s dingy lake backdrop. Notably, items like a vividly purple towel covering a body are rendered with remarkable texture and vibrancy, almost lifting off the screen. Flesh tones are uniformly solid and consistent, capturing wetness and light facial textures without introducing noise or artifacts. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer of "Beneath" is a testament to effective digital cinematography and meticulous encoding, providing a visually engaging and technically sound viewing experience.

"Beneath's" Blu-ray audio presentation leverages a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that skillfully enhances the film's atmospheric intent. The underwater effects, particularly those involving movement through lake grass, offer a detailed and claustrophobic auditory experience. Dialogue is consistently clear, facilitating comprehension without sacrificing the immersive quality of the mix. Will Bates' score effectively envelops the listener through surround channels, enriching the suspense.

The DTS-HD 5.1 track, while not groundbreaking, performs admirably for a low-budget horror feature. Dialogue remains crystal clear and unaffected by common audio artifacts like pops, cracks, or hissing. The ambient sounds, including aquatic life and natural noises, are robustly reproduced through the surround channels. The mix provides a decent low-frequency extension, though some might find the subwoofer impact wanting during more intense scenes such as boat bumps or fish attacks. Nevertheless, the dynamic range is solid, ensuring that various environmental sounds enhance the sense of place effectively.

Additionally, the audio presentation supports English subtitles, ensuring accessibility. Despite needing to adjust volume levels higher than usual for optimal balance, the 5.1 mix does a commendable job with spatial dynamics, making viewers feel immersed in both underwater and terrestrial scenes. This audio mix achieves more than just adequacy; it succeeds in drawing viewers into the narrative with an engaging and well-rendered auditory landscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "Beneath" are extensive and provide an in-depth look into the film's creation, making them a valuable addition to any fan's collection. Highlights include a comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary, insightful commentary tracks, and various supplementary materials that shed light on different aspects of production. The audio commentary by Director Larry Fessenden and Sound Designer Graham Reznick delves into shot techniques and production stories, despite occasional pauses. "A Look Behind Beneath: Making the Fish Movie" offers a detailed documentary covering the fabrication of the catfish and intricate water sequences. Additionally, the "What the Zeke?" segment provides humorous content focusing on a quirky character from the film, and "What's In Black Lake?" enhances the narrative with engaging found footage. Overall, these features significantly enhance the viewing experience by providing context and entertainment.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Larry Fessenden and Sound Designer Graham Reznick: Insights and anecdotes on production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.
• A Look Behind Beneath: Making the Fish Movie: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Outtakes: Collection of bloopers and flubs.
• Poster/Premiere: Footage of poster printing and the film's premiere.
• What the Zeke?: Humorous piece featuring a film geek character.
• What's In Black Lake?: Found footage exploring the mystery of Black Lake.
• Fessenden On Jaws: A tour of stop-motion models used in a parody review of Jaws.

Larry Fessenden's "Beneath" ambitiously attempts to deliver a fresh take on the classic "killer creature" horror subgenre, but falls short primarily due to its sluggish pacing and unremarkable script. The story centers on six high school friends who venture out to the ominous Black Lake only to find themselves preyed upon by a gigantic, mutant catfish. The first act is bogged down by an interminable buildup devoid of tension, leaving viewers impatient for the carnage that fans of horror films expect. When the predator does finally appear, the ensuing sequences struggle to maintain genuine suspense, instead oscillating between unintentional humor and predictable outcomes.

From a technical perspective, Fessenden shows an adept use of practical effects, favoring animatronics over CGI for the predatory catfish, which adds a tangible heft to the creature. However, this craftsmanship cannot mask the inherent flaws in character development and dialogue. The narrative shifts between a conventional horror setup and bits of found footage evoke a desire for authenticity, yet fail to engage due to its underwritten characters who are difficult to empathize with. With thinly veiled subplots involving romantic entanglements and high school drama, the inevitable gore and chaos provide a modicum of relief from an otherwise laborious watch.

The thematic homage to iconic horror staples like "Jaws" is evident, particularly in the opening scene that mirrors Spielberg's classic underwater shot. Yet, these nods only serve to highlight "Beneath"'s deficiencies when compared against its inspirations. Ultimately, while "Beneath" delivers on practical effects and sporadic moments of dark humor, it misses the mark with a flawed script and one-dimensional characters, making it a lukewarm addition to the horror movie genre.

"Beneath," directed by Larry Fessenden, is notably supported by a strong Blu-ray presentation that boasts impressive video and audio quality, as well as a rich collection of special features. Unfortunately, the movie itself struggles to captivate due to subpar writing and unremarkable character development. Despite an interesting premise involving a giant catfish preying on teenagers, the execution falls flat. The practical effects, though commendable, often border on the laughable, detracting from the intended horror. Repeated exposure to the unconvincing rubber puppet further undermines any potential for genuine tension or fear.

The character dynamics are equally disappointing, with a lack of depth and believability in their interactions and decisions, which compromises the film's ability to engage its audience. The abundance of stereotypical horror tropes, such as attractive but shallow teenagers embroiled in predictable drama, only serves to emphasize the movie's mediocrity. While it attempts to blend horror and comedy, it leans too heavily on clichéd elements, diminishing its potential for originality.

Despite its cinematic shortcomings, "Beneath" benefits from an excellent Blu-ray release courtesy of Scream Factory. The high-quality visuals and sound elevate the viewing experience, and the extensive extras provide an enjoyable repository for fans of the genre. However, these technical merits do not compensate for a story that is ultimately forgettable. Fans of campy, low-quality horror films may find some enjoyment, but for others, this film would be advisable to skip.

In conclusion, while "Beneath" provides a technically proficient Blu-ray package with ample supplemental content, the film itself fails to deliver a compelling or frightening horror experience. Its reliance on outmoded horror tropes and lackluster effects render it more humorous than horrific. This release is best suited for dedicated collectors or those with a fondness for unintentional comedy in horror cinema. For most viewers, "Beneath" will likely not plunge into the depths of memorable or impactful entertainment.