The Quiet Ones Blu-ray Review

"The Quiet Ones" on Blu-ray is presented with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer and primarily holds an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, though certain found footage segments switch to a 1.33:1 aspect ratio with rounded edges to evoke a 1970s Kodachrome aesthetic. Shot digitally with the Arri Alexa, the footage was deliberately altered in post-production to mimic an old-school film appearance. The overall palate adheres to subdued tones dominated by browns, beiges, and grays, creating a tamped-down and intentionally dark atmosphere. However, this often borders on being excessively dark, occasionally obscuring details.

Despite the generally dark nature of the film, the image sharpness and detail remain reasonably intact. The archival and found footage elements are particularly impressive, often standing out more vividly than the contemporary footage. One brighter sequence in the garden later in the film offers a rare instance where colors pop. The encoding delivers a sharp, clean image free from noise and artifacts, other than those added in post for stylistic effect.

In terms of black levels, they contribute to a gothic ambiance but can often hide significant details, especially in darker scenes and articles of black clothing. Depth is adequately maintained, particularly notable in scenes on campus and around stairwells. Color reproduction is bold and rich without becoming overbearing, maintaining a lifelike appearance, while flesh tones remain consistent and detailed throughout. Overall, "The Quiet Ones" provides a detailed yet dark viewing experience that balances its vintage stylization with modern clarity.

The audio presentation of "The Quiet Ones" excels in delivering a dynamic and engaging experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The most striking aspect is the aggressive use of thudding low-frequency effects, which are strategically placed to shock viewers repeatedly throughout the film. Despite their somewhat hackneyed implementation, the impact is undeniable, contributing to a memorable auditory landscape. The attention to directionality enhances these effects, while the dialogue remains consistently clear and comprehensible. This clarity is supported by top-notch fidelity and an impressively wide dynamic range.

Distinct volumes and settings provide a rich auditory palette, with the ominous score set low to contrast sharply with the super loud effects. This choice amplifies the tension and unexpected scares. Low-frequency extension is notable, with satisfying booms during scenes involving objects being knocked over or beaten around, adding weight to the film's atmosphere. The surround sound presentation further elevates the experience, with vibrant interplay between the right and left channels and unpredictable haunts emerging from the rear speakers. This not only enhances immersion but ensures that the audio track is a standout feature of the Blu-ray release.

Moreover, the balance between effects and dialogue reproduction is well managed, although the dialogue is purposely mixed at a low volume to compel viewers to increase their volume, thereby making the sudden sound effects more startling. This deliberate manipulation of audio levels ultimately serves the film’s horror-centric narrative and showcases the capabilities of the audio mix in delivering an impactful cinematic experience.

The Extras section of "The Quiet Ones" Blu-ray presents a balanced and comprehensive assortment of bonus material that delve into various aspects of the film's production. The Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer John Pogue and Producer Tobin Armbrust, offers insightful yet sporadic reflections on the filmmaking process. The centerpiece of the extras, "Welcome to the Experiment: Making The Quiet Ones," stands out with its substantive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The "An Ominous Opening" featurette provides a focused exploration into the creation of the unsettling opening credits. Additionally, the disc offers a collection of Deleted Scenes and Outtakes for further engagement.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Insights from Director John Pogue and Producer Tobin Armbrust.

Welcome to the Experiment: Making The Quiet Ones: In-depth making-of featurette.

An Ominous Opening: Behind the scenes on the opening credits sequence.

Deleted Scenes: Additional footage not included in the final cut.

Outtakes: Humorous and unintended moments from the film's production.

"The Quiet Ones," directed by John Pogue and produced by Hammer Films, aims to resurrect the studio's esteemed horror legacy with a blend of psychological dread and supernatural mystique. Set in the 1970s, the narrative follows Oxford professor Joseph Coupland (Jared Harris) as he attempts to prove that supernatural phenomena can be scientifically explained. Together with his assistants and an initially hesitant student, Brian McNeil (Sam Claflin), Coupland subjects Jane Harper (Olivia Cooke), a troubled young woman purportedly linked to a spirit named Evey, to relentless psychological torment in hopes of documenting paranormal occurrences.

Anchored by Harris' solid performance, the film toggles between conventional cinematography and a quasi-found footage style through Brian’s documentation. This hybrid format, however, adds unnecessary complexity without enhancing the storytelling. Despite its intriguing setup, the plot struggles with predictability, frequently alternating between bland dialogue scenes and formulaic séance sessions, each promising but rarely delivering palpable suspense. Any semblance of subtlety is sacrificed for loud sound effects and rudimentary scares, making the film feel drawn-out and formulaic rather than thrilling or thought-provoking.

In attempting to blend scientific rationalism with supernatural horror, "The Quiet Ones" often loses its narrative focus. The film's core tension—whether Jane is mentally ill or genuinely possessed—is undermined by an indecisive script that tries to hedge its bets, ultimately dissatisfying on both fronts. The final act descends into chaos, resorting to clichéd horror tropes that squander the story's early potential. While the film occasionally flirts with intriguing ideas, its lack of ambition and overreliance on predictability render it an uninspired addition to the genre. Despite the pedigree of Hammer Films and a noteworthy cast, "The Quiet Ones" fails to deliver a compelling horror experience, leaving it as a forgettable entry in contemporary horror cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "The Quiet Ones" offers a compelling audiovisual experience, despite the movie itself being somewhat lackluster. The narrative attempts to deliver a chilling and atmospheric horror story but falls short due to an overly literal visual treatment that undermines its potential suspense. The use of CGI, while ambitious, often detracts rather than enhances the viewing experience. A more nuanced and ambiguous approach would have significantly increased the film's impact.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray excels in both audio and video quality. The sound design is particularly notable, delivering crisp and immersive audio that enhances the tension and mood of the film. The video presentation is equally impressive, with detailed imagery that captures the film's atmospheric setting beautifully. The technical merits alone make this Blu-ray a worthwhile consideration for fans of the genre, even if the movie itself does not fully deliver on its promise of psychological horror.

In addition to its strong technical attributes, the Blu-ray includes a comprehensive array of extras. These special features are detailed and informative, providing a deeper understanding of the film’s production and concept. For those who appreciate behind-the-scenes content, this release leaves no stone unturned. Despite the film’s shortcomings, the quality of this Blu-ray release ensures that dedicated fans of "The Quiet Ones" will be more than satisfied with this package. However, for newcomers or those uncertain about the film, renting before purchasing might be a prudent approach.

The Quiet Ones is passably effective at a couple of key junctures, but it tends to undercut its effectiveness with an overly literal visual treatment (including some pretty lame CGI). This story requires a much more ambivalent perspective to really hit home, and instead, The Quiet Ones lays everything out in a neat little row, with no room for interpretation. Technical merits (especially the audio) are quite strong for those considering a purchase.