My Bloody Valentine Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's release of "My Bloody Valentine" on Blu-ray offers viewers the choice between a thrilling 3D version and a polished 2D presentation, each with its own merits and limitations. The Blu-ray is framed at 1.85:1 and delivered in 1080p high definition, ensuring that the visual experience is as engaging as possible. The 3D version stands out for its exceptional depth and clean lines, making it one of the superior 3D presentations on the Blu-ray format despite suffering from a pinkish tint and some ghosting effects that may distract but generally don't detract from the overall enjoyment. In contrast, the colors and details seem sacrificed for depth, a trade-off that reflects the filmmakers' intent to prioritize the novelty of the 3D experience.

On the other side, the 2D version leans towards a more traditional viewing experience, boasting clean and crisp visuals that sometimes fall short of the definitive HD delineation. The color palette is described as bland, with sepia tones dominating, reflecting a stylistic choice that complements the film's atmosphere. Despite these color limitations, the 2D version maintains good rendering and shadow detail, especially noticeable in darker scenes and low light conditions. However, flesh tones appear lifeless, and blacks show inconsistency across scenes, with shadow details offering visible delineation.

The audio accompaniment of a DTS-MA HD 7.1 track for both versions integrates well with the visuals, creating a dynamic and immersive experience despite primarily projecting from the front soundstage. The track does an excellent job of emphasizing impactful moments with clarity and vigor, though some may find the dialogue occasionally submerged within the mix. The rear channels add to the atmosphere with subtle effects that enhance the overall experience without overpowering it. The inclusion of substantial sub-action enriches scenes with physical impacts, rounding off Lionsgate's package as a commendable effort in bringing "My Bloody Valentine" to home theaters.

Lionsgate's Blu-ray release of "My Bloody Valentine" presents an audio experience that, while not without its flaws, manages to deliver a decent level of immersion and excitement suitable for the genre. The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is a highlight, offering an aggressive and engaging listening experience that makes full use of deep bass and surround sound capabilities to envelop the audience. The film's soundscape is enhanced by well-executed ambient effects, such as the ominously ringing mine alarm klaxon, which creates a realistic auditory environment. Additionally, discrete sound effects are strategically utilized throughout the movie to add depth to the atmosphere and tension to the scenes, supporting moments of impending violence with enhanced creepiness.

However, the audio presentation is not without its shortcomings. Some dialogue comes across as muffled, attributable more to the actors' delivery than to technical issues with the soundtrack itself. This minor quibble aside, the soundtrack excels in delivering crisp music and sharply rendered higher-pitched sounds like screams, ensuring that these critical elements cut through the mix with clarity. While "My Bloody Valentine 3D" may not rank among the very best lossless soundtracks available, it nonetheless provides a solid workout for any sound system and meets the expectations for auditory satisfaction within its genre.

In summary, despite some criticisms regarding its extras and overall cinematic quality, "My Bloody Valentine" on Blu-ray offers an audio experience that captures the essence of the horror genre effectively. With its robust 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, the film leverages aggressive sound mixing and detailed ambient effects to create an immersive soundscape. This, coupled with precise handling of music and key sound effects, ensures that the audio component significantly contributes to the entertainment value of this horror remake, making it a commendable choice for genre enthusiasts seeking a thrilling home theater experience.

The Blu-ray release of "My Bloody Valentine 3D" notably features both 3D and 2D versions of the film, with the 3D presentation providing an immersive deep-layered experience despite its limited palette affecting gore visibility, contrasted by the 2D version's slightly more detailed but overall subdued and less vivid image quality. The accompanying extras enhance the package significantly, led by an insightful audio commentary from director Patrick Lussier and co-writer Todd Farmer. They delve into various technical and creative aspects of the film's production. The additional content, particularly focused on behind-the-scenes aspects, special effects makeup, and deleted scenes, rounds off the disc, making it a must-have for fans. While the 3D effect earns high praise for its depth and engagement, despite inherent technology constraints, the 2D transfer is recognized as solid yet unremarkable. Both versions have their merits, with specific preferences likely varying among viewers based on their interest in visual depth versus color fidelity and detail sharpness.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Patrick Lussier and Co-Writer Todd Farmer: Insightful commentary track discussing various aspects of the film's production.
• Deep Inside My Bloody Valentine: A making-of featurette that delves into filming locations, screenplay quality, and cast performances.
• Sex, Blood and Screams: Focuses on the creation of the film's special make-up effects.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: A collection of 14 scenes not included in the film's final cut.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of bloopers from the film's production.
• Tom, Pick, and Harry: Provides viewers with an alternate ending to the film.
• MoLog: An interactive movie blog tool set for connected community discussions.
• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer of the film.
• Lionsgate Live: BD-Live feature enabling access to additional online content.
• Digital Copy Bonus Disc: Offers a standard definition digital copy of the film for portable media devices.

"My Bloody Valentine" strides into the venerable halls of horror with a pickaxe in hand, charting a course through the densely populated ranks of masked killers with a 3D presentation that aims to revive and revitalize the trope rather than reinvent it. Set against the backdrop of Harmony's tragic mining accident and the vengeful carnage that follows, the film oscillates between traditional slasher hallmarks and the dimensionally enhanced gore that has come to define its appeal. It caters to an audience well-acquainted with horror's various masks, offering a killer whose miner's attire and weapon of choice – a pickaxe – provide a fresh veneer to a familiar visage. Despite its forays into 3D spectacle, complete with objects and, more gruesomely, body parts flying out towards the viewer, the narrative core of "My Bloody Valentine" remains entrenched in the conventions of its genre: a mysterious killer, a trail of bodies, and a town haunted by its past.

Yet, beneath its blood-soaked surface and 3D-induced thrills, "My Bloody Valentine" struggles to distinguish itself from the horror herd. While the plot weaves through the aftermath of tragedy, touching slightly upon themes of survival guilt and post-traumatic stress, it largely eschews deep exploration of these avenues for a more straightforward slash-and-shock approach. The characters, especially beyond the central trio, tend to blend into the scenery, serving more as fodder for the film's real star – the killer in the miner’s mask – than as fully realized individuals. This focus on the tactile (and tactical) elements of 3D horror somewhat muddles the potential for a richer narrative complexity, relegating the film to the realm of what might be seen as a visually engaging yet fundamentally generic entry in the slasher category.

Where "My Bloody Valentine" truly mines its worth is in the utilization of 3D technology to elevate its horror elements, providing an immersive if not entirely original experience. The film deftly juggles gimmicks with genuinely effective moments of terror, crafting scenes that aim to extend beyond the screen and into the audience's space. Highlights such as a pickaxe hurled directly at viewers or an eyeball's grotesque trajectory assert the film's commitment to pushing the boundaries of its 3D aspirations. However, this focus on visual flair over narrative substance ensures that while "My Bloody Valentine" delivers on carnage and spectacle, it leaves untapped veins of deeper thematic resonance. In sum, while it may not carve out a unique niche within the broader horror landscape, it solidly executes its goal of providing a visceral, albeit surface-level, rollercoaster of thrills and kills.

The Blu-ray release of "My Bloody Valentine 3D" by Lionsgate steps into the arena with an ambiance reminiscent of the "Saw" series, imbued with a montage that adeptly knits the background story, offering a glimpse into the narrative's genesis. This approach not only honors the tradition of horror storytelling but also sets the stage for potential sequels, which the film playfully acknowledges through its meta-commentary. With its nod towards a franchise future, it teases audiences with the promise of more blood-curdling tales to come, possibly hinting at titles that blend humor with horror. The disc itself is presented with a high degree of technical proficiency, shining on various setups, from the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector to the Sony Playstation 3, showcasing the film's 3D effects and immersive lossless soundtrack across a broad spectrum of high-end equipment.

Technical elements of the presentation are meticulously covered, with the Blu-ray demonstrating outstanding performance across a range of devices, including Oppo 970HD, Panasonic DMP-BD55K, and more. The synergy between visual and audio components across this diverse hardware landscape highlights the release's versatility and quality. From the depth and clarity provided by Carada screens to the nuanced acoustics via Canton Ergo and Axiom Audio speakers, the movie's 3D immersion and sonic depth are consistently praised. Notably, the use of advanced A/V cabling and power conditioning/surge protection tools like Furman SPR-20i ensures that the viewing experience is optimized, safeguarding against any disruption in quality.

In conclusion, while "My Bloody Valentine 3D" may not ascend to the top of the horror film pantheon due to its narrative aspects, its delivery on Blu-ray is commendably executed, providing a compelling 3D home viewing experience that is both fun and technically superior. The careful consideration of audiovisual elements makes it a must-experience for aficionados of the genre equipped with high-caliber home theater systems. It's a release that marries substance with spectacle, offering sufficient supplements and a rock-solid technical performance that enhances every scare and sharpens every sound. In this vein, "My Bloody Valentine 3D" Blu-ray comes recommended for those eager to explore its depths in a home setting, promising an engaging experience that resonates beyond its narrative setbacks.