Undead Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Undead" features an AVC-encoded image in 1080p and 1.77:1 aspect ratio, dynamically articulating the film's dual atmospheric states. The initial scenes capture a sepia-toned nostalgia, transitioning into a blueish hue post-alien visitation, which characterizes the film's descent into chaos. This contrast is consistent with the thematic intents of the filmmakers, though varying black levels and inconsistent contrast are notable. Daytime scenes leverage yellows and whites to evoke a nostalgic aura, while the darker, more chaotic scenes favor blues, punctuated effectively by yellows and reds. While sharpness and fine detail are adequately represented in close-ups, the low-budget image retains a notable softness throughout.

Originally shot on 16mm film employing Arriflex and Bolex cameras, the film underwent extensive processing that intentionally departs from a traditional filmic look. This Blu-ray derives from high-quality D-5 digital video tapes, presenting the best existing transfer, yet artifacts such as grain processing and occasional banding are visible. Some scenes exhibit thematic color shifts with intentional artificial glows that support the narrative's stylistic choices. Despite not resembling a Hollywood production's clarity, the source maintains faithfulness to its original aesthetic, capturing Andrew Strahorn’s intent with thematic color grading that ranges from harsh yellows to stark blues.

The texture and depth of the 16mm film breath life into "Undead," although light damage from the original negative and speckling persist. The overall image is heavily altered to sustain genre aesthetics, retaining a processed look that aligns with the directors’ creative decisions. Notably, no significant quality differences are observed between this release and the Beyond Genres edition from Umbrella Entertainment. The presentation is a fitting testament to the filmmakers’ vision, prioritizing ambiance over pristine detail.

The audio presentation of "Undead" on Blu-ray is driven by a robust 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that adeptly handles dialogue clarity, capturing accents and nuances with precision. This track makes extensive use of surround sounds to enhance the atmospheric tension, reflective of its low-budget horror-comedy genre. The soundtrack, with its inherently thin synth elements, provides sufficient suspense and dynamically occupies the surround channels, allowing meteorite sequences and intergalactic threats to resonate with a compelling low-end response. Environmental sound effects are distinguished, offering sharp and immersive audio moments.

In addition to the primary 5.1 mix, the Blu-ray also includes a DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, which, while matrix surround encoded, delivers a distinct auditory experience. The 5.1 track remains preferable due to its accurate directional effects and well-steered audio dynamics. LFE presence is notable, providing punchy bass in weapon discharges and scoring elements, enhancing the gripping intensity typical of horror soundscapes. For viewers seeking an engaging soundtrack without the complexity of a surround setup, the 2.0 track retains its excitement and offers satisfactory immersion.

Overall, the audio mix is surprisingly active for a film at this production scale, maintaining clear dialogue throughout. Though some American audiences might find the accents challenging, the audio craftsmanship ensures substantial appreciation and enjoyment, notably with optional English subtitles available for clarity. This presentation captures "Undead's" intent with fidelity and resonance, offering both technical precision and entertainment value in its acoustic translation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Undead" offer comprehensive insights into the film's creation, with a variety of engaging special features. The standout commentary by directors Peter and Michael Spierig, alongside cinematographer Andy Strahorn, provides a candid look at the resource challenges faced during production, highlighting the use of a minimal budget and the innovative filmmaking strategies employed. Notably, they reminisce about their surprise at having real critics, such as Roger Ebert, review their work. The extensive behind-the-scenes content includes an in-depth making-of featurette and a fly-on-the-wall set diary, both capturing the technical and creative processes of the filmmakers and crew. Additionally, the inclusion of a short film by Peter Spierig, camera and makeup tests, and unique dolly construction footage enriches the technical narrative further. The package is complete with a CD soundtrack and a booklet containing insightful essays and notes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion by the Spierig Brothers and Andy Strahorn.
• On Set of 'Undead': Extensive production footage with cast and crew interactions.
• Attack of the Undead: Director Peter Spierig’s formative short film.
• The Making of 'Undead': Comprehensive behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Homemade Dolly Construction: Innovative camera equipment build.
• Camera and Make-up Tests: Brief technical showcase clips.
• Image Gallery: Extensive collection of behind-the-scenes and publicity photographs.
• Trailer: Original promotional preview.
• CD Soundtrack: Complete musical accompaniments.
• Booklet: Essays and notes offering deeper narrative understanding.

"Undead," the 2003 directorial debut by Australian filmmakers Peter and Michael Spierig, offers genre enthusiasts a dynamic blend of zombie horror and sci-fi elements. The narrative situates itself in the rather quaint town of Berkeley, where beauty pageant winner Rene (Felicity Mason) finds herself thrust into chaos as meteorites transform locals into the undead. Together with mysterious survivalist Marion (Mungo McKay) and a motley crew of survivors, they aim to escape not just the zombie outbreak but a nascent extraterrestrial threat. While the film opens with high-octane action and effective sequences rooted in '80s horror comedy traditions, it unfortunately struggles to maintain a cohesive storyline, becoming convoluted as alien subplots intervene.

Technically, "Undead" navigates the delicate transition from practical to digital effects, achieving a unique look with its 16mm origins juxtaposed against modern digital enhancements. Early scenes leverage classical gore effects successfully, reminiscent of Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson's early works, contributing to a visually engaging spectacle. However, as the plot shifts focus towards an alien invasion narrative, the film's tonal consistency wavers. The relentless ambition of integrating multifaceted genre components is notable but ultimately muddles story clarity, aligning it more closely with chaotic B-movie scattershot than a focused horror masterpiece.

Performances in "Undead" are notably energetic, though occasionally overshadowed by the escalating narrative complexity. Felicity Mason stands out as a headstrong hero against the undead tide; Mungo McKay delivers stoic resilience as Marion; and the supporting cast provides exaggerated portrayals that align well with genre expectations. This film underscores the Spierig Brothers' DIY filmmaking ethos, hinting at their potential within genre cinema despite narrative inconsistencies. For avid lovers of the splatterhouse genre and those intrigued by sci-fi eccentricities, "Undead" holds a peculiar but satisfying appeal amidst its chaotic execution.

"Undead," the debut feature from the Spierig Brothers, presents a medley of genres and tones that straddle between zombie horror and alien mystery, ultimately presenting an uneven cinematic experience. The film ambitively shifts from a seemingly straightforward zombie narrative to a more convoluted tale involving extraterrestrial themes, resulting in a dilution of its initial momentum. Despite this tonal dissonance, the film's quirky appeal shines through, boasting highly engaging sequences and performances that deliver moments of unexpected entertainment. The brothers' attempt at genre-blending reveals both ambition and inexperience, leaving "Undead" more aligned with a graphic novel's narrative style than a cohesive film.

The Blu-ray release of "Undead" is particularly noteworthy for showcasing the Spierig preferred 96-minute international cut, which offers a tighter edit than the original 104-minute Australian release. While some may express disappointment over the absence of the longer cut, this version is presented as definitive, affirmed by the directors' own explanations within the included booklet. The release compensates through a robust array of bonus materials provided by Umbrella Entertainment and Vinegar Syndrome, making it a valuable addition for fans. The A/V quality is commendable, affording viewers an enhanced appreciation of the film's directorial ambitions.

In conclusion, while "Undead" falters in its quest for genre cohesiveness, it remains a testament to creative zeal and determination within the constraints of a low-budget production. It manages to carve out a niche appeal among Ozploitation enthusiasts and midnight movie aficionados, making it worth exploration despite its flaws. The Blu-ray edition amplifies its appeal with supplementary content and pristine presentation, warranting recommendation for those inclined towards cult cinema and the Spierig filmography.