Communion Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image of "Communion" presented in a 2.36:1 aspect ratio draws from an older master, bringing forth an experience that aligns subtly with the original theatrical rendition. Detail throughout the film leans towards the softer side, yet it manages to serve up discernible skin textures on human characters and contributes to maintaining the purposely artificial look of the alien beings. The interior scenes of the household are laid out for viewer scrutiny, enriched with a tangible atmosphere as one ventures through mist-filled, metallic nuances of the spacecraft. The color palette, albeit slightly subdued, harmonizes well with "Communion’s" inherent tonal ambiance, effectively shadowing the narrative’s nocturnal sequences and underlit alien interactions.

Adding a layer of vibrancy to the film's rather cool color scheme are the holiday themes that intersperse the storyline - with Halloween and Christmas scenes injected with a degree of primary color vibrancy that adds contrast and interest without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. Costume designs emerge with clarity, benefiting from the varied yet cohesive color scheme. Skin tones across the board appear natural, complementing the uniquely rendered greenish, blackish hues of the alien characters, enhancing their otherworldly presence on screen. The delineation process is managed competently, ensuring that even in dimly lit scenes, details are not lost to shadows.

From a technical standpoint, the source used for this Blu-ray release is in commendable condition, albeit showing signs of its age with occasional mild banding which is noted to be brief and not overly distracting. This respect towards maintaining an authentic visual experience indicates an effort to preserve the film's original atmospheric essence while accommodating the limitations and characteristics of its source material. The result is a video presentation that balances between fidelity to its cinematic roots and the inherent limitations tied to its source, making it a respectful homage to the cinematic experience of "Communion".

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Communion" features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that capably handles the film's unique sound landscape. The clarity of dialogue is commendable, ensuring that Christopher Walken's eclectic and mood-shifting performance is always front and center, without any loss in audio quality. This mix excels in delivering crisp vocal tones, even as Walken's character traverses through varying emotional states and accent shifts, showcasing the mix's adept handling of dynamic range and vocal inflections.

Musically, the Blu-ray’s audio mix shines with its clear and precise reproduction of the film's bluesy score. The soundtrack, featuring the emotive guitar work of Eric Clapton, is presented with a remarkable depth of sound, balancing the squealing highs of the guitar with the synth's deeper tones to create an evocative auditory experience. This fidelity extends to the instrumentation, where each note and chord is cleanly separated, allowing for a detailed and immersive listening experience that complements the film's narrative and atmospheric settings.

Furthermore, the mix effectively enhances the film's atmospherics, providing a vivid sense of alien encounters and the resulting tense environments. These scenes benefit from a heightened audio presentation, with a louder and more pronounced emphasis on sound effects that envelop the viewer in "Communion’s" eerie and otherworldly ambiance. The subtle yet impactful use of background sounds adds layers to the movie’s steamy and suspenseful scenarios, demonstrating the mix's capability to amplify the film's immersive qualities through its thoughtful and well-executed audio design.

The extra features of the "Communion" Blu-ray provide a fascinating insight into the making of this cult classic, engaging both enthusiasts and newcomers alike with a variety of content. The inclusion of two commentary tracks gives a multi-faceted look at the film’s production, with director Philippe Mora sharing the spotlight; first, alongside UFO Magazine publisher William J. Birnes and then solo, offering his unique perspective. The outtakes section, complete with Mora’s commentary, reveals humorous and deleted moments, including Christopher Walken’s improvisations and previously unseen alien encounters. Behind-the-scenes footage immerses viewers in the production process, featuring insightful interviews and special moments captured on set. Additionally, viewers are treated to two trailers, providing a succinct preview that encapsulates the film's essence. This collection of extras not only complements the main feature but also enhances the overall viewing experience by deepening the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Featuring director Philippe Mora and UFO Magazine publisher William J. Birnes.
• Commentary #2: With director Philippe Mora.
• Outtakes: Includes commentary by director Philippe Mora, showcasing additional alien activity and Christopher Walken’s improv scenes.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Interviews and production moments with key figures such as Walken, author Whitley Strieber, and Mora.
• Trailer #1 and Trailer #2: Brief promotional trailers for the film.

Communion, adapted from Whitley Strieber's 1987 book recounting his own experiences with alien abduction, transitions from a profound exploration of a man's psyche under extraterrestrial pressure to an almost unintentional farce under the directorship of Philippe Mora. The narrative aims to delve into the mind-bending journey of Whitley (played by Christopher Walken), a writer grappling with mounting psychological turmoil following an alien encounter in upstate New York. Despite the serious undertones of its source material, which straddles the line between disputed truth and eerie fiction, the film iteration, penned by Strieber himself, veers off into a realm where the horrific is overshadowed by sheer absurdity, partly due to the peculiar choice to cast Walken in a role demanding a nuanced portrayal of fear and fascination.

Walken’s portrayal of Whitley teeters on the brink of eccentricity and over-dramatization, punctuating the movie with instances of bizarre behavior that distract rather than deepen the emotional resonance intended by the original story. His interactions with other characters, including his neglectfully portrayed wife Anne (Lindsay Crouse) and their son Andrew (Joel Carson), pivot more towards the theatrical than the thematic substance. The visual representation of aliens and their otherworldly encounters with Whitley compounds the film's struggle with seriousness, utilizing poorly executed puppetry that undermines the potential terror of such encounters, turning key moments into laughable spectacles.

Philippe Mora’s endeavor to encapsulate Strieber’s harrowing experiences and the profound implications of alien experimentation on human subjects is muddled by inconsistencies in tone and an unrestrained Walken performance. The film squanders its opportunity to probe the depths of Strieber’s narrative, offering instead a jarring blend of camp and crisis that leaves viewers oscillating between disbelief and derision. While Communion sets out to chart the dark recesses of alien contact and its impact on the human psyche, it ultimately succumbs to a discordant execution that transforms potential suspense into something akin to parodic comedy.

In the Blu-ray presentation of "Communion," the adaptation of Whitley Strieber's controversial personal account into a screenplay is deeply scrutinized with mixed emotions. The attempt to portray Strieber as a tragic character tormented by elusive forces ostensibly aiming to highlight his struggles and mental turmoil doesn't quite land with the impact intended. The narrative, rather than delving deeply into the psychological unrest or offering an intriguing mystery, falls short of engaging the audience fully. It's hinted, perhaps inadvertently, that Strieber's experiences could be a creative maneuver by a writer facing a block, seeking a resurgence in his career; a perspective that seems to hold more weight than the alien encounter premise. This interpretation undermines the potential for a deeper exploration of Strieber's psyche and the authenticity of his claims.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray do little to elevate the overall experience of "Communion." The film's portrayal relies heavily on Christopher Walken's performance, which while compelling and energetically wild, borders on portraying Strieber in an almost caricatured light. Walken's interpretation is central to the film's engagement, yet it raises questions about the portrayal of mental distress and credibility in relation to extraordinary claims. The direction by Philippe Mora struggles to weave the eerie and unsettling narratives into a cohesive or convincingly mysterious tale. This lack of creative authority in storytelling diminishes the potential impact of Strieber's experiences on the viewer, leaving much to be desired in terms of depth and nuance.

In conclusion, while "Communion" aims to delve into the perplexing and unnerving world of alien encounters through Strieber's lens, it falls short due to a combination of narrative weaknesses and an over-reliance on Walken's larger-than-life performance. The Blu-ray presentation does not significantly enhance the viewing experience, lacking in both technical execution and the ability to meaningfully explore the profound implications of Strieber's tale. The film, therefore, remains an intriguing yet ultimately unconvincing portrayal of one man's extraordinary claims, failing to captivate or convincingly argue its premise.