28 Weeks Later Blu-ray Review

Fox's Blu-ray release of '28 Weeks Later' features a 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video that preserves the film's original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio, showcasing the director's deliberate integration of varied film stocks - Super 16, Super 35, and DV - to create a visually textured narrative. This choice results in a presentation where varying image qualities are not just inevitable but essential, honoring Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's intention to enhance thematic elements through visual style. Scenes shot on lower-quality sources inherently exhibit a fine layer of grain, especially in moments featuring the infected, aligning with Fresnadillo's vision of an 'infected camera'. The Blu-ray's handling of these intentional imperfections is commendable, aiming to deliver the film as intended by its creators, complete with its stylistic quirks and nuances.

The video quality itself, despite the deliberate blend of media, is quite impressive for what it aims to achieve. High-definition showcases the differences in clarity and grain between the various formats used, though overall fidelity to the film's original atmosphere and color grading is maintained. Blacks are deep and consistent, particularly noteworthy in the film's darker sequences, with the 1080p presentation peaking at astonishing bit rates – up to 50Mbps as observed on a PS3, indicative of Fox’s commitment to high-quality home theater experiences. However, viewers should temper their expectations for homogeneity in image quality owing to the intentional stylistic choices – including a rather desaturated color palette and instances of black crush that obscure finer details.

Fox has indeed set a benchmark with its Blu-ray presentations, seeking to mirror the theatrical experience as closely as possible within the home setting. '28 Weeks Later' benefits from this approach, with parts of the film shot in 35mm serving as near reference material for Blu-ray video quality. Despite some inherent drawbacks like a slight video-esque appearance in places and occasional flatness in contrast due to the mixed media approach, this release triumphs in representing the film’s unique aesthetic faithfully. The mindful encoding ensures that enthusiasts and newcomers alike appreciate the visual storytelling elements integral to the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

The audio presentation of "28 Weeks Later" on Blu-Ray, featuring a DTS HD 5.1 Master Lossless Audio track, is a mixed bag of sonic excellence and missed opportunities. While undeniably designed to push high-end home theater systems to their limits, the reality of experiencing its full glory is hindered by the current technological incapacity of many players, including the PlayStation 3, to decode the Master audio track fully. Nevertheless, even in its core 1.5Mbps DTS track form, the audio impresses with its remarkable clarity, natural sound quality, and precise directionality. Sounds of warfare and chaos move seamlessly through the sound field, creating an immersive experience that almost physically involves the listener in the on-screen action. The bass is impactful, enhancing the tension without overwhelming, while quieter moments are delivered with pristine clarity.

However, the sound design's execution doesn't fully capitalize on the potential of its technical prowess. The mix tends to be front-heavy, with a noticeable lack of aggressive atmosphere and subdued discrete rear effects that would have elevated the horrification. This restraint diminishes the expansive soundfield that could have amplified John Murphy's electronic score and the eerie sound effects, making for a more enveloping experience. Despite these flaws, dialogue remains consistently clear without the need for volume adjustment, and low frequencies are effectively utilized to add depth to intense scenes.

The audio tracks oscillate between bombastic loudness and softer moments with an intensity that might remind some of a Marilyn Manson track—intense yet craving more nuance in its dynamics. The juxtaposition of aggressive and serene audio elements within '28 Weeks Later' delivers a memorable though uneven sonic experience. Its core strengths in bass depth and clarity during moments of both action and dialogue are commendable, while the underused surround channels and overemphasized front mix point to a missed opportunity for creating a more atmospheric and immersive auditory landscape.

The Blu-ray release of "28 Weeks Later" packs an average, yet comprehensive suite of extras, definitely aimed at enthusiasts of the franchise and those with a penchant for the mechanics behind film-making. The spectrum of supplements is bookmarked by a detailed feature commentary from director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and writer/producer Enrique López-Lavigne, delivering insightful reflections on the film's production challenges and thematic ambitions. The package bolsters its appeal with a trio of featurettes – including a making-of documentary, a closer look at the portrayal of Infected characters, and an exploration into the film’s action sequences and special effects. The two deleted scenes, with optional commentary detailing their cut, present interesting could-have-beens. Additionally, the disc explores the franchise’s lore through two animated shorts derived from the "28 Days Later" graphic novels, though their integration may feel slightly cryptic for uninitiated viewers. The technical presentation of the extras varies, with trailers in 1080p being the exception in a collection otherwise presented in 480p. This array suggests a genuine attempt to offer something substantive for fans, albeit with some content feeling like fillers rather than must-sees.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary: With director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and writer/producer Enrique López-Lavigne.
• Code Red: Making of '28 Weeks Later'.
• The Infected: Closer look at the Infected characters.
• Getting Into The Action: Focus on the film's special effects and stunts.
• Deleted Scenes: Two scenes with optional commentary.
• 28 Days Later: The Aftermath - Stage 1 'Development' & Stage 3 'Decimation': Short animated stories.
• Theatrical Trailers: For '28 Weeks Later' and '28 Days Later'.

In the realm of horror sequels, "28 Weeks Later" stands as a laudable continuation of its predecessor, "28 Days Later," achieving a remarkable balance between maintaining the thematic essence of the original while expanding upon its narrative scope. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the film eschews the indie vibe of Danny Boyle's initial foray for a more sophisticated cinematic approach, benefiting from a larger budget and advanced filming techniques without sacrificing the raw, visceral intensity that fans have come to expect. Set 28 weeks following the catastrophic Rage virus outbreak in England, the sequel dives into the repatriation efforts led by a U.S.-led NATO force, examining the fragile veneer of recovered normalcy and the imminent threat of resurgence that looms over the survivors' attempts at rebuilding.

Central to the film are siblings Andy and Tammy, portrayed with convincing desperation and resilience by Mackintosh Muggleton and Imogen Poots, who navigate the treacherous post-apocalyptic landscape in search of family reconciliation and survival. Their journey is a poignant exploration of human resilience and folly, as "28 Weeks Later" skillfully uses its characters to embody the emotional and ethical quandaries faced by individuals under extreme duress. The narrative adeptly navigates through moral ambiguity, presenting a U.S. Military grappling with draconian measures to contain any potential outbreak resurgence—measures that resonate with contemporary geopolitical tensions and ethical debates.

Fresnadillo's direction is noteworthy for its dynamic handling of suspense and action, granting the film an immersive quality that capitalizes on quick edits and frantic pacing without descending into chaos. The sequel enriches the lore of its universe by introducing new elements and engaging with themes of military intervention, societal breakdown, and the perennial human struggle against dehumanization amidst crisis. Although it falters slightly in delivering a fully satisfying conclusion, "28 Weeks Later" is an ambitious, thematically rich foray into horror that not only honors its origins but also reinvigorates the genre with its intelligent discourse and harrowing spectacle.

"28 Weeks Later" stands tall as a commendable sequel to its predecessor, "28 Days Later," blending a fast-paced narrative with the socio-political undercurrents expected from a contemporary zombie film. The Blu-ray presentation of this sequel is commendable, showcasing top-notch visual and audio quality that we have come to expect from Fox's releases. The film manages to maintain the essence of unpredictability and heightened suspense, enriching the horror genre with its unique storytelling and technical prowess. Despite the source material not being the usual demo material, this release does not falter in delivering a solid audio-visual experience, making it an easy recommendation for fans.

However, while the film excels in most aspects, it does stumble slightly when it comes to the extras included on the Blu-ray. The anticipation for a robust collection of supplements is met with a slight disappointment, as the package, although decent, does not fully satisfy the eagerness for an in-depth exploration behind the scenes. This minor shortfall, however, does not significantly detract from the overall Blu-ray presentation, which continues to exemplify Fox's commitment to quality and hints at their potential dominance in the Blu-ray market space, especially given their extensive archive of quality films ready for release in this format.

In conclusion, "28 Weeks Later" on Blu-ray is a compelling package that expertly combines thrilling narrative elements with superior technical presentation, making it a must-have for franchise enthusiasts and a worthy addition for casual horror fans. Despite falling slightly short in terms of supplementary content, the release stands out as a solid investment. Its strengths far outweigh its minor weaknesses, cementing its place as a commendable sequel with a presentation quality that both satisfies and excites.