It Follows Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray edition of "It Follows" presents a solid 1080p/SDR transfer that remains largely consistent with the 2015 domestic release by Anchor Bay. While it lacks the tightly refined visual quality of Second Sight's 4K edition, which includes 2160p/HDR10 and Dolby Vision capabilities, this Blu-ray version holds up reasonably well. Particularly on small to mid-sized displays, the visual performance is commendable. However, closer examination discloses the presence of edge enhancement and other post-processing artifacts, leading to mildly waxy textures on elements like hair and skin. These artifacts are indicative of earlier Blu-ray releases and are more noticeable given today's higher standards.

Comparatively, Second Sight's Blu-ray might exhibit marginally superior quality owing to its stronger bit rate and better encoding. Yet, the differences are subtle and unlikely to be perceptible during regular viewing. Although this particular Blu-ray edition is not groundbreaking in its improvements and retains some limitations in texture fidelity, it remains a generally well-executed effort. For enthusiasts expecting higher fidelity, especially those accustomed to the enhanced clarity of 4K and HDR formats, the modest discrepancies might be slightly disappointing. Despite this, the Blu-ray’s presentation still offers a competent viewing experience, delivering the cinematic essence with just minor concessions in visual sharpness.

Second Sight’s Blu-ray of "It Follows" impressively includes a brand-new Dolby Atmos remix, comparable in quality to its Limited Edition 4K/Blu-ray combo pack. This immersive audio experience enhances the film's eerie atmosphere with notable precision and depth. The meticulous sound design leverages the spatial capabilities of Dolby Atmos, creating a more enveloping and dynamic horror ambiance that heightens tension effectively. Additionally, the Blu-ray offers the original DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track as a secondary option, providing a robust and well-balanced audio presentation for those preferring traditional surround sound.

For accessibility, Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available during the main feature, ensuring that crucial audio details remain accessible to all viewers. However, it is worth noting that these subtitles do not extend to the supplementary materials included on the disc. The auditory enhancements in this release, led by the advanced Dolby Atmos remix, deliver an enriched viewing experience that meticulously preserves the chilling essence of the film’s original audio design.

The Blu-ray extras for "It Follows" offer an exceptional insight into the film's production and thematic nuances. This comprehensive collection includes meticulously curated new commentary and interviews, providing a rich, professional viewing experience. LSU professor Joshua Grimm and experts Danny Leigh and Mark Jancovich provide deep analysis in their commentaries, catering to both dedicated cinephiles and casual viewers interested in film studies. The exclusive interviews with cast and crew members delve into the creative processes behind the scenes, contributing significantly to the understanding of the film's unique aesthetic and haunting atmosphere. These extras are identical across all formats, ensuring consistent value irrespective of the edition purchased.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW! Audio Commentary: With Louisiana State University professor Joshua Grimm.
• Audio Commentary #2: With film critic Danny Leigh and film professor Mark Jancovich.
• NEW! Chasing Ghosts: Interview with actor Keir Gilchrist.
• NEW! Following: Interview with actor Olivia Luccardi.
• NEW! It's in the House: Interview with Producer David Kaplan.
• NEW! Composing a Masterpiece: Interview with Composer Rich Vreeland.
• NEW! A Girl's World: Interview with Production Designer Michael Perry.
• NEW! It Follows: The Architecture of Loneliness

Debuting at Cannes over a decade ago, David Robert Mitchell's "It Follows" has solidified itself as a thought-provoking and memorable horror film. The movie's compelling narrative, where an insidious curse is transferred through sexual encounters, delves deep into the primal fears of adolescence and mortality. Mitchell crafts a foreboding atmosphere, with layers that reward on multiple viewings, elevated significantly by an unforgettable and hauntingly effective soundtrack.

The UK-based boutique label Second Sight's recent Blu-ray release does justice to the film's chilling visuals and disturbing ambiance, mirroring their 4K edition both in terms of a new Dolby Atmos track and valuable bonus features. However, buyers should note that the 1080p/SDR transfer remains virtually identical to Anchor Bay's 2015 domestic Blu-ray, potentially limiting visual improvements for some. Additionally, the Blu-ray is locked for Region B playback, posing accessibility issues for international audiences. Despite these drawbacks, the film stands as a well-executed and confident thriller with significant replay value.

For a detailed appreciation of "It Follows," refer to our analyses of previous releases including Anchor Bay's 2015 domestic Blu-ray and Icon Film Distribution's Region B counterpart. This Blu-ray edition remains a compelling option for fans looking to experience this modern horror classic with superior audio quality and enriching supplementary content.

Review 1: The Blu-ray of "It Follows" demonstrates exceptional audio and visual quality. Featuring a crisp and detailed 1080p transfer, the film maintains its intended atmosphere exceptionally well. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track brings the haunting score and eerie soundscapes to life, bolstering the film's suspenseful mood. However, the absence of in-depth special features could leave some fans desiring more comprehensive content.

Review 2: Fans of "It Follows" will appreciate the impressive Blu-ray release which showcases a clean and clear presentation of the film. The visual transfer effectively captures the film's unique aesthetic, while the audio delivers a robust and immersive experience. Bonus features include a director's commentary and a making-of featurette. Though limited, these extras provide valuable insights into the film's production.

Review 3: This Blu-ray edition of "It Follows" excels in delivering a sharp 1080p picture and a powerful DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. The atmospheric cinematography is preserved beautifully, and the sound design is rendered with precision. Special features are minimal but include a worthwhile director's commentary that adds depth to the viewing experience.

Review 4: "It Follows" reaches new heights on Blu-ray with a stellar visual and audio presentation. The 1080p transfer is impressively detailed, capturing every nuance of the film's eerie aesthetic. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track complements the visuals expertly, creating an immersive auditory experience. While special features are somewhat lacking, the available commentary provides valuable context.

Review 5: The Blu-ray release of "It Follows" delivers a solid performance with its high-quality 1080p transfer and immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. The picture is vibrant and clear, staying true to the director's vision. Although the bonus content is limited, fans will find the included commentary insightful.

The Blu-ray release of "It Follows" delivers an impressive combination of high-quality visuals and immersive audio, staying true to David Robert Mitchell's original vision. The 1080p transfer is remarkably crisp and detailed, effectively preserving the film's haunting atmosphere and unique aesthetic. Complementing the visuals, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track ensures a powerful auditory experience, bringing the eerie soundscapes and haunting score to life.

Despite a somewhat limited selection of special features, the included director’s commentary and making-of featurette add valuable context and insights into the film's production. These extras, although not comprehensive, are a welcome addition for fans seeking to delve deeper into the creative process behind this modern horror classic.

Second Sight has made a lot of fans happy with their recent lavish treatment of David Robert Mitchell's horror film It Follows, offering fans three different options for import: a Limited Edition 4K/Blu-ray combo pack as well as separate 4K and Blu-ray keepcase editions. I strongly recommend the first two, because in addition to the terrific new bonus features and Dolby Atmos audio you also get an outstanding new 2160p/HDR transfer. That said, this Region B locked Blu-ray is the most affordable of the three... so if you're not set up for 4K, it's still well worth looking into.