Ouija Blu-ray Review

Universal’s 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation of "Ouija" excels in multiple areas, creating an engaging and visually appealing experience. The colors are strong, with lush and vibrant primaries complemented by accurate and warm secondary hues. The contrast remains consistent throughout, contributing to the excellent visibility even in distant scenes. Black levels are deep and satisfying, adding significant dimensionality to the 2.40:1 image. Although some noise and crush occur in shadowed areas, a common artifact from the original photography, overall delineation proves quite good.

Shot entirely on HD cameras, the freshly minted transfer showcases impressive detail. The encode meticulously resolves fine textures, revealing even the tiniest objects and furnishings in the background. Facial details may not be the most revealing due to heavy make-up, yet older cast members' pores, blemishes, and wrinkles are plainly observable. Edge definition remains crisp and clean without any compression anomalies, banding, or other issues interfering with the clarity. In summary, despite some minor shadow detail inconsistencies likely intended for atmospheric effect, "Ouija's" video presentation is robust and surprisingly satisfying.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Ouija" provides an immersive viewing experience, with a broad dynamic range and rich detail clarity. The surround platform is utilized effectively to envelop viewers, detecting subtle background sounds and off-camera cues with notable precision. Rear channel activity is limited but impactful during moments of fright, enhancing the sense of immersion with palpable bass. Dialogue is consistently clear and centered, rendering voices and effects with distinct clarity. This soundtrack, while serviceable, stands out during key moments of the film, offering a memorable audio experience.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers impressive directional precision and intelligibility. Dialogue remains sharp and smartly prioritized throughout, ensuring nothing is lost within the mix. Effects navigate the soundfield seamlessly with smooth pans and precise directionality, though the design leans towards abrupt scares rather than subtle ambiances. The LFE output offers weighty and assertive low-end support but lacks nuance at times. Rear speaker activity is energetic, contributing to an engaging yet aggressive soundscape. Despite these mixed elements, the mix handles the film's demands capably.

Failing to evoke a truly frightening audio experience, yet capable in key moments, "Ouija's" DTS-HD MA mix showcases Anton Sanko's music across surrounds to maintain an engaging environment. Rear activity peaks during scares, creating a fun and spooky soundfield although it noticeably lacks ambient nuances expected in horror soundtracks. Discrete effects introduce amusing panning and directionality, while the front imaging displays a wide soundstage with midrange clarity and great channel separation. The low bass, though punchy, seldom stands out or adds significant depth. Despite these drawbacks, distinct and well-prioritized vocal tracks ensure the lossless mix remains effective for the film’s requirements.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Ouija" offer a concise set of featurettes that provide some insight into the film and its source material, though they are somewhat brief. "The Spirit Board: An Evolution," despite its short length, offers an engaging look at the history of the Ouija board, featuring commentary from producer Bennett Schneir, director Stiles White, and historian Robert Murch. "Adapting the Fear" discusses the nuances of translating the board game into cinematic horror, incorporating behind-the-scenes footage and insights from the cast and crew. "Icon of the Unknown" delves into the enigmatic nature of the game with further interviews, though it can feel somewhat redundant.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Spirit Board: An Evolution: A history of the Ouija board with commentary from key figures like producer Bennett Schneir and historian Robert Murch.
• Adapting the Fear: Cast and filmmakers discuss the transition of the board game to film, including behind-the-scenes footage.
• Icon of the Unknown: Interviews centered around the game's mysterious aspects.

"Ouija," directed by Stiles White, aims to capitalize on the intriguing premise of contacting the supernatural via a board game but falters spectacularly in its execution. The film inadequately attempts to evoke spine-chilling terror by cobbling together elements borrowed from genre classics like "The Exorcist," "Insidious," and "The Conjuring." Unfortunately, rather than paying homage, it results in a derivative and unimaginative narrative. The dialogue lacks authenticity, contributing to underwhelming performances from the cast, including Olivia Cooke and Douglas Smith. The story, laden with clichés and pedestrian scares, fails to build any meaningful tension or atmosphere.

Technically, "Ouija" operates as a paint-by-numbers horror film, complete with predictable jump scares and an uninspired ghost story. Cinematography and direction appear formulaic, contributing little to elevate the narrative's tension. The screenplay by Juliet Snowden and Stiles White is plagued with plot inconsistencies and lazy storytelling. Convoluted rules about using the Ouija board—never play alone or in a cemetery—are established and broken within minutes, undermining any shred of narrative cohesion. The script relies heavily on inanely executed urban legends which add little credibility to the overall plot.

The film's central premise—grieving friends unwittingly unleashing an evil force—had potential but is squandered by a reliance on every conceivable horror trope. Adding insult to injury, the ghostly antics fall flat, making even the climactic moments feel like a chore to watch. Despite its inherent flaws, "Ouija" grossed $95 million, a testament to effective marketing and the brand appeal of supernatural thrillers, irrespective of quality. The result is a movie that fails to deliver genuine scares or originality, instead settling for a mundane retread of familiar horror concepts.

"Ouija" on Blu-ray falls short of delivering a compelling horror experience, hampered by a predictable plot and uninspired performances. The narrative, centered around the now-familiar trope of meddling with supernatural forces via a Ouija board, quickly stumbles into cliché territory. The characters establish ground rules which they promptly violate, undermining any potential suspense. As a result, the film fails to evoke genuine fear or even provide the inadvertent humor that might redeem other lackluster offerings in the genre. Viewers are likely to find themselves more bored than frightened, as the overall execution leans heavily on worn-out horror conventions.

Despite the film's creative deficiencies, Universal's Blu-ray release impresses with its technical presentation. The video quality is sharp, providing a clear and visually engaging experience that surpasses the content it supports. Similarly, the audio is delivered in a high-fidelity mix, ensuring that every intended jump scare and eerie whisper is crisp and impactful. However, the supplementary materials leave much to be desired, offering minimal insights or added value to the viewing experience. This diminishes the appeal of owning the disc for anything beyond its primary AV attributes.

In conclusion, while "Ouija" falls flat as a film, it receives a commendable treatment in its Blu-ray release. For horror aficionados or those curious about the title, renting might be the most prudent option. By doing so, you can enjoy the impressive audio-visual quality without committing to a purchase of what is ultimately an underwhelming cinematic effort.