Clown Blu-ray Review

The 1080p transfer of "Clown" presents a commendable but mixed bag in terms of visual quality. The digital source material seems to be of a slightly lower grade, contributing to some smooth and flat textural details. Surfaces, such as bricks and clothing, often lack ruggedness and exhibit only basic definition. Facial details and the infamous clown suit suffer similarly. The color palette is intentionally desaturated to align with the film's dark and reserved aesthetic; brighter moments at the start quickly give way to more fatigued tones, accentuating Kent's gradual deterioration. While there are light noise and mild compression artifacts, they are rarely distracting. Black levels maintain a decent depth without veering into pale or purple territory, ensuring an overall proficient visual fidelity faithful to its source material.

In terms of technical specifications, "Clown" is encoded in AVC/MPEG-4 with a resolution of 1080p and an aspect ratio of 2.40:1. Clarity and detail manage to impress despite the film's naturally dim and oft-muted visual style, which effectively enhances the underlying dread integral to its narrative. Black levels are deep and free from compression artifacts, contributing positively to the viewing experience. The color reproduction is consistent with the weather conditions depicted, and flesh tones appear natural throughout. Overall, noise and artifacts are minimal and do not detract from the enjoyment of the film. While it may not rival top-tier Blu-ray transfers, it remains a proficient rendering of what was likely a challenging source material.

The Blu-ray release of "Clown" is accompanied by a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that efficiently captures the dynamic range of this chilling horror film. The audio presentation starts modestly, with restrained ambient effects and gentle music, creating an eerie atmosphere. However, as the film progresses, the audio becomes notably more dynamic and immersive. The music expands into a deep, full-bodied experience, whether delivering heavy, pounding notes or shrieking highs that significantly enhance the tension. Rear channels envelop the listener effectively, providing a wide sonic landscape that pushes to the front edges seamlessly. Low-end effects are meticulously crafted – tight and potent without being overwhelming – delivering a visceral punch during intense moments such as buzzing electric saws, screams, and crashes.

From a technical standpoint, the English DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels with its pristine channel separation and balanced surround sound presentation. The subwoofer finds ample opportunities to shine, particularly accentuating the demonic clown’s guttural snarls, adding a layer of terror to the overall experience. Despite the film's low-budget origins, the production and technical values applied to the Blu-ray authoring are top-notch. Dialogue is impeccably prioritized and reproduced with excellent intelligibility, ensuring that it remains front-center and clear throughout the film. This track stands out as a demo-worthy example of how effective sound design can elevate the horror genre, making "Clown" a worthy addition to any home theater collection focused on audio excellence.

The Blu-ray release of "Clown" features minimal but insightful extras that primarily focus on the film's production process. The highlight is the featurette where producer Eli Roth discusses his initial attraction to the fan-made trailer, subsequently leading to the development of the full-length film. Roth touches on various aspects such as the mythos surrounding clowns, the character's evolution, and the film’s aesthetic choices, including its structure and noir influences. This extra content, although limited, provides a concise yet comprehensive glimpse into the creative journey behind "Clown." Additionally, the package includes a Digital HD copy of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making 'Clown' Featuring Producer Eli Roth: An exploration of the film's origins, development, and artistic decisions as discussed by producer Eli Roth.
• Digital HD Copy: A code to access a digital version of the film.

"Clown" emerges as a dark, psychological horror film directed by Jon Watts and produced by Eli Roth, known for his extreme style in films such as "Hostel" and "The Green Inferno." However, Roth's influence here is notably restrained, creating a different horror experience that veers away from gratuitous gore. The film draws viewers in with its creepy and emotionally intense narrative, establishing an eerie atmosphere right from the onset. The plot centers around Kent (Andy Powers), a real estate agent who stumbles upon an antique clown costume at a house he's listing when the originally hired clown cancels for his son's birthday party. To everyone's delight, Kent dons the costume, unwittingly starting a horrifying transformation as the costume fuses to his body, leading to a grotesque metamorphosis.

This transformation is handled with impressive practical effects, illustrating the unnerving blend of the man and costume as the latter becomes a cursed second skin. As Kent struggles with his physical changes, the film delves into his psychological deterioration, showcasing Powers’ compelling performance. He effectively conveys Kent’s descent into terror, helplessness, and rage, balancing the physical demands of the role with the intense emotional trauma his character undergoes. The narrative’s strength lies in its originality, shifting from Kent's horror to his wife’s search for answers.

While the second half leans towards a more standard mystery format and loses some of its initial spine-chilling intensity, Watts manages to maintain interest through to the end. Despite this shift, the film avoids cheap jump scares, opting instead for genuine psychological horror augmented by the disturbing transformation effects. "Clown" does not shy away from brutal violence, including towards children, making it not for the faint of heart. This film stands out as an effectively unsettling and unique horror story that will terrify not just clown-phobes but all horror enthusiasts.

"Clown" delivers an engaging mix of psychological tension and survival horror, offering a refreshing addition to the genre. The film excels in its ability to make the audience's skin crawl with convincing visual and tonal execution. Jon Watts, credited with solidifying his craft with "Cop Car," once again proves his directorial prowess. The performance of the lead actor stands out, bringing a compelling depth to the narrative. The violence, though intense, is used judiciously to enhance rather than overshadow the story.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Clown" offers impressive video and audio quality, providing a reference-level viewing experience. Unfortunately, the supplemental content is limited, mainly featuring Eli Roth discussing his involvement with the film. A more comprehensive array of special features would have augmented the Blu-ray package significantly. Nonetheless, the pristine clarity and sound quality make this release well worth considering for horror aficionados.

In conclusion, "Clown" starts strong and finishes conventionally but remains an effective horror film that infuses fresh life into the genre. Both the film and the Blu-ray come recommended, especially for those interested in exploring Jon Watts' early work. Despite the limited special features, the high-quality audio and visual presentations make this a worthy addition to any horror collection.