Dead Cert Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray transfer of "Dead Cert" offers a mixed visual experience characterized by fluctuating fine detail and some inconsistent quality. The film's 1080p presentation exhibits varying levels of clarity, where facial textures and clothing can appear exceptionally detailed in certain scenes, while other times the picture may become flat and soft, revealing only basic shapes. The overall color palette leans heavily on blues and reds, especially in club scenes, effectively setting a dark and moody atmosphere. However, black levels are inconsistent; in some scenes, they appear solid with minimal crush, but in others, they are washed out with noticeable heavy noise. Additionally, banding is a minor issue that arises sporadically throughout the film.

Shot predominantly on HD cameras, "Dead Cert" has a 2.35:1 AVC-encoded transfer that delivers sharpness and excellent definition in several sequences, particularly daylight exteriors which show striking details like building facades and foliage. Close-ups highlight facial pores and textures with lifelike accuracy. The colors, especially reds and greens, are vibrant and richly saturated, contributing to a visually appealing display. Despite these high points, the image's overall reliability fluctuates; certain areas come off as flat and dreary, contrasting sharply with the crisp and dimensional shots. Contrast levels ebb and flow similarly, providing good clarity in many scenes but sometimes dropping into dullness during interior sequences. Consequently, the black levels also vacillate between lush opulence and murky ambiguity.

Overall, while the Blu-ray transfer of "Dead Cert" has moments of striking detail and vivid color, it often swings between visually compelling and disappointingly lackluster due to intermittent issues in contrast and black levels. The presentation feels somewhat inconsistent, with portions that display a television-like quality that detract from the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Dead Cert" offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack that, while robust in its technical specifications, delivers a mixed auditory experience. The opening sequence features an excellent and evocative musical piece that fully exploits all seven speakers. This section achieves a rich, immersive, and spacious auditory environment, with seamless utilization of the back channels. However, this high point is not sustained throughout the film. Subsequent scenes, especially the heavy music in the club, lack the raw and enveloping quality that the opening promises. Surround channels do provide substantial ambient effects, such as a convincing rainstorm near the film’s climax, and action scenes maintain sufficient strength and clarity. Dialogue remains centered and clear in quieter moments but struggles during more chaotic sequences.

Accompanying the DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix is an uncompressed PCM stereo option. Despite being possibly closer to the original recording, it exhibits a limited mid-range and a modest low-frequency presence. While atmospherics somewhat expand the stereo imaging, it remains minimally engaging. Notably, the dialogue reproduction suffers substantially across both audio tracks, with conversations often being drowned out by other soundstage elements in many scenes. Discrete effects in the DTS-HD MA 7.1 are poorly executed and easily localized, contributing to an artificial feel that reveals post-production shortcomings.

Overall, despite its technical prowess on paper, the audio presentation of "Dead Cert" falls short of fully immersive brilliance, offering a serviceable but unremarkable soundscape that only sporadically impresses and often disappoints in crucial areas like dialogue clarity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dead Cert" offer a mixed bag of content that, while not overly extensive, provide fans with a deeper look into the film's production. The audio commentary by Producer Jonathan Sothcott and stars Billy Murray, Craig Fairbrass, and Lisa McAllister balances between technical insights and light-hearted set anecdotes. This commentary, though occasionally marred by crosstalk, will appeal to die-hard fans. The "Making of Dead Cert" documentary runs for around 30 minutes, featuring cast and crew interviews that effectively cover various production aspects, from plot and character discussions to a detailed look at the filming process. Lastly, the original trailer is included for completists. Overall, the extras cater more to those who loved the film and want to delve deeper into its creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Serviceable group commentary mixing technical details and set stories.
• Making of Dead Cert: In-depth documentary covering plot, characters, and production processes.
• Dead Cert Original Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.

"Dead Cert" is a modestly engaging horror film that takes a familiar route in blending gangster drama with vampiric lore. While it doesn’t revolutionize the vampire genre, it stands on its own due to its atmospheric style and adequate plot construction. The storyline follows former boxer Frank 'Dead Cert' Frankham (Craig Fairbrass), who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes conflict with Romanian vampires led by the mysterious Dante Livenko (Billy Murray). Director Steven Lawson utilizes shadow and harsh lighting effectively, creating a moody setting that complements the film’s broader narrative. However, the plot is rather predictable, with no significant twists or surprises.

The movie is decently executed, although it suffers from relatively flat character development. The primaries are given just enough backstory to keep the plot in motion but lack depth, making it hard for viewers to form a strong connection with them. The script is fairly generic, alternating between mafioso drama and vampire action without venturing into new or innovative territory. This results in a film that, while enjoyable for its baseline entertainment value, doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Critically, "Dead Cert" falters in pacing and engagement. The film often drags, leading to moments where the audience’s attention might wane. While the action sequences and blood-soaked finale are executed with some flair, the scenes leading up to these climactic moments feel tedious and drawn-out. Fans of the genre may find some redeeming qualities in the film’s atmospheric presentation and competent directorial style, but overall, "Dead Cert" does not break new ground and may leave viewers wishing for a more dynamic and thrilling vampire tale.

"Dead Cert" positions itself within the crowded genre of vampire films, offering a narrative centered around the clash between vampires and gangster-types vying for power. While the premise has potential, the film unfortunately falls short in delivering a gripping or suspenseful experience. The execution feels derivative, with elements borrowed from a myriad of other vampire flicks, resulting in a sense of predictability and lack of originality.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray release present a mixed bag. Video quality is commendable, capturing the grimy, night-shrouded ambiance of the movie's setting with clarity and depth. However, the audio quality leaves much to be desired. Dialogue reproduction is subpar, often muddied and lost in the mix, detracting from the viewer’s immersion. Additional content in the form of supplements is minimal and uninspired, adding little to no value to the overall package.

"Dead Cert" doesn't usher in a new era of Horror movie excellence, but it's a serviceable and entertaining little ride into a seedy world where sly vampirism and tough-guy underground types square off in a battle for respect and territory. The idea is fine and the execution is fair; the movie delivers as advertised, never going above and beyond the call of duty but certainly never flubbing its own meager goals. Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of Dead Cert features good technical specs and a couple of extras. Definitely worth a rental.