The Resident Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Resident" on Blu-ray stands out, delivering an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that remains true to its 35mm source material. Cinematic grain is present and well-managed without any evidence of DNR (digital noise reduction) or edge enhancement. The film's intentional high-contrast aesthetic is effectively realized, with both hospital scenes featuring an overblown contrast look, and apartment scenes enriched by a deliberate golden hue. The color palette is distinctly vibrant yet bleak, maintaining rich neutral tones and occasional bright highlights that draw the eye. Despite some minor focusing issues likely originating from the filming process, the overall presentation is exceptionally crisp, showcasing intricate details in facial features, clothing, tile work, and woodwork.

Black levels are commendably deep, though there are instances of shadow detail being lost due to crushing—a likely effect of the film’s lighting choices rather than the transfer. Notably, highlights in scenes where both characters wear white appear creamy rather than excessively bright, a testament to the controlled handling of contrast. Even in darker scenes, such as those featuring Max in the shadowy pathways within Juliet's apartment walls, there is ample detail and excellent edge delineation. Whites are rendered spectacularly clear and blacks remain deep and engulfing, maintaining thematic integrity.

The meticulous work behind "The Resident" ensures an engrossing visual experience, despite the film’s other shortcomings. Minimal compression or encode irregularities are perceptible, reinforcing the overall quality of the transfer. For those able to appreciate the cinematic artistry and technical execution, this high-definition presentation is a significant highlight of the Blu-ray release.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "The Resident" seamlessly blends aggression and atmosphere to create a compelling, if somewhat melodramatic, audio experience. From the outset, the soundtrack is characterized by its booming score and robust LFE presence, effectively engaging the viewer even when the narrative lags. This dynamic mix utilizes the surround channels to immerse the audience in New York City's ambience, capturing everything from subway cars to hospital clatter, delivering an aural tapestry that's both rich and forceful. Despite the occasionally overactive mix, dialogue is consistently clear and acoustically accurate, ensuring critical lines are understood. Additionally, English SDH and Spanish subtitle tracks are included for accessibility.

The film's sound design excels in delivering precise directional effects. Floorboard creaks and subterranean drips are rendered with pinpoint accuracy, further enhancing the sense of suspense and dread. However, this intensity can border on overkill, shifting from effective tension-building to histrionic. Notably, an audio drop-out occurs at the 16:43 mark during the line "I wanted to thank you for your incredibly thoughtful gift," resulting in a brief disruption that can momentarily pull you out of the experience. Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio track leans heavily on creating suspense through its vigorous soundscape, it does so with technical proficiency that keeps the listener engaged even when the story falters.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Resident" are limited but presented with attention to quality. Primarily, the disc includes a high-definition theatrical trailer with a runtime of just under two minutes. While concise, this supplement captures the essential promotional material effectively and in high definition, serving as a solid complement to the main feature. The disc's simplicity in supplementary content ensures a streamlined viewing experience, maintaining a focus on the primary film. The technical presentation aligns with professional standards, ensuring that the quality of the content remains consistent.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The high-definition trailer of the movie.

"The Resident" as presented on Blu-ray is a perplexing venture that, despite its illustrious cast and competent technical execution, ultimately falters in delivering a compelling or memorable experience. Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank plays Juliet, a recently separated surgeon who moves into a seemingly perfect Brooklyn apartment, only to discover the unsettling truth about her intrusive landlord, Max, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The film attempts to build suspense but undermines itself with an early reveal of Max's voyeuristic tendencies, draining any potential tension and leaving viewers with an unengaging narrative.

The technical details of the film showcase a blend of well-crafted cinematography by Guillermo Navarro and a suitably eerie atmosphere fitting of Hammer Films' horror legacy. Nonetheless, the plot's predictability and lack of depth undercut any genuine sense of fear or surprise. The inclusion of hidden cameras, secret passages, and double-sided mirrors is formulaic and overdone, while the film’s serious tone stifles any potential for the campy enjoyment that the studio’s classic films often provided.

Despite the strong cast comprising Swank, Morgan, Lee Pace, and horror icon Christopher Lee, their talents are largely wasted. Swank’s performance feels constrained by the material, while Morgan's character devolves into an unconvincing antagonist. The film's lack of character development and meaningful tension results in a superficial thriller that fails to rise above mediocrity. "The Resident" could have explored the psychological complexities behind Max's actions but instead opts for a simplistic, lurid gimmick that leaves both its characters and its audience short-changed.

"The Resident" Blu-ray release from Image Entertainment presents a technically proficient transfer, both in terms of visual clarity and audio quality. Unfortunately, the high-definition merits do little to salvage the film itself. Directed by Antti Jokinen, whose previous foray into music videos may explain the film's misplaced sense of seriousness, the film falls flat as a thriller. While the premise had the potential to echo classics like "The Tenant" or "Repulsion," it ultimately descends into a predictable and uninspiring narrative.

Despite Hilary Swank's commendable acting arsenal, her talents feel misused in this underwhelming script. Efforts to generate horror and suspense come off as contrived and silly, lacking in genuine shock or surprise. The result is a thriller devoid of any real thrills, an aspect especially disappointing for a production carrying the Hammer Film Productions name—a studio celebrated for its historical contributions to the horror genre.

In conclusion, "The Resident" is a good-looking transfer from Image Entertainment, but the absence of special features coupled with the film's lackluster execution relegates it to the lower echelons of viewing priorities. It is likely to end up in the discount bins rather than as a cherished item in one’s Blu-ray collection. While enjoyable in a bad-movie-night setting, this release ultimately serves as a blemish on the résumés of talented professionals involved. Opt for more substantial thrillers unless inclined towards films that derive entertainment value from their shortcomings.