Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" showcases a commendably sharp image, framed at 2.40:1 and utilizing the AVC/MPEG-4 1080p codec. This transfer is notably pristine, free from any physical blemishes such as dirt or scratches, and boasts a color palette that, while leaning heavily on the darker side, delivers when it comes to vivid reds and greens. The lack of grain and virtually non-existent artefacts enhance the viewing experience, ensuring that enhancements or blocking issues do not detract from the overall quality. Brighter scenes, particularly those like the Predator crash site, despite some noise, offer a depth that underscores the advancements in recent transfer technologies, with whites that are potent without blooming into distraction.

However, the film's deliberate choice to navigate through darker tones has a significant impact on the viewing experience. While the transfer itself is not at fault, as it faithfully presents the filmmakers' vision, scenes enveloped in darkness can sometimes lose detail, especially during rapid action sequences or when creatures move stealthily in the shadows. This decision to cloak much of the film in near-opacity means viewers might find themselves straining to discern what is happening on screen during critical moments, a sentiment echoed by those familiar with the film's theatrical presentation.

Detail resolution in well-lit sections or moments of color is notably impressive, revealing nuances on characters such as the Predator that may have previously gone unnoticed. Black levels are another area where this transfer excels, offering deep and consistent darkness without compromising detail through crushing or artificial brightening. Colors that do make an appearance, albeit sparingly, pop against the overwhelming darkness, providing a visually stunning contrast when they do emerge. Despite the challenges posed by the film’s dark aesthetic, this Blu-ray transfer manages to impress with its fidelity to both bright and dark ends of the spectrum, making it a worthy acquisition for fans appreciative of this visual style.

The audio presentation of "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" on Blu-ray is a masterclass in sound engineering, boasting a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack that propels the action-packed sequences to new heights. The use of the subwoofer is exemplary, lending a deep and tightly controlled bass that amplifies the intensity of explosions, gunfire, and the menacing stomps of the titular characters. However, this emphasis on low frequencies sometimes overpowers dialogue and the film's score, making it challenging to appreciate the finer details of the audio mix when the action subsides. Despite this minor gripe, the clarity of dialogue when the battlefield quiets down remains commendable, although the film’s dialogue content may not always hold the viewer's full attention.

Spatial audio effects are handled with skill, creating an immersive experience that draws viewers directly into the heart of the conflict. The surround channels are put to effective use, enveloping the audience in a cocoon of sound that ranges from the subtle rustle of alien movements in the underbrush to the overpowering roar of battles. The sound design thoughtfully incorporates iconic noises from both the Alien and Predator franchises, enhancing nostalgia and continuity. Instances such as the Predator’s visor adjustments or the familiar pulse of the Aliens’ tracking device are meticulously reproduced, delivering an auditory experience that fans will appreciate for its authenticity and attention to franchise lore.

Moreover, this soundtrack is relentless in its intensity, from the moment spaceships crash onto the scene until the final confrontation. It boasts an all-encompassing soundstage where every action sequence is a feast for the senses, with gunfire and alien shrieks echoing from all directions, creating a convincing atmosphere of chaos and danger. The balance between aggressive sound mixing and moments of ambient calm showcases a dynamic range that keeps the listener engaged. Technical brilliance aside, some viewers might find the overwhelming power of this mix to be a test of endurance for their home audio systems, underscoring the soundtrack's demand for respect and capable equipment to truly capture its full sonic impact.

The bonus features of "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" Blu-ray offer a mixed bag that leans heavily towards the franchise's hardcore fanbase. Commendably detailed, the two commentary tracks stand out for very different reasons: The Strause Brothers and John Davis offer a heartfelt, if sometimes meandering, discussion full of franchise love and behind-the-scenes insights, though they occasionally veer into self-congratulation. In contrast, creature designers Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff provide an engaging yet self-promotional dialogue that deep dives into practical effects, their history with the franchise, and a transparent discussion on digital versus practical effects with excessive plugs for their book. The Weyland-Yutani Archives is an exhaustive, text-based treasure trove that will delight lore enthusiasts with its compendium of information on the Alien and Predator universes. The featurettes, ranging from development to post-production insights, offer a peak behind the curtain though are likely of most interest on a one-time basis. The still galleries and trailers round out the extras, providing a visual feast that compliments the core content well. Despite some commentary shortcomings, this collection offers substantial value for fans interested in the nitty-gritty of film and creature design, backed by a few enthralling visuals of the Predator's homeworld and the PredAlien hybrid.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with The Strause Brothers and Producer John Davis: Insights into franchise love and behind-the-scenes processes.
• Commentary with Creature Designers Alec Gills and Tom Woodruff: Details on practical effects and series involvement.
• Weyland-Yutani Archives: An exhaustive database on Alien and Predator lore.
• Preparing for War; Development and Production: A look at the development phase focusing on the PredAlien.
• Fight to the Finish; Post Production: Insights into editing, animatronics, and sound effects.
• A Nightmare Returns; Creating the Aliens: Discussion on alien evolution and design.
• Creating the PredAlien: Insights into the hybrid's design and function.
• Building the Predator Home world: Behind-the-scenes look at creating the Predator homeworld scene.
• Still Galleries: Seven galleries including designs and movie scenes.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two trailers for "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem".
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for other franchise and related movies.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, the latest installment in a franchise attempting to weave together the lore of two iconic Sci-Fi universes, instead delivers a painstaking blow to fans hoping for redemption after a series of lackluster endeavors. Despite having the ingredients for a compelling showdown set in a seemingly idyllic Colorado town turned war zone, the film stumbles in its execution, failing to recapture the essence that made its predecessors memorable. The plot mimics the simplicity of a small-town disaster movie but gets bogged down by unnecessary character development and dim, sometimes nearly indiscernible action sequences that leave viewers yearning for the visceral clarity and tension of earlier entries.

The film's technical merits on Blu-ray are undeniable, presenting reference-quality visual and audio experiences that homage to the original theme music and effects sounds of both franchises — a rare high point in an otherwise murky narrative. However, the commitment to character arcs falls flat, with most characters coming across as unremarkable and their deaths providing little emotional impact or narrative satisfaction. As the movie progresses, it introduces commendable special effects and a few engaging action scenes reminiscent of the franchise's glory days, but these moments feel like fleeting tributes rather than integral, innovative contributions to the saga.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem struggles to balance homage with innovation, indulging in fan service through direct callbacks to iconic moments from both Alien and Predator films while failing to forge new ground or fully engage its audience. While it delivers on gore and some technically impressive sequences, it ultimately sacrifices coherent storytelling and character development for spectacle, resulting in a film that feels like a missed opportunity to revitalively bridge two classic franchises.

"Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" on Blu-ray delivers a visually and audibly stunning experience that showcases the format's capabilities, yet it struggles to provide content that matches this technical excellence. The Blu-ray boasts impeccable audio and video quality, each earning top marks and making this release a reference-quality disc for enthusiasts looking to showcase the prowess of their home entertainment system. Coupled with a generous offering of extras, the package promises hours of engagement for the most dedicated fans of the franchise. However, the film itself fails to captivate, hampered by a plot that lacks coherence and character development so thin it barely exists. It leans heavily into gore, diverging from the more nuanced horror and suspense that defined earlier entries in the series.

The film attempts to explore new grounds by introducing a hybrid of Alien and Predator, yet this addition falls flat, adding little to the lore and feeling like a missed opportunity to deepen the universe's mythology. Critics argue that such decisions reflect a misunderstanding of the franchise's appeal, reducing "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" to a spectacle of violence without substance. Despite moments that hint at what could have been, these flashes of potential are lost in a narrative mired by confusion and an over-reliance on previous films' successes to carry it through.

In conclusion, while "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" Blu-ray is a technical marvel that will satisfy audiophiles and videophiles alike, the film it presents is ultimately a disappointment for anyone seeking a meaningful addition to the Alien or Predator canon. Its high-quality presentation and extensive extras make it a worthy purchase for completists and fans willing to overlook its cinematic flaws in favor of visual and auditory excellence. However, viewers in search of a fulfilling narrative experience may find this installment lacking, serving as a reminder of what could have been in a clash between two iconic extraterrestrial franchises.