Disturbing Behavior Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Disturbing Behavior" offers a 1080p transfer that, while serviceable, falls short of contemporary high-definition standards. The grain structure is retained throughout, lending a somewhat authentic filmic texture, though it becomes clumpy and noisy in low-light conditions, particularly in scenes set in the school's boiler room. Daytime and well-lit scenes capture the best textural details, such as intricate facial features and location specifics like cafeteria odds and ends, but imperfections such as light wobble, spots, and speckles intermittently mar the overall image fidelity. An errant hair appears around the 37-minute mark, staying onscreen for several seconds across multiple shots.

Despite the new 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, the Blu-ray lacks the sharpness expected from high-definition transfers. Fixed objects exhibit noticeable jitter and vibration. Nighttime scenes are particularly problematic, suffering from severe black crush and pronounced noise that turns should-be black areas into various shades of gray. The color palette remains steady with good contrast and neutral skin tones, though blacks tend to push flat or purple in darker scenes.

Overall, while there are moments of textural finesse and decent daytime clarity, "Disturbing Behavior" on Blu-ray retains many visible flaws common in older transfers. The presentation is neither rife with fine details nor entirely devoid of them, falling into a middle ground that leaves much to be desired for enthusiasts seeking a truly high-definition viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Disturbing Behavior" offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, supplemented by an alternative 2.0 version. The 5.1 mix features some notable highlights, including a sharp grunge 90s score that spreads pleasantly towards the edges and sporadically uses the surrounds for discrete effects, particularly during intense scenes like the cafeteria brawl. However, it is primarily front-heavy and plagued by imbalance issues. Dialogue is occasionally low and flat, making it difficult to hear against the overpowering music and effects, resulting in an uneven listening experience. The mix's low frequency extension adequately enhances certain elements like car engines and door slams, but there's an overall lack of modern definition.

Despite its dynamic score by Mark Snow, the 5.1 mix shows inconsistencies. Crickets in outdoor settings and background chatter in diners are well distributed across the channels, yet subtler effects remain anchored at the front. Occasional piercing sounds effectively engage the entire soundstage for dramatic impact. Switching to the 2.0 track reveals a more balanced audio experience with better-integrated dialogue, effects, and music. While still not without imperfections—dialogue sometimes retains an ADR quality—this configuration offers a more satisfying auditory experience overall.

Though both lossless audio tracks have their merits, they do not transcend expectations significantly. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers a business-as-usual performance with moments of impressive depth primarily confined to the front channels. The Surround Sound Presentation provides adequate ambient effects but lacks the immersive qualities expected in modern high-definition releases. Nonetheless, the clean and clear dialogue reproduction across both tracks maintains intelligibility, preserving essential front-center localization.

The Blu-ray of "Disturbing Behavior" is a solid offering for fans, featuring a range of extras that enhance the viewing experience. Director David Nutter provides an engaging audio commentary, diving into the intricacies and behind-the-scenes details of the film, touching on aspects like story structure, performances, and scoring. Additionally, the disc includes eleven raw, unpolished deleted scenes with optional commentary by Nutter, providing deeper insight into the film’s development process, including the original ending. Completing the package is the theatrical trailer. Notably, this release lacks any new features and omits the anticipated director's cut.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By Director David Nutter.
• Deleted Scenes: With optional audio commentary by Director David Nutter (11 scenes).
• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition (2:31).

Disturbing Behavior, directed by David Nutter, explores a compelling premise of high school students transformed by sinister science. Steve (James Marsden), the new kid at Cradle Bay High, finds himself befriended by paranoid misfit Gavin (Nick Stahl) and edgy Rachel (Katie Holmes). They uncover the eerie truth behind the unnaturally perfect Blue Ribbons clique, who are more than just model students. Despite the rich potential of its plot, the film mostly skims the surface of its themes, choosing to emphasize thrills and action over deeper social or psychological commentary.

While Disturbing Behavior assembles the right elements for a captivating teenage horror-thriller—secret plots, diverse high school cliques, and sudden bursts of violence—the execution falters. The narrative often rushes through crucial plot points without meticulous buildup or emotional resonance. Instances like characters casually witnessing murders or easily infiltrating secure institutions undermine the potential for genuine suspense. The film's appeal largely stems from its accurate portrayal of '90s teen culture, complete with period-specific dialogue, attire, and a nostalgic soundtrack, which might resonate with audiences of that era.

Although the movie doesn't fully capitalize on its engaging concept, it remains entertaining through its briskly paced storytelling and solid performances, particularly from Nick Stahl and Chad Donella. Returning to it now might invoke a certain nostalgic charm missing on its initial release, but overall, Disturbing Behavior is best seen as a modest entry from the late '90s teen horror surge. It offers a glimpse into the era's unique cultural markers while delivering a familiar yet enjoyable ride through adolescent nightmares amplified by science fiction.

"Disturbing Behavior" on Blu-ray offers an intriguing yet flawed glimpse into the 1990s teen horror genre, heavily influenced by the success of contemporaries like "Scream." Directed by David Nutter, this film thrives on the conventional tropes of its era—grunge music, angst-ridden youth, and eerie undertones. The film's narrative and character development lack depth, often feeling like a superficial clone of more polished works, but it remains a fascinating nostalgia trip for those familiar with the genre.

The Blu-ray release by Shout! Factory provides a serviceable yet imperfect viewing experience. The video quality is competent but not without its imperfections, while the audio presentation similarly delivers an adequate yet unremarkable performance. On the upside, the disc retains the key special features from previous DVD editions, including a director commentary track and deleted scenes with optional commentary, which offer valuable insights into the filmmaking process.

In conclusion, "Disturbing Behavior" is neither a must-have nor a complete miss. It's a solid release that scratches the nostalgic itch for '90s horror enthusiasts but falls short in making a compelling case to be a standout addition to any collection. If you're curious about revisiting those dark and brooding teen horrors of the past, a rental might suffice.