Occupation: Rainfall Blu-ray Review

"Occupation: Rainfall" on Blu-ray provides a reasonably good 1080p presentation given its digital video production origins. The image generally presents well, with decent clarity and sharp facial detail. Notable are the varying color palettes—vibrant neon reds and oranges during action sequences and more subdued tones in bunker scenes. However, noticeable issues arise with CGI elements and greenscreen effects; they often appear video game-like, especially when depicting fast-moving spacecraft and laser effects. Additionally, the transfer is marred by occasional screen judder and significant banding, particularly evident during abrupt lighting changes. These issues detract from the overall viewing experience, amplifying imperfections in the CGI-heavy scenes.

The Lionsgate Films' AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, raises concerns about potential shifts in Lionsgate's production workflow. The ongoing presence of banding throughout the film's runtime, especially pronounced during special effects sequences, hints at possible production inefficiencies. The film, shot with the Arri Alexa and assumedly mastered at 2K, exhibits relatively good detail in non-CGI scenes. However, the intensified grading and lighting peculiar to this release introduce moments of what can be described as 'Alexa murk.' Unfortunately, these technical shortcomings overshadow the otherwise commendable effort made in capturing detail and creating a dynamic color range. These compression artifacts may be particularly disappointing to videophiles seeking a pristine picture quality.

The audio presentation of "Occupation: Rainfall" on Blu-ray boasts a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that stands out as a key highlight of the release. This audio mix captures the intense energy of the film with its loud, action-packed design, immersing viewers in its dynamic battle sequences. The surround channels are effectively utilized, particularly during aerial dogfights and combat scenes, which enhance the viewer’s experience by placing sounds all around the listener. The track is accompanied by a robust low-end, characterized by substantial bass that emphasizes the heft of explosions and battle noises, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

While some may note that dialogue recording levels are subdued, potentially challenging to hear for those not accustomed to Australian accents, this minor drawback is offset by the otherwise clean and balanced rendering of both dialogue and score. Despite the Blu-ray lacking a Dolby Atmos track, which might have further elevated the auditory experience given the film’s elaborate effects, the existing DTS-HD MA 5.1 track remains satisfyingly rich and immersive.

Overall, the audio work presented is a commendable effort considering the filmmakers' budget constraints. The audio delivery emerges as a well-rounded mix capable of engaging audiences through its enveloping surround usage and potent LFE activity. With optional English and Spanish subtitles available, it ensures accessibility alongside its technical robustness.

The Blu-ray extras for "Occupation: Rainfall" offer an insightful dive into the filmmaking process, showcasing a range of engaging content. The standout feature is the dual-layered audio commentary tracks. One track is solely led by Writer-Director Luke Sparke, providing deep dives into the film’s conceptual foundations and narrative choices. The other track is more dynamic, featuring insights from Producers Carly and Carmel Imrie, Actor Zachary Garred, and Visual Effects Supervisor Alex Becconsall, allowing for a rich discussion on production challenges and effects implementation. The "Sydney Escape" featurette intercuts film scenes with score recording sessions, presenting an intriguing glimpse into the film's audio landscape. Additionally, a selection of deleted scenes, complete with optional commentary by Luke Sparke, enriches the viewer's understanding of the narrative's evolution.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Luke Sparke: An in-depth look at the film from the director’s perspective.
• Audio Commentary with Creative Team: Includes insights from producers, an actor, and a visual effects supervisor.
• Sydney Escape: Combines film scenes with score recording sessions.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Director Audio Commentary: Offers a deeper perspective on omitted content.

"Occupation: Rainfall" presents itself as an ambitious sequel with a notably larger budget than its predecessor, "Occupation." The sequel leverages a $25 million budget to significantly enhance its visual presentation compared to the original's modest $6 million. Set against a backdrop of a continuing battle between humans and alien invaders—nicknamed "The Grays"—the film escalates its depiction of CGI-heavy dogfights and explosive set pieces. While it maintains the core spirit of a low-budget sci-fi film, the advancement in visual effects suggests a marked improvement, even aspiring to the production quality of U.S. direct-to-video films.

Plot-wise, the narrative treads familiar territory, reminiscent of many alien invasion movies, with story elements that might feel recycled from higher-profile films. Audiences follow familiar faces like Matt Simmons (Dan Ewing) and Amelia Chambers (Jet Tranter), alongside new dynamics introduced by characters such as Wing Commander Hayes and Gary, voiced by Jason Isaacs. The storyline involves a race against time to discover "Project Rainfall," a mysterious device that could turn the tides against The Grays. However, the actual charm lies more in its kinetic action scenes than in character or plot depth.

Despite its thrilling action sequences, the film struggles with pacing and script inconsistencies. It arguably overstays its welcome by about 30 minutes and concludes on an ambitious cliffhanger hinting at a planned third installment. Yet, the passion of writer/director Luke Sparkes is evident, aiming to expand the universe beyond its initial indie roots. While not without flaws, "Occupation: Rainfall" holds enough merit in its cast performances and sheer spectacle to warrant curiosity about how the thematic saga unfolds further. Overall, its appeal will likely be strongest among fans of the genre and series completionists.

"Occupation: Rainfall" emerges as a sequel with ambitions surpassing its predecessor, yet it remains firmly within the digital-to-video (DTV) realm. The film presents itself as a midnight Netflix rental for those seeking new content after exhausting available options. Engaging performances by a cast including Dan Ewing and Temuera Morrison, under the direction and writing of Luke Sparke, deliver action and excitement. However, as an entertainment piece, it arguably struggles to elevate beyond modest expectations, offering a familiar landscape rather than innovative storytelling.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray release showcases a respectable 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio with English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio. While video quality occasionally faces compression challenges, the audio remains robust, which is crucial for an action-heavy narrative. The release boasts a surprisingly rich collection of extras; notably, two commentaries provide accessible insights into the film’s production. These added features, filled with the creators' enthusiasm, at times surpass the film's entertainment value itself, enriching the overall rental experience.

Given both its challenges and strengths, "Occupation: Rainfall" may not redefine science fiction cinema but serves as a worthwhile rental, particularly for genre aficionados or those intrigued by low-budget filmmaking efforts. The movie manages to carve a niche due to its vigorous supplementary content and sound quality, allowing it to slightly transcend typical DTV constraints. While ahead lies speculation regarding further entries in the "Occupation" series, this installment affirms its place as a passable weekend watch rather than a must-own cinematic gem.