Hush Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Hush" presents a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that, while a moderate improvement over the standard definition version, struggles to impress. The video quality is permeated with a perpetual softness that extends even to extreme close-ups, detracting significantly from the fine detail. While the 35mm grain structure is retained, it appears overly thick and intrusive, potentially mistakable for 16mm quality. There is a noticeable absence of typical post-processing artifacts like noise reduction and edge enhancement, but this absence does little to elevate the overall viewing experience. The transfer’s bit rate seems acceptably low, minimizing excessive compression anomalies, although minor chroma noise is present in many scenes.

Color reproduction fares slightly better yet remains far from pristine. The film often exhibits a yellowish cast, which lends warmth to skin tones and renders neutral hues more vibrant. Black levels are comparatively robust, yet they occasionally crush shadow detail without profoundly disrupting the visual tone. Regrettably, white light frequently bleeds into surrounding colors, creating a halo effect that detracts from clarity. Despite being free from physical deterioration such as scratches or dirt, the image suffers from obtrusive digital noise and an evident lack of sharpness that renders many scenes disappointing.

Overall, the presentation feels more akin to an upscale DVD rather than modern Blu-ray standards. The muted colors make the film appear older than its late-90s origin. Long-range shots, particularly of the countryside, fail to stand out as they remain blurred and unfocused—scenes that should have been visually striking instead reinforce the pervasive softness of the transfer. Although some of these deficiencies might be attributed to the original source material, the transfer still leaves much to be desired, especially for a catalogue title that could have potentially looked more refined with improved handling.

The Blu-ray release of "Hush" features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that is serviceable but lacks any standout qualities. The dialogue, a crucial component of the mix, is consistently clear and well-articulated through the center and front channels, ensuring that every line is understood without any issues of muffling, crackling, or drop-outs. The score by Christopher Young, though fairly uninspired in its repetitive "Hush Little Baby" motif, benefits from dynamic and full instrumentation that utilizes all 5.1 channels effectively.

However, the surround mix does not fully capitalize on the potential immersiveness of the 5.1 setup. Rear channels are underutilized, offering only occasional ambience such as wind, birds, and faint party chatter. Even during more dynamic scenes, like crowded horse racing tracks or intense moments, the LFE only sporadically provides booming impact, leaving the overall experience somewhat unengaging.

In conclusion, while “Hush” delivers a technically competent audio presentation that fulfills basic expectations, it falls short of being a reference-quality track. It maintains clear dialogue and a balanced score but lacks the depth and enveloping nature that audiophiles might hope for in a high-definition release.

The Blu Ray release of "Hush" comes with a rather limited collection of special features. The primary supplement included is a high-definition theatrical trailer in 1080p resolution. Unfortunately, beyond this trailer, the disc does not offer any additional special features, behind-the-scenes footage, or commentary tracks that might enrich the viewing experience further. Considering the technical quality and the importance of supplementary content for enthusiasts, the absence of more comprehensive extras is a noticeable shortcoming. The release's minimalistic approach to supplemental content leaves much to be desired.

Extras included in this disc:

Theatrical Trailer: A 1080p high-definition preview of "Hush."

"Hush" aims to be a gripping psychological thriller, yet unfortunately falls short on delivering genuine thrills. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Helen, a career woman embroiled in a sinister maternal plot on her boyfriend Jackson's (Johnathon Schaech) rural Kentuckian horse farm. Jessica Lange delivers a caricatured performance as the menacing mother-in-law, Martha, whose extreme obsession with her son veers into absurdity. The film attempts to craft suspense through melodramatic twists and blatant contrivances, but ultimately, it devolves into campy soap-opera territory rather than a coherent thriller.

Technically, "Hush" suffers from several predictable narrative courses and an underwhelming script by Jonathan Darby and Jane Rusconi, bringing to mind poorly executed versions of superior classics like "Rosemary's Baby." The film's climactic scenes may offer some momentary tension, but these are outweighed by the eye-rolling predictability and lack of credible psychological depth. Furthermore, key elements such as the "Hush Little Baby" leitmotif in the score come off as overly cheesy and obvious. Lange's over-the-top portrayal of Martha is met with Paltrow's more grounded performance, though neither elevates the film from its fundamental flaws.

While the Blu-ray release by Image Entertainment provides a technically clean 25GB disc and standard keepcase, this does little to rescue "Hush" from its inherent issues. The final product showcases multiple reshoots and edits in an attempted salvage mission that was likely doomed from the start. Ultimately, returning to this film may only serve those seeking unintentional comedy or a disdain for Paltrow's earlier career choices. Otherwise, "Hush" remains trapped in its own manufactured suspense without delivering the development or depth that might have rendered it a successful thriller.

"Hush" on Blu-ray is less than inspiring, as the film itself is widely regarded as one of the weaker entries in the psychological thriller genre of the 1990s. Despite a notable cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, the plot is considered dippy and lacks the engaging twists and genuine suspense that are hallmarks of successful thrillers. The narrative struggles with implausibility, making it more likely to induce laughter than fright.

The Blu-ray release doesn't do much to justify revisiting this title. Presentation quality is adequate, showcasing modest improvements in picture clarity and audio fidelity compared to previous releases, but these enhancements are not enough to elevate the movie's fundamental shortcomings. The transfer is clean, with decent color saturation and sharpness that align with typical Blu-ray expectations. However, the lack of substantial special features or insightful commentaries further diminishes the disc’s appeal.

Unless you're a dedicated collector or a bad-movie-watching aficionado, there’s little incentive to purchase "Hush" on Blu-ray. It may find a place in a bargain bin shortly after release, reflecting its limited demand and perceived value. In summary, “Hush” is a title best avoided unless viewed for its unintentional comedic value rather than its intended thrill factor.