Animal Blu-ray Review

"Animal" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Scream Factory and Chiller Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, although the packaging incorrectly states a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The digitally shot film is primarily set in dark, secluded environments like forests and cabins, primarily lit by firelight. This darkness challenges fine detail visibility, particularly during its major dark scenes. However, when well-lit, the transfer showcases excellent sharpness and rich texture detail. A distinctive green and yellow palette dominates the film, influencing color reproduction, skin tones, and affecting the detail visibility with green tints predominating outside scenes and warm yellow hues from firelight inside.

Technically, the presentation excels with deep, inky black levels and no discernable compression issues such as banding or aliasing. The image retains a degree of grainy look, not from the digital origin but possibly due to the natural lighting effects. Despite the darkness, there are no video noise artifacts, adding to the film's atmospheric tension. Details like wrinkles in clothing, grain in wood, and facial features hold up well in adequately lit scenes. The color reproduction is consistent with the low light settings, albeit appearing dingy and muted but still maintaining natural skin tones. Overall, the Blu-ray’s video transfer merits high marks for maintaining clarity and detail amidst challenging lighting scenarios.

The audio presentation of "Animal" on Blu-ray, featuring a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, delivers a highly engaging and immersive experience. The film’s sound design effectively utilizes the surround channels to evoke a strong sense of foreboding and tension, particularly with the beast's roar panning seamlessly through various speakers. The bass is robust and impactful, contributing to startling moments with potent LFE bursts. The dialogue is exceptionally clear and well-balanced, free from any disruptive pops, cracks, or hisses, ensuring that viewers can follow the narrative without distraction. This track also boasts excellent fidelity and dynamic range, creating an enthralling auditory landscape.

The surround sound presentation, although front-heavy, maintains a commendable dynamic range and effectively uses the rear speakers for ambience and score support. Every sound effect and piece of ambient noise is rendered with fullness and detail, adding to the film's overall intensity. The audio engineering cleverly employs volume dynamics to accentuate the monster’s howl, making it a piercing and unsettling presence within the mix. The action sequences are particularly well-executed, with accurate spatial representation and volume that mirror on-screen events vividly.

Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix stands out as one of the highlights of this release. Whether it’s the dramatic crescendos designed to jolt viewers or the subtle ambient noises that create an immersive atmosphere, this mix effectively enhances the horror elements of the film. With consistently clear dialogue and a solid balance between score, effects, and vocals, this audio track hits most of the right notes and provides a deeply resonant cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Animal" offer a mix of insights and promotional content, with a strong emphasis on interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Director Brett Simmons' audio commentary is informative, discussing various aspects of the film's production, such as casting decisions and shot setups, though it does require re-watching the movie. The "Behind the Scenes" featurette provides a brief look at the making of the movie with standard promotional footage, while the "Interviews with the Cast" are similarly concise and predominantly focused on promoting the film rather than delivering deep insights. The disc also includes the theatrical trailer and a teaser trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Brett Simmons: Insights on casting, shot setups, and praise for the cast.
• Interviews with the Cast: Promo interviews featuring key cast members.
• Behind the Scenes Footage: Standard promo piece with cast and crew interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Full-length preview of the movie.
• Teaser Trailer: Brief initial teaser.

In "Animal," director Brett Simmons offers a familiar yet competent entry into the teens-in-peril horror genre. The plot centers around a group of improbably attractive young adults who embark on a camping trip, only to find themselves hunted by a monstrous creature. Despite the film’s routine storyline and archetypal characters, it does manage to provide a handful of genuine scares, albeit punctuated by unintentional laughter. Noteworthy is the monster's design – practical effects are utilized rather than CGI, resulting in a tangible and gritty antagonist that heightens moments of horror. Simmons directs these scenes with skill, making the most of the film’s limited budget.

The film opens with the quintet uncovering signs of foul play and quickly realizing they are not alone. Seeking refuge in a conveniently located cabin, they encounter other survivors, amplifying the stakes as each character is picked off in a predictable sequence. Despite being a conventional setup, the practical effects and the monstrous entity's menacing presence offer a respite from the otherwise clichéd narrative. The visceral blood and gore sequences are executed with meticulous attention to detail, appealing to gore-hound aficionados. The production’s small scale is evident but does not detract from the overall viewing experience.

One unexpected credit is Drew Barrymore's role as a producer, raising curiosity yet not significantly altering the film’s overall impact. Joey Lauren Adams’ appearance adds a touch of recognition amidst an otherwise unfamiliar cast. While "Animal" remains entrenched in clichéd horror tropes, it compensates slightly with its commendable creature design and well-shot horror sequences. As such, it serves as a decent, if unremarkable, addition to the genre – a classic "cabin in the woods" story with an adeptly portrayed villain but lacking in innovative storytelling.

"Animal" offers a serviceable experience as a mid-tier horror film that focuses more on character dynamics than on conventional gore-laden scares. The plot follows familiar monster movie tropes, resulting in a story that is far from groundbreaking. However, the pacing is adequate and the performances are competent, creating an engaging, albeit predictable, narrative. For monster movie enthusiasts, the creature design stands out as a positive element, despite the overall generic feel of the film.

The technical presentation on the Blu-ray is commendable. Video quality is excellent, with a clear and crisp transfer that enhances the viewing experience. The audio is robust, providing a dynamic and immersive soundscape that significantly elevates the tension and scares. Unfortunately, the special features are lackluster, comprised mostly of promotional material that doesn't add much value. The commentary track is the sole redeeming feature in this regard.

In conclusion, "Animal" is a decent enough midlevel fright fest notable for not heavily exploiting blood and guts, instead focusing on the growing dysfunction within the group. While there is nothing innovative about the film, it is well-paced and boasts solid technical merits for those considering a purchase. For die-hard genre fans, a rental may be more advisable before committing to a purchase. Ultimately, "Animal" delivers on a basic level but falls short of becoming a memorable entry in the horror genre.