Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead Blu-ray Review

"Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" is presented on Blu-ray by Scream Factory, with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Despite being shot digitally on a low budget with Canon 5D cameras, extensive post-production enhancements, such as aggressive color grading, have been applied. This results in a remarkably stylized visual experience. The color palette ranges from blood red foliage within monochromatic frames to thriller tropes with cool blues and dusty browns. Such creative choices, while arresting, lead to noticeable fluctuations in detail and clarity. Some scenes exhibit impeccable sharpness, revealing every gory detail and facial texture, while others have a softer focus and reduced definition, which is not limited to intentional flashback or POV sequences.

The excessive color grading, while achieving a distinctive aesthetic, often impacts the overall image quality. Colors rarely pop, barring the prominent reds, creating an inconsistent visual experience that appears deliberate given the filmmaker's unique stylistic goals. However, this can lead to issues like banding, aliasing, and video noise, alongside an added layer of digital grain to simulate a roughhewn texture. This enhancement seeks to shift the original shiny digital feel towards a more grindhouse look. Despite these inconsistencies, the film’s dynamic visual style ensures that "Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" remains a compelling and visually engaging presentation on Blu-ray.

"Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" boasts an exceptional lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, designed to bring every visceral aspect of a zombie apocalypse to life. The audio presentation is immersive, capturing the chaos of the film's setting with remarkable precision. Gunshots and the gory details of zombie kills—whether by bullet, hatchet, or fist—are delivered with such clarity that they can induce a physical reaction. This track excels at balancing varied sound elements, from the deep, boisterous low end that reverberates satisfyingly, to the midrange and upper registers which handle zombie screeches with finesse.

Dialogue remains crystal clear and well prioritized throughout, effortlessly cutting through the cacophony of ambient noises and effects. The exotic and compelling score by Michael Lira, incorporating unique elements like a prepared didgeridoo, enriches the auditory experience without overshadowing the crucial sound details. Furthermore, robust ambient noises and growls seamlessly emanate from the rear speakers, increasing the sense of immersion. Notably, there are no instances of pops, cracks, or hiss that could detract from the viewing experience, though some high shrills during intense action sequences are brief and do not diminish the overall quality. For purists who prefer a stereo mix, a well-executed DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is also included.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition successfully delivers an engaging audio experience that enhances the film's dramatic intensity and entertainment value. Every element from bass rumble to intricate sound effects is meticulously rendered, ensuring that audiences are not only watching "Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" but are fully enveloped in its nightmarish soundscape.

The Blu Ray extras of "Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" offer a comprehensive and engaging dive into the making of the film. The highlight is "The Wyrmdiaries," providing nearly 50 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, showcasing makeup effects, stunts, and on-set antics. Two crowdfunding videos offer insight into the film's grassroots financing, with the first focusing on discussions about the film and the second delivering unexpected humor. The commentary by the Roache-Turner Brothers is both entertaining and informative, detailing their creative decisions and visual effects secrets. Additional features include an alternate zombie attack scene, deleted scenes, storyboards, and trailers, all in high definition, making this a must-watch for fans of indie horror filmmaking.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Wyrmdiaries: Behind the Scenes of Wyrmwood: Fun behind-the-scenes footage including makeup effects.
• The 7 Minute Teaser Scene: Variant version of a zombie attack.
• Crowdfunding Video 1: Filmmakers discuss the movie and show scenes.
• Crowdfunding Video 2: Humorous opening segment.
• Deleted Scenes: Alternate takes and deleted scenes.
• Storyboards by the Director: Small collection of storyboards.
• Trailers: Promotional trailers.
• Commentary with Roache-Turner Brothers: Insightful discussion on filmmaking process.

"Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead," directed by Kiah Roache-Turner and produced by Tristan Roache-Turner, is an inventive addition to the zombie genre that combines post-apocalyptic chaos with a uniquely Australian backdrop. The narrative, though occasionally disjointed with abrupt plot detours, centers around two primary characters: Benny, an Aborigine played by Leon Burchill, and Barry, a mechanic portrayed by Jay Gallagher. The film kickstarts with Benny encountering zombies after a meteor shower during an outback camping trip, while Barry faces an undead invasion at home. This setup leads to numerous flashbacks that attempt to inject backstory and depth to Barry’s character. Meanwhile, Barry’s sister Brooke (Bianca Bradey), a martial artist involved in a photography shoot gone wrong, is captured by a mad scientist following a military intervention.

The film’s visual style is both striking and polarizing. From high-intensity color grading to nearly monochromatic scenes, the Roache-Turner brothers exhibit a strong command of cinematographic techniques, proving their potential as filmmakers despite some overly stylized choices that might distract from the core narrative. "Wyrmwood" thrives on its dark humor, particularly with scenes involving a mad scientist reminiscent of "Dr. Horrible," adding a bizarre yet engaging dimension to the film. The movie’s action sequences are compelling and visceral, making effective use of its low-budget constraints comparable to George Romero's seminal zombie works.

While "Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" excels in originality and visual appeal, it falters somewhat in pacing and character development. The story frequently prioritizes high-octane set pieces over coherent storytelling, with Brooke's subplot feeling somewhat shoehorned into the primary narrative. Despite these flaws, the film’s unique take on zombie tropes and its potential for future sequels make it a notable entry in the genre. Fans of zombie films will appreciate its fresh approach and distinctive style, underscoring the Roache-Turner brothers' promising careers in filmmaking.

"Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" offers a fresh perspective in an arguably saturated zombie genre. Directed by the debuting Roache-Turner siblings, the film infuses traditional zombie elements with dark comedy and innovative lore that sets it apart. While the narrative does have pacing issues and story arcs that sometimes seem tangential, the action-packed, visually arresting experience makes up for these shortcomings. The film, despite its stylistic overindulgence at times, manages to maintain a degree of coherence that keeps the viewer engaged.

Technically, "Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" excels. The video presentation is robust, showcasing great camera work and a visually captivating aesthetic that complements the chaotic energy of the storyline. The audio is superb, enriching the viewing experience with immersive sound quality. Additionally, the supplementary package included with the Blu-ray release is commendable. The bonus features are engaging and add invaluable context to the film's production, making them highly worthwhile for fans and critics alike.

In conclusion, "Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead" is a commendable effort by the Roache-Turner siblings, especially given its debut status. Despite a somewhat convoluted story structure and occasional wandering narratives, the film delivers enough explosive action and entertainment to satisfy most zombie enthusiasts. Backed by strong technical merits and a solid supplementary package, this Blu-ray release comes highly recommended.