Excision Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Excision" is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing impressive 3D-like depth and exceptional fine details throughout each frame. Filmed in HD and encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4, the transfer offers a clean and sterile appearance that enhances both the real-world and dream sequences. Viewers will appreciate the stunning clarity and robust color reproduction, particularly in scenes with dynamic contrasts such as white garments against red blood in a blue backdrop. The presentation maintains excellent black levels, evidenced by deep and rich scenes with minimal banding issues.

Fine details are exceptionally presented, with crystal-clear textures evident in facial lines, makeup, clothing, and various environmental elements. Flesh tones are generally natural, though occasional shifts from pale to golden occur within the film's visual context. The color palette is notably bold and vibrant, with lifelike, vivid greens and brilliant blues. Reds have a realistic luster that adds intensity to the visuals. Despite slightly blown-out contrasts in some scenes, the overall balance is well-maintained, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. This stellar image quality from Anchor Bay successfully delivers the director's vision with fidelity and precision.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack on the Blu-ray of "Excision" is a compelling and meticulously crafted audio presentation that excels in clarity and precision. The mix is largely front-heavy, which serves the character-driven narrative well, with superb channel separation and a wide, spacious soundstage. Ambient elements, such as classroom sounds and hallway chatter, are delivered with remarkable accuracy, creating a genuine atmosphere that immerses the viewer. Subtle but impactful effects, like the muffled bass from car stereos or the distinct clang of slamming lockers, are rendered with realistic presence and clarity.

While the soundtrack may not be the most dynamic or immersive compared to other high-action audio experiences, it perfectly complements the film's mood and tone. Dialogue is a standout feature, consistently crisp and well-defined across all environments, ensuring every peculiar comment from Pauline is heard with perfect clarity. Atmospheric nuances, including the distant barking of dogs or chatty off-screen students, further enhance the listening experience. Low bass elements, though sparse, are deep and strong when present, adding depth to specific scenes without overpowering the overall track. The surround channels are occasionally employed for minor discrete effects and musical enhancements, contributing to a well-rounded and engaging audio experience.

In conclusion, while "Excision" may not utilize its full surround potential throughout, it compensates with an exceptionally clear and finely tuned front-heavy mix that brings the film's dialogue and environmental subtleties to life. This Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack may not dazzle in terms of sheer dynamism, but its adept handling of fidelity, presence, and clarity ensures it will meet audience expectations soundly.

The Blu-ray release of "Excision" includes an engaging yet straightforward audio commentary by Writer/Director Richard Bates, Jr. and Actor AnnaLynne McCord. This feature provides a scene-specific discussion, covering aspects such as casting, performances, plot details, and production insights. While the tone is pleasant and filled with laughter and anecdotes, it doesn't delve deeply into unique behind-the-scenes revelations. Notably, the short film that inspired "Excision" is absent from this Blu-ray edition.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Richard Bates, Jr.: A scene-specific discussion covering casting, performances, plot details, and production insights.

In "Excision," writer/director Richard Bates, Jr. dives deep into the morbid and bizarre, presenting the unraveling mind of Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord), a high school senior grappling with a turbulent home life and socially awkward existence. The narrative captures her struggle within a hostile environment: a distant father, an overbearing mother (Traci Lords), and a sister (Ariel Winter) suffering from cystic fibrosis. Pauline’s delusions of surgical grandeur manifest in increasingly grotesque fantasies involving blood and gore, which disturbingly juxtapose moments of dark humor and poignant familial tension. Bates masterfully balances these elements, painting a chilling portrait of an aspiring surgeon drifting further into madness.

From a technical perspective, "Excision" combines striking visual aesthetics with unsettling content. McCord delivers a transformative performance that shatters her typical glamorous roles, fully embracing Pauline's unkempt, pimple-ridden appearance and socially abrasive demeanor. Supporting cast members, including John Waters, Ray Wise, and Malcolm McDowell, interject timely humor and horror, enhancing the film’s surreal tone. Bates’s directorial debut boasts commendable cinematographic expertise, especially in Pauline’s fantastical sequences that delve into necrophilia and surgical mutilation, drawing viewers into her deranged psyche.

The film's narrative structure explores complex themes such as isolation, the quest for identity, and the impact of parental influence on mental health, but it sometimes grapples with pacing issues and sporadic self-assurance in its storytelling. Despite this, "Excision" ensures a visceral experience that is both graphically shocking and emotionally jarring. Whether it achieves cult status or incites revulsion is subjective; however, it undeniably stands out in modern horror cinema for its audacious exploration of psychologically disturbed adolescence and body horror. Suitable for open-minded viewers with robust constitutions, "Excision" is a cinematic endeavor that’s as intriguing as it is unsettling.

"Excision," directed by first-time filmmaker Richard Bates, Jr., is an audacious and unsettling venture into the psychological horror genre. The narrative follows a troubled teenage girl, portrayed by AnnaLynne McCord, whose delusions of grandeur lead to grotesque fantasies, culminating in a shocking and repulsive climax that, while deeply unsettling, is narratively fitting. This film blends stylization with hardcore graphic gore, occasionally contrasting a cheery facade with grotesque visuals in imaginative ways, producing an intriguing and challenging cinematic experience.

Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release delivers in terms of audiovisual presentation. The HD video quality dazzles with sharpness and vivid imagery, essential in enhancing the film's disturbing visual style. The lossless audio track is equally impressive, providing a rich and immersive soundscape crucial for the atmospheric horror. However, the Blu-ray falls short in terms of supplementary content, offering only a single extra feature that leaves much to be desired for those looking for deeper insights into the film's production or thematic exploration.

In conclusion, "Excision" is undeniably unique but polarizing—it's not for everyone. Its blend of disturbing imagery, strong performances, particularly by McCord, and its thought-provoking narrative make it a memorable experience for fans of psychological horror. While the Blu-ray release boasts exceptional picture and sound quality, its lack of comprehensive extras might deter some. Nonetheless, it's worth renting for the curious viewer, and fans will find it a worthy addition to their collection.