My Bloody Valentine Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "My Bloody Valentine" by Lionsgate offers an interesting dichotomy in its video presentation, spanning both 2D and 3D formats, each bringing its own set of strengths and compromises to the fore. For the 3D viewing, the film boasts one of the best uses of the format on Blu-ray to date, emphasizing depth over protrusion for a more immersive experience. However, this comes at the cost of color fidelity and detail clarity, with a notable pinkish tint and occasional ghosting effects marring an otherwise stellar presentation. Despite these issues, the 3D version delivers an engaging visual experience, especially on larger displays, where its depth-enhancing qualities shine brightest.

The 2D version, while lacking the immersive depth of its 3D counterpart, provides a clean and polished image that is generally sharp and well-defined, though it suffers from a somewhat bland color palette and inconsistent black levels. Detail in dimly lit scenes, particularly those set in the mineshaft, tends to waver, affecting the overall clarity. The presentation is kept in focus, aligning with the film’s intended visual style, characterized by drab hues and flat flesh tones—a choice that serves the atmospheric setting but may leave viewers yearning for more vibrant visuals. Blacks are mostly solid, albeit with occasional inconsistencies, and shadow details are commendably rendered, revealing textures and nuances in darker scenes.

Audio-wise, the disc excels with a DTS-MA HD 7.1 track that, while not the pinnacle of Lionsgate's offerings, effectively emphasizes the visceral impact of the horror elements, from axe strikes to environmental ambience. The soundstage is front-heavy, with meticulous attention to detail in the placement of effects and voices, ensuring clarity and an engaging auditory experience. The rear channels are not neglected, offering subtle yet effective surround cues that enhance the film’s atmosphere without overwhelming the overall mix. Dialogues are clear for the most part, though some viewers may find them occasionally overshadowed by the dynamic range of the soundtrack. The subwoofer receives ample work, lending weight to the physical impacts and enhancing the immersive quality of the audio presentation.

The audio presentation of "My Bloody Valentine" on Blu-Ray boasts a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that effectively enhances the film's immersive experience, particularly in its robust employment of deep bass and expansive use of the surround soundstage. Despite occasional muffled dialogue, likely attributable to the actors' delivery rather than technical issues, the soundtrack excels in creating a chilling atmosphere. Noteworthy is the mine's alarm klaxon, which projects an almost tangible circle of sound, and discrete effects that vividly accentuate scenes with an added layer of tension and impending dread, like the carefully crafted soundscape in a grocery store confrontation.

Music and higher-pitched sounds, such as screams, are rendered with crisp clarity, contributing to the film's gore-appeal and atmosphere, especially in conjunction with its 3D visuals. The soundtrack may not reach the pinnacle of lossless audio achievements but delivers a satisfyingly dynamic home theater experience that effectively complements both 2D and 3D viewing options. The inclusion of engaging audio subtly reinforces the dimensional aspects of the 3D presentation, making it a notably fun and entertaining experience for viewers, albeit the supplementary materials provided with the Blu-Ray don't add significant value beyond the primary film content.

However, despite the engaging audio experience, the overall Blu-Ray package receives mixed reactions. While the visual transfer and choice between 2D and 3D video options present a commendable effort in offering versatility and enhancing the viewing experience, the plethora of extra features leaves much to be desired. With an abundance of superficial content and missed opportunities to delve deeper into informative aspects of the film's production and storytelling nuances, enthusiasts seeking behind-the-scenes insights may find the extras lacking. Nonetheless, for fans of the genre or those appreciating the advancements in audio-visual technology for home theater systems, "My Bloody Valentine" in its Blu-Ray incarnation stands as a worthy consideration for its auditory contributions alone.

The Blu-ray release of "My Bloody Valentine" is celebrated for its inclusion of both 2D and 3D versions, each with unique visual strengths and weaknesses, pushing the boundaries of home cinema. The 3D version excels in depth and immersion, notably in scenes set in woods and a supermarket, though it is sometimes hampered by ghosting and a lack of vibrant color due to its two-tone dominance. The 2D version, while more detailed especially in grisly wounds, feels slightly drab in comparison. Accompanying these are a host of extras that delve deep into the production. Highlights include an engaging audio commentary from Director Patrick Lussier and Co-Writer Todd Farmer, insightful featurettes on the making and special effects, as well as deleted scenes and an alternate ending that offer a glimpse into the creative process behind this horror favorite. Despite its shortcomings in visual fidelity, the overall package is enhanced by these thoughtful additions, making it a must-have for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Patrick Lussier and Co-Writer Todd Farmer: Engaging insights into the film's production.
• Deep Inside My Bloody Valentine: A making-of featurette that explores the production nuances.
• Sex, Blood and Screams: Focuses on the special makeup effects used for the film’s iconic death scenes.
• Deleted/Extended scenes: A collection of 14 scenes not included in the final cut.
• Gag reel: A quick, humorous look behind the scenes.
• Tom, Pick, and Harry: Presents an alternate ending to the narrative.
• MoLog: An interactive movie blog toolset connected with a movie blog community.
• Theatrical trailer: The high-definition trailer for the film.
• Lionsgate Live (BD-Live): Offers BD-Live enabled features.
• Digital Copy Bonus Disc: A downloadable standard definition version for portable media devices.

"My Bloody Valentine" Blu-ray edition dives deep into the cavernous depths of Horror, rekindling the fiery allure of 3D cinema with its gory tableau. At its heart, the film resurrects the chilling tale from the Harmony mines, where a tragedy turned homicidal revenge weaves the bloody tapestry of this slasher. Ten years have lapsed since the grizzly events unfolded, but peace in Harmony is a mere façade, shattered once again by a pickaxe-wielding nightmare believed to be Harry Warden. Amidst a town cloaked in dread, viewers are plunged into a visceral experience, marrying classic horror tropes with the novel thrill of 3D.

Technically, "My Bloody Valentine" embraces the 3D format with gusto, executing gore with precision that transcends the screen and invades the viewer's space, marking a sweet spot between cinematic gimmickry and genuine terror-inducing moments. The introductory scene, featuring an eyeball's trajectory into the audience, exemplifies this blend perfectly, setting a precedent for ensuing carnage that's as much about depth perception as it is about shock value. Despite these visual feats, the film occasionally succumbs to its genre's pitfalls—reliant on a plot that teeters on the brink of predictability and characters whose fates are as indistinct as their personalities.

In essence, while "My Bloody Valentine" may not tread new narrative ground within its genre, it underscores the impact of 3D in reinvigorating conventional horror storytelling. The movie tackles themes of revenge and survival with a visceral flair, leveraging 3D technology not only to enhance its spectacle of gore but also to immerse and unsettle its audience uniquely. Though it wrestles with genre clichés and a somewhat formulaic plot, it distinguishes itself with a killer’s guise as iconic as any in horror cinema and exploits the third dimension to ensnare viewers in its macabre dance of death.

The Blu-ray release of "My Bloody Valentine 3D" offers a compelling viewing experience, especially for fans of the horror genre and 3D aficionados. Utilizing an array of high-end equipment including the JVC DLA-RS20 1080p High Definition Front Projector, Panasonic DMP-BD55K, and Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray Disc Players for video output, and an audio setup featuring the Denon AVR 5308CI THX Ultra 2 Preamp/Video Processor paired with Canton Ergo and Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers, this review assesses the total presentation of the Blu-ray edition. The technical capabilities of these devices ensure that both the 3D imagery and lossless soundtrack are rendered with exceptional clarity and depth, contributing to a heightened sense of immersion in the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

Lionsgate's release shines not only in its technical execution but also in its content. The Blu-ray disc provides a slew of supplements alongside the main feature, which is praised for its entertaining albeit critically mixed reception. The 3D transfer is particularly noteworthy, succeeding in delivering an experience that elevates the horror genre's traditional jump scares and tension-filled moments through effective use of depth and spatial dynamics. This is complemented by a lossless audio track that encapsulates viewers in the eerie soundscape of "My Bloody Valentine," further enriching the viewing experience.

In conclusion, while "My Bloody Valentine 3D" may not stand out as a cinematic masterpiece in terms of its storyline or originality, its Blu-ray release is a testament to how technology can enhance the viewing experience of films, especially in the horror genre. The combination of high-quality video and audio presentation, along with fun 3D effects and a solid collection of supplementary materials, makes this edition a recommended pick for those looking to enjoy a horror flick with an extra dimension. Its technical prowess ensures that it is well-suited for viewers equipped with advanced home theater systems, promising an engaging and immersive viewing experience.