It Follows Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "It Follows" from Icon showcases a meticulously crafted 1080p/24 transfer in a theatrically correct widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded using the AVC codec on an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50. Region locked to B, the image quality remains impressively sharp, clean, and free of digital artefacts such as banding, edge enhancement, posterization, and compression issues. The use of an average video bitrate of 30,000 kbps ensures high fidelity, maintaining exceptional clarity throughout both bright and dark scenes. This disc presents a visually stunning experience, with digitally shot images that render intricate details—right from close-up skin textures to the distant decay of collapsing buildings—effortlessly.

Color performance on the disc is exemplary. Primaries come across strongly; reds are bold, greens are lush, and blues grade extremely well. Even though the overall palette leans towards the drab side, the colours do not appear muted but are vividly strong with no bleeding or washing out. Particularly notable are the scenes shot in daylight which are bright and exhibit well-defined hues while sunlit, autumnal scenes stand out due to their solid delineation. Brightness and contrast settings deserve praise for achieving deep, foreboding blacks that add depth and punch to the frame. Shadow detail is maintained excellently in darker scenes, providing an atmospheric effect suitable for horror by preserving detail without letting whites clip.

This release showcases exceptional visual quality with no identified aliasing on houses or shimmering on tree foliage during panning shots—issues that were visible on earlier Anchor Bay releases. The sublime picture quality of the Icon Blu-ray makes it a superior choice and garners a near-perfect video score of 4.75/5.00. The film is sharply presented with well-maintained colors and contrasts, ensuring that viewers experience every visual nuance intended by the filmmakers.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track on the Blu-Ray of "It Follows" is a veritable feast for audiophiles, presenting an eclectic, dark, and precise soundscape that decisively enhances the film's eerie atmosphere. The track makes extensive use of surround channels, immersing viewers with ambient creaks, foreboding sounds, and impactful jump-scare stingers. The 360-degree camera rotations are well complemented by these audio cues, drawing listeners into the film's unsettling world. Dialogue is clean and precise, held firmly in the frontal array, ensuring clear communication even amidst a range of dynamic sound effects.

The low-end support is deep and well-defined without succumbing to rattling or other distortions. Sub-sonics dive to subterranean levels with the score being a significant contributor, especially during intense thunder and gunshot sequences. Disasterpeace’s original score stands out significantly, borrowing influences from luminaries such as John Carpenter and Vangelis while maintaining its unique presence. Its tight and controlled bass lines enhance the visuals substantially, making the viewing experience immersive. Effects like driving rain, heavy thunder, chirping birds, and singing insects are all intricately rendered and precisely placed within the listening area.

Additionally, the LPCM 2.0 Stereo downmix at 2304 kbps, 24-bit ensures a high-quality stereo listening experience, albeit with less dynamic range compared to the 5.1 mix. English SDH subtitles are provided for accessibility, ensuring clarity in dialogue comprehension for all viewers. Audio purists will appreciate this well-rounded audio presentation that marries technical precision with atmospheric depth, truly elevating the chilling essence of "It Follows."

The Blu-ray extras for "It Follows" provide an insightful and comprehensive look at the film's background and thematic composition. The standout feature is the audio commentary by Danny Leigh and Mark Jancovich, who delve deeply into the broader horror genre, its themes, and the specific narrative structure of "It Follows." Their analysis is both engaging and technically impeccable, offering a fresh perspective on the movie's positioning in contemporary horror cinema. Composer Disasterpeace’s interview offers valuable insight into the creative process behind the film's highly acclaimed score, tracing his musical journey from video games to films. Additionally, the inclusion of high-fidelity trailers and a uniquely styled gallery contributes to a well-rounded extras package. Collectively, these features enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of "It Follows."

Extras included in this disc:

Interview with Composer Disasterpeace: Discusses his musical influences and scoring process.

Audio Commentary: In-depth thematic discussion by Danny Leigh and Mark Jancovich.

Theatrical Trailer

Gallery: A dynamic visual presentation of a painted poster accompanied by film score.

David Robert Mitchell's "It Follows" emerges as a standout in contemporary horror filmmaking, blending elements of psychological terror with a profoundly haunting narrative. From its minimalist premise—a young girl is pursued by a malevolent supernatural entity after a sexual encounter—the film masterfully constructs a riveting and unnerving experience. The thematic richness is unmistakable, exploring concepts of adolescence, sexual transmission, and existential dread, all enveloped in a dream-like atmosphere that places the narrative in a timeless, almost placeless setting. Mitchell’s deft use of framing, lighting, and sound design elevates the film, creating a pervasive sense of dread that lingers long after viewing.

Mitchell's direction showcases his evolution as a filmmaker since his debut with "The Myth of the American Sleepover." In "It Follows," his refined grasp of cinematography is evident through the meticulous use of circular motifs and shifting perspectives, especially with the Demon visible only to those afflicted. This adds layers of paranoia and ambiguity, compelling viewers to question what is real and who is cursed. Cinematographer Mike Gioulakis’s work is notable for its ability to shift the audience's perspective, ensuring the horror is both unpredictable and relentless.

Furthermore, the film's connection to genre classics like "Halloween" and "The Exorcist III" is unmistakable yet non-derivative. It adopts familiar horror tropes only to subvert them with an innovative approach that respects the past while forging new ground in horror storytelling. From the eerie opening sequence to the profoundly ambiguous ending, Mitchell establishes himself as a significant voice in independent horror cinema. "It Follows" is thus an extraordinary contribution to the genre, blending thematic depth with visceral scares to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

David Robert Mitchell's "It Follows" emerges as a hallmark in contemporary horror, drawing from classic motifs while injecting a uniquely unsettling narrative. Based on a childhood nightmare, this low-budget yet conceptually grand film follows a young girl pursued by a relentless, supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. The film's brilliance lies in its stylistic execution, employing an 'over the shoulder' framing that perpetually immerses the viewer in a state of vigilance. The pacing is meticulously designed to build tension incrementally, ensuring that the terror lingers long after the credits have rolled.

Set against a backdrop of suburbia that exists in an ambiguous time and place, the characters navigate a dream-like landscape, further enhancing the unnerving atmosphere. The sound design plays a crucial role, with subtle audio cues constantly keeping the audience on edge. Disasterpeace's score brilliantly complements the visual horror, hearkening back to classic horror soundscapes while maintaining a modern relevance. This multi-layered approach not only terrifies but also provides depth for those who wish to dissect its themes.

As a Blu-ray release, Icon's edition of "It Follows" is nothing short of exemplary. The video transfer is exceptional, featuring exquisite detail, superior color reproduction, and deep black levels that enhance the film's eerie aesthetic. The 5.1 surround sound design is top-notch, delivering immersive audio that elevates the viewing experience. While the extras package may feel light to some, the unique commentary track offers invaluable insights, making it a commendable addition. Despite some minor limitations, this release is poised for cult status and comes highly recommended for any horror aficionado.

In conclusion, "It Follows" is not just another horror film; it's a profound exploration of fear that resonates on multiple levels. Its combination of innovative direction, atmospheric tension, and haunting score ensures it remains a standout in modern horror cinema. As a Blu-ray package, Icon's edition amplifies the experience, making it an essential addition to any collection. Look behind you - 'It' might just follow you home.