Drag Me to Hell Blu-ray Review

The new Blu-ray release of "Drag Me to Hell" from Scream Factory showcases a superb video presentation that retains the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1, with both the theatrical and unrated versions benefiting from new HD masters taken from a 2K digital intermediate. The transition from the older VC-1 codec to the MPEG-4 AVC encoding offers slight but perceptible improvements. The average video bitrate of 30.00 Mbps ensures an image that is remarkably sharp, boasting fine details particularly in close-ups of facial features and intricate background elements.

The HD presentation maintains excellent contrast with deep inky blacks and rich shadows that lend depth to night sequences, enhancing the three-dimensional feel of the visuals. While certain bright moments, like fire scenes, occasionally run hot, this minor issue aligns with the previous Universal release. Overall, the colors offer a vibrant and energetic palette, contributing to the film's blend of horror and comedy. Skin tones remain consistent and natural, with all textures and imperfections clearly visible, adding to the lifelike quality of the imagery.

Notable improvements in brightness levels bring every intricate detail to the forefront, whether it’s the ornate decor in Christine's house or the weathered look of Ganush's car. Despite a couple of observations regarding muted colors and occasional black crush during specific scenes, the overall package is exceptionally clean with no noticeable artifacts or noise, making this a compelling upgrade for fans of Raimi's stylistic horror comedy.

The audio presentation of "Drag Me to Hell" on Blu-ray maintains its reputation as one of the finest horror audio mixes available. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround replicates the theatrical experience with precision, delivering crystal-clear dialogue and robust bass that enhances the film’s terrifying impact. The powerful low-frequency extension creates sharp, distinct separations between sound effects and music, contributing to an immersive and impressive soundfield. Particularly noteworthy are the panning effects, which provide superb directionality and ensure that spine-chilling noises move flawlessly across channels, generating a convincingly creepy atmosphere.

The English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track remains one of the highlights, offering abundant speaker-to-speaker activity and aggressive sound effects that elevate the overall viewing experience. This mix is nothing short of booming and active, making extensive use of the entire soundscape to intensify tension-laden sequences. For instance, Christine's initial encounter with the demon utilizes surround speakers effectively, creating an unsettling auditory landscape. The mid-range is clean and clear, with high-frequency sounds maintaining astonishing clarity, while the low-end provides a powerful presence that shakes the room during intense moments.

In addition to the 5.1 mix, the Blu-ray also includes an English 2.0 DTS-HD MA track and optional English SDH subtitles. Although no additional subtitle languages are available in this release compared to the original Universal disc, which included French and Spanish subtitles, the audio quality alone stands as a testament to its enduring excellence. Fans with advanced setups will find that up-mixing functionality such as Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X further enhances atmospheric elements by spreading them into overhead channels, enriching the overall audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Drag Me to Hell" are robust and meticulously compiled, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the film's production. The package spans two discs, each featuring a remastered cut from 2K digital intermediates. Disc One houses the theatrical version, while Disc Two contains the unrated cut. Highlighting the content are insightful and newly produced interviews, including detailed discussions with principal actors Alison Lohman and Lorna Raver, as well as composer Christopher Young. The supplementary material extends to vintage interviews, production diaries, TV spots, and a theatrical trailer. Collectively, this collection provides a substantive look at creative processes, character development, and behind-the-scenes dynamics, making it a valuable addition for any fan of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Production Diaries: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast and crew.
• Vintage Interviews: Original discussions from the film's promotion.
• TV Spots: Original TV advertising.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official movie trailer.
• To Hell And Back: Interview with Alison Lohman.
• Curses!: Interview with Lorna Raver.
• Hitting All The Right Notes: Interview with composer Christopher Young.
• Still Gallery: Slideshow of production photos.

Sam Raimi’s triumphant return to horror with "Drag Me to Hell" (2009) injects a freshly twisted vigor into a genre that had grown rather mundane. The film revolves around Christine Brown, played compellingly by Alison Lohman, a junior bank officer eager for a promotion who condemns an old gypsy woman, Mrs. Ganush, setting off a spiral of supernatural torment. The cursed Christine faces horrifically vivid visions and manifestations, ultimately learning from a spiritual guru (Dileep Rao) that she is being hunted by the demon "Lamia." Justin Long’s portrayal of her boyfriend adds a contrasting touch of normalcy and occasional comic relief, though his character's initial skepticism strains credulity.

In typical Raimi fashion, the film is an outrageous blend of horror and black comedy, hearkening back to his "Evil Dead" roots but constrained by a PG-13 rating. The narrative utilizes an abundance of grotesque visual gags—primarily vomit—which, while initially effective, eventually saturate the viewer's patience. These excesses dilute some suspense and undercut prolonged tension. Special makeup effects by KNB EFX Group and visual effects by Tippett Studio are noteworthy, though Raimi’s overzealous sound design and bombastic score by Christopher Young detract from the film’s atmospheric buildup. Despite these minor missteps, Raimi’s skill in evoking visceral reactions through slapstick-infused horror remains unparalleled.

The film could be perceived as corny or weird by those not attuned to Raimi’s uniquely intertwined dark humor and fright, yet it should be appreciated as a masterclass in balancing these potent genres. Christine’s personal struggles, societal pressures, and moral dilemmas are brilliantly interwoven into the greater tale of gothic horror. This underappreciated gem showcases Raimi's seamless ability to craft an engaging narrative filled with macabre glee, vulgar absurdities, and deeply unsettling yet humorously cathartic moments. Furthermore, Lohman’s robust performance ensures that "Drag Me to Hell" remains a definitive cult classic in Raimi’s illustrious oeuvre.

Sam Raimi's "Drag Me to Hell" continues to stand as a remarkable entry in the horror-comedy genre. With a blend of grotesque visuals and unrelenting suspense, the film delivers an experience that is both horrifying and darkly humorous. The collector's edition from Scream Factory harnesses this duality exceptionally well, providing a stellar audio-visual upgrade over the previous Universal release. The high-definition transfer preserves the film's 2.39:1 aspect ratio, with crystal-clear resolution and vibrant color accuracy, while the DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 soundtracks offer a truly immersive audio experience. Additionally, the inclusion of new interviews and cover art makes this edition a worthy consideration, particularly for first-time buyers.

While Drag Me to Hell features noteworthy performances from Alison Lohman, Justin Long, and a standout role by Lorna Raver, it has been criticized for its heavy reliance on CGI and sound effects. Some reviewers argue that a subtler approach could have heightened the suspense and mystery. Nevertheless, the film's technical craftsmanship is undeniable, offering meticulously choreographed action sequences that remain engaging from start to finish. The Shout! Factory release helps enhance this experience with under an hour of new bonus material that was not available in prior Blu-ray editions.

In conclusion, Drag Me to Hell remains a timeless piece of horror cinema. Scream Factory’s collector's edition provides the best home theater presentation of the film to date, complete with top-notch video quality, reference-quality sound, and valuable new extras. While long-time owners of the Universal release might not find the upgrade imperative, new collectors and avid fans of Sam Raimi will find this edition to be a must-have. Highly recommended for any horror aficionado's collection.