Split Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray video presentation of "Split" is an impressive showcase for high-definition standards, utilizing the 1080p resolution along with the AVC codec to deliver pristine visuals in the film’s original theatrical 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The digital capture on Arri Alexa XT cameras results in exceptional sharpness and detail, particularly visible in textures of skin and clothing. Pores, wrinkles, stubble, and fabric intricacies are rendered with remarkable clarity. Black levels are robust and vital for the suspenseful, dimly-lit sequences, maintaining consistency without crushing details or introducing noise. Although some backgrounds may appear overly smooth due to lighting or intended artistic choices, overall image depth and dimensionality remain solid, offering a natural and engaging viewing experience.

Color reproduction is handled with finesse, providing balanced tonality and deeply saturated primaries. Colors range from the neutral, dreary palette of the holding room to vibrant, nuanced environments like flashbacks featuring punchy autumn leaves and characters' distinct clothing choices. Occasionally, there are minor imperfections such as slight aliasing during camera pans and a peculiar dimming around the 34-minute mark, but these are infrequent and do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Skin tones across various cast members appear natural, showcasing subtle texture variations appropriately.

Overall, "Split" delivers a visually captivating experience on Blu Ray. While the digital aesthetic might have benefited from a grittier film texture, it nonetheless achieves a high level of detail and visual fidelity. From intricate facial details to atmospheric color reproduction and commendable black levels, the transfer ensures an engaging and immersive experience for viewers.

The audio presentation of "Split" on Blu-ray delivers an exemplary benchmark for DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtracks, perfectly balancing dialogue, atmospheric effects, and dynamic music scores. One standout feature is the dialogue reproduction, achieving remarkable clarity and prioritization across the board. Voices possess discernible inflectional character with excellent room penetration and tonal description, making even the lowest spoken passages or background ambiances distinct. The mix skillfully uses the front-oriented soundstage for discrete sound effects, spreading them throughout the entire system effectively during heightened sequences.

Low Frequency Effects (LFE) contribute significantly, particularly in the film's second half. The bass elements are used to sustain an anxious dread, especially via the subwoofer, offering a deep and immersive listening experience. Music supervision and score by Susan Jacobs and West Dylan Thordson expertly augment the atmosphere, with excellent spread through the front and rear speakers. Though the track might lack the bombastic nature of an aggressive sound mix, its subtlety and pinpoint placement of ambient noises elevate the film's overall impact, particularly enhancing the creepiness of the underground labyrinth settings.

Technical aspects such as dynamic range and surround sound presentation receive high praise as well. The 5.1 mix utilizes all channels effectively, with good traveling and sound placement accuracy across the front three speakers. Rear speakers intermittently provide unique surprises, adding to the engagement and overall ambience from start to finish. Additionally, subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French offer accessibility, while multiple audio track options maintain a comprehensive and versatile presentation. Despite being a 5.1 rather than a 7.1 mix for a 2017 release, "Split" provides a top-notch auditory experience that immerses viewers fully into its unsettling narrative environment.

The Blu-ray extras for "Split" offer a comprehensive exploration behind the scenes, featuring an alternate ending, deleted scenes, and three insightful featurettes. Each segment is enhanced by optional introductions from M. Night Shyamalan, offering a deeper dive into the creative process. The alternate ending and deleted scenes provide intriguing insights into the original vision for the film, with nearly 27 minutes of footage including a character completely cut from the final edit. The Making of Split featurette includes interviews with the cast and crew discussing the film's themes, casting, and set design, providing an engaging look into the movie’s production. The Many Faces of James McAvoy highlights the challenges faced by McAvoy in his role, while The Filmmaker’s Eye focuses on Shyamalan’s meticulous direction and writing process. Additionally, the package includes a DVD and a digital copy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: An additional conclusion with optional Shyamalan introduction.
• Deleted Scenes: Nine scenes with or without Shyamalan's intros; includes substantial unreleased content.
• The Making of Split: Behind-the-scenes featurette with cast and crew insights.
• The Many Faces of James McAvoy: Exploration of McAvoy's multifaceted performance.
• The Filmmaker’s Eye: M. Night Shyamalan: An overview of Shyamalan's directional approach.

Split marks a triumphant return to form for M. Night Shyamalan, delivering a psychological thriller that adeptly combines elements of horror, suspense, and drama. The film centers around Kevin (James McAvoy), a man with 23 personalities, who kidnaps three teenage girls. Shyamalan's storytelling unfolds in a tense and chilling underground setting, where the girls must navigate interactions with Kevin's disparate personas to survive. James McAvoy's multi-faceted performance is truly groundbreaking, showcasing his ability to shift seamlessly between characters with distinctive speech patterns, physical mannerisms, and emotional depth. Anya Taylor-Joy adds significant emotional weight to the narrative, her character's backstory providing both context and compelling subtext that enriches the film's psychological layers.

Technically, Shyamalan and cinematographer Mike Gioulakis deliver commendable craftsmanship. The use of close quarters and dim lighting imbues a claustrophobic tension, while inventive camera angles and movements enhance the film’s psychological impact. Split’s screenplay delicately balances unfolding revelations without tipping into predictability, maintaining suspense through skillful pacing and strategic flashbacks that flesh out character motivations. The integration of Kevin's psychiatrist Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley) adds intellectual heft, providing exposition on Dissociative Identity Disorder that grounds the film’s more fantastical elements.

While reminiscent of Shyamalan's early successes like The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, Split stands on its own as a thrilling narrative deeply rooted in human complexity and psychological intrigue. The film's exploration of identity and survival is both overtly exciting and metaphorically rich, pushing the boundaries of psychological horror. Split cements McAvoy's prowess as an actor and Shyamalan's skill as a filmmaker, marking a significant comeback for both. The climax and final twist recontextualize the narrative within the broader M. Night Shyamalan universe, providing a compelling incentive for both new viewers and long-time fans, suggesting that Shyamalan's creative spark is far from extinguished.

"Split" marks a notable resurgence in M. Night Shyamalan's filmmaking career, offering a smart, edgy narrative that skillfully balances engagement and unpredictability. James McAvoy delivers a textured, riveting performance that anchors the film, complemented by stellar cinematography and sound design. The story maintains its grip on viewers throughout, culminating in a memorable twist that stands among Shyamalan's best. Although "Split" isn't without its flaws, it remains an engrossing psychological thriller that showcases Shyamalan's revitalized storytelling prowess.

Universal's Blu-ray presentation of "Split" impresses with top-tier video and audio fidelity, highlighting the film's intricate visual and auditory details despite its budget constraints. The high-definition transfer ensures a crisp, vibrant picture, while the audio tracks offer immersive soundscapes that enhance the suspenseful atmosphere. Although the supplementary materials are somewhat limited, they touch upon key aspects and provide additional insights into the film’s production.

In conclusion, "Split" is a triumphant return for M. Night Shyamalan, bolstered by McAvoy's compelling performance and a technical presentation that does justice to the film’s artistic strengths. Despite the Blu-ray's modest extras, the superb A/V quality makes it a highly recommended purchase for both fans and newcomers. This release is a must-have for those who appreciate finely crafted psychological thrillers with unexpected turns.