Redcon-1 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Redcon-1" presents a mixed bag in terms of video quality, reflected in its AVC-encoded 1080p High Definition video. Framed at an aspect ratio of 2.40:1, the presentation provides a respectable amount of detail, especially in scenes depicting zombie hordes where the textures of bloodied flesh and dead eyes are rendered with relative authenticity. The military costumes display fine fibrous details, augmenting the film's gritty aesthetic. The color scheme tends towards natural tones, but the bright primaries occasionally break through to accentuate the deep red bloodshed effectively. However, the overall image quality is somewhat hampered by visible banding and occasional crush, indicating limitations possibly inherent in the original material.

The video quality also suffers from several technical shortcomings, particularly in scenes with excessive motion such as montages and slow-motion sections. These scenes often result in noticeable blurring, which detracts from the otherwise decent level of detail seen in more static shots. The film’s overall look can often appear raw and amateurish, reminiscent more of footage shot on an older camcorder rather than a polished cinematic presentation. Despite these drawbacks, certain elements such as black levels are managed reasonably well, providing sufficient depth to darker scenes. However, the color scheme sometimes appears overly neutral and unbalanced, leaning towards an unhealthy aesthetic that can invoke comparisons to 90s news footage rather than a contemporary film production.

Ultimately, the Blu-ray's video presentation of "Redcon-1" aligns with expectations for a production of its scale and budget. While it shows moments of clarity and detailed texturing that enhance its post-apocalyptic setting, it is marred by inconsistencies and technical issues that prevent it from being a top-tier offering. The presentation is adequate but is illustrative of the limitations found within the original source material itself.

The audio presentation of "Redcon-1" on Blu-ray presents a mixed bag of qualities, primarily delivered through the accompanying DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Dialogue is handled adequately, maintaining clarity and coherence throughout. However, this effectiveness doesn't carry over into other realms of the mix. Gunshots often come across as hollow and lacking vibrancy, failing to deliver the punch expected from such action sequences. Explosions, although reasonable, suffer from a noticeable lack of low-frequency effects (LFE), diminishing the impact one might anticipate in more robust soundtracks. The ambient noise of the zombie hordes lacks intensity, which would have added significant tension to the scenes.

Contrasting slightly, the 5.1 Dolby Digital mix offers a touch better performance in certain action sequences. It allows for sharper gunfire and more pronounced undead growls, effectively engaging the listener in moments of violence. Surround channels are employed to enhance atmospheric details and scoring cues rather than creating a fully immersive sound field. The synthesizer-heavy score maintains a strong presence within this mix, providing a consistent backdrop during various scenes. Low-frequency effects see occasional peaks during explosive scenes, though these moments are sporadic and not sustained throughout the film.

Overall, while serviceable, both audio tracks struggle to completely immerse the audience, hampered either by source material limitations or the technical execution of the mix itself.

The extras on the "Redcon-1" Blu Ray release are remarkably comprehensive, offering an in-depth glimpse into various facets of the film's production. The Behind the Scenes Featurettes provide valuable insights into the making of the film, emphasizing effects, action, costume design, fight choreography, training, and weaponry, as well as SFX application. These are complemented by Cast and Crew Interviews, candid audition footage, a selection of deleted scenes, and a rich gallery. The inclusion of event highlights such as the European Film Premiere and coverage from MCM Comic Con Glasgow adds a dynamic element. Additionally, an engaging Skype interview with executive producer Kevin Eastman offers perspectives on the project.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: Insights into making, costume design, fight choreography, training and weaponry, SFX application, and extra lives.
• Deleted Scenes: Pre-title sequence, character discussions, and unused zombie scenes.
• Redcon-1 Events: European Film Premiere and MCM Comic Con Glasgow.
• Interview: Skype conversation with Kevin Eastman.
• Trailer: Preview of the movie.

The micro-budget Brit zombie flick "Redcon-1," directed by Chee Keong Cheung, brings a mixed bag of enthusiasm and shortcomings. Suffering from an evidently constrained budget, the film often appears amateurish, with uninspired editing choices and overly extensive use of slow-motion effects. Comparisons to bigger productions such as "World War Z" might come to mind, notwithstanding "Redcon-1's" noticeably limited resources. While certain set-pieces like confrontations with territorial gangs evoke a Brit Mad Max feel, these moments underscore the potential that the film struggles to fully capitalize on. Notably, access to military vehicles and committed performances by cast members provide occasional glimpses of what could have been a far more engaging narrative.

There are sporadic successes, particularly in the more intimate scenes, but these are frequently overshadowed by an overlong runtime and shaky-cam cinematography that diminishes viewer engagement. The film's ambition to present an emotionally grounded and distinctive take on zombie warfare falters amid disjointed storytelling and character arcs that never fully develop. The ensemble, featuring wrestlers, martial artists, and a few recognizably genre-savvy actors, manage to hold some scenes together, yet even their efforts cannot entirely mask the underwhelming production values.

In summary, "Redcon-1" bears the marks of a passionate project hampered by practical limitations. Its narrative attempts to weave familiar tropes from films like "28 Days Later" and "Escape from New York" into a unique tapestry, but falls short due to pacing issues and a lack of stylistic cohesion. Ultimately, tighter editing and a more focused approach might have elevated this niche production into something more potent within its genre.

101 Films’ UK Region B-locked Blu-ray release of "Redcon-1" is a surprising addition to the market, considering many higher-profile titles yet to receive Blu-ray treatment. This British zombie action flick, while commendable for its home-grown origins, struggles in terms of quality and substance. The video and audio presentation reflect the film's micro-budget origins, delivering an average experience that neither impresses nor disappoints technically. However, the most notable aspect of this Blu-ray is its array of supplementary extras, providing fans with ample behind-the-scenes content and making the disc slightly more appealing.

"Redcon-1" caters specifically to zombie genre enthusiasts, prioritizing explicit violence and gore. The film is ambitious in its scope, attempting to push creative boundaries despite evident budgetary constraints. Unfortunately, the narrative and execution fall short, resulting in a prolonged and less gratifying viewing experience. Nonetheless, the production's passion and determination are palpable, managing to accomplish modest creative feats within its limited means.

In conclusion, while "Redcon-1" offers a standard audiovisual experience on Blu-ray, its added extras can provide some value for die-hard fans. Nevertheless, the film itself may only appeal to a niche audience devoted to zombie cinema, and likely won't gain traction beyond this group. It's encouraging to see British projects receive support, but the content's overall quality leaves much to be desired.