Red State Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Red State" benefits greatly from its high-definition 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer, displayed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Having been shot with the esteemed Red Camera, the video quality exhibits a digital clarity that might initially seem jarring due to its nearly textureless facade, a hallmark of Red Camera productions. The film's deliberate approach to color and lighting showcases scenes with heightened contrast and a slight desaturation, lending an eerie atmosphere to the compound's interiors where light streams through windows, sacrificing some detail for an effulgent glow. Despite these stylistic choices, the transfer retains exceptional detail, with standout moments of visual acuity especially in the action-packed latter half of the film.

Notably, the film bears a low-budget aesthetic that belies its technical proficiency. While most of the movie retains a clean digital source devoid of noise or compression artifacts, there's a gritty quality present, achieved through washed-out colors and a documentary-style shakiness that adds rawness and depth. This is complemented by solid black levels and accurate colors, although they're intentionally altered to fit the film's mood—blood reds appear more rust-brown, and some skin tones are shifted towards brown-yellow. Minor issues like sporadic shimmering and slight aliasing are evident but do not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

In summary, "Red State" on Blu-ray delivers a visually striking image that harmonizes well with its thematic content. The filmmakers' adept use of high-definition cameras, combined with strategic color filtering and lighting choices, results in a video presentation that is both pristine and stylistically unique. The intentional aesthetic decisions—ranging from the slightly overexposed look to the documentary feel—enhance the film's gritty, unsettling vibe without compromising on detail or clarity.

The audio presentation of "Red State" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, showcases an audibly impressive soundscape that is undoubtedly a standout in Smith's filmography. The mix, supplemented with optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles, begins with a subtle but immersive experience. Early scenes, such as Travis and his mother navigating past protestors, are marked by an ambient sound design that gently envelops the viewer, setting a deceptively calm stage before the ensuing chaos. This nuanced start, with its directional dialogue and ambient sounds, meticulously builds an atmosphere of suspense with its meticulously crafted quiet before the storm.

As the narrative escalates into its more intense sequences, the audio design brilliantly transitions into a powerful and dynamic beast. The listener is thrust into the heart of the action through expertly crafted sound effects, including realistic gunfire and the resounding tuba mirum finale that both demonstrate a remarkable use of the LFE channel. These elements are complemented by a superb dynamic range and fidelity that ensures dialogue remains crystal clear and well-prioritized amidst the chaos. The film's soundfield expands dramatically during these moments, offering an engaging and enveloping audio experience that is as precise in its quiet moments as it is explosive during its climaxes.

Notably, the audio mix excels in balancing both spectrums of its sound design. From the creeping, unsettling ambiance of the film's quieter first half to the aggressive auditory onslaught of its latter sections, the mix maintains an impeccable clarity and balance. Details such as directional speech, rear channel activity during action-packed sequences, and the seamless integration of various sound elements contribute to a uniquely immersive auditory experience. Despite some minor challenges in character delivery, the overall presentation highlights the technical prowess behind the film's audio production, ensuring that each sonic detail, from whisper-quiet tensions to booming confrontations, is captured with precision and depth.

The 'Red State' Blu Ray extras offer a comprehensive look into the making, discussion, and aftermath of the film, offering fans and newcomers a deep dive into its creation. From the detailed 'Making of Red State,' featuring interviews with key cast members and Kevin Smith's own reflections, to the unique SModcast Commentaries which play over scenes from the film, providing insight and anecdotes that enrich the viewing experience. Deleted Scenes offer a glimpse into what might have been, with intriguing cuts like the original Sundance ending and extended sermons. 'The Sundance Speech' delves into Smith’s controversial distribution strategy, celebrating his indie spirit. Meanwhile, 'A Conversation with Michael Parks' gives a profound look at one of the film’s pivotal characters. Each extra is presented in high definition, ensuring a quality experience for viewers. The inclusion of Poster Gallery and Trailers adds aesthetic appreciation and promotional context to round out a well-loaded Blu-Ray extras section.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Red State: A detailed documentary featuring cast interviews and Kevin Smith's commentary.
• Smodcast Commentaries: An assortment of Q&As covering various topics related to the film.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes removed from the final cut, complete with introductions by Smith.
• The Sundance Speech: Smith's full speech from Sundance discussing his decision on film distribution.
• A Conversation with Michael Parks: An in-depth interview with Michael Parks about his role and experiences.
• Poster Gallery: A showcase of nine character posters introduced by Kevin Smith.
• Trailers: The teaser and theatrical trailers for 'Red State', introduced by Smith.

Kevin Smith takes a daring, unusual step away from his comedic roots with "Red State," a film that intertwines horror, action, and dark satire into a gritty and provocative narrative. Centered around a trio of teenagers lured into the sinister world of extreme religious fanaticism, the movie defies expectations, oscillating between moments of humor, horror, and intense action. Michael Parks delivers a compelling performance as Pastor Abin Cooper, leading an eclectic cast that manages to bring depth to this unsettling exploration of belief and extremism. Despite the film's somewhat disjointed journey across genres and its occasionally uneven pacing, the performances anchor it firmly in a space worth exploring for fans and newcomers to Smith's work alike.

"Red State" represents a significant departure for Smith, showcasing his ability to craft visually compelling storytelling with a more dynamic and engaging approach than his traditionally dialogue-driven oeuvre. Utilizing the RED camera and Canon DSLR technology, Smith, alongside director of photography David Klein, adopts a raw, almost vérité style that amplifies the film's tension and claustrophobia. This new visual direction complements the film’s chaotic narrative, marked by sharp shootouts and an atmosphere tinged with a 70s grindhouse aesthetic, without fully tipping into over-the-top territory. However, the overall impact is somewhat diluted by a lack of character development and a narrative that could benefit from tighter focus on its central themes. Despite these shortcomings, "Red State" succeeds in presenting a horrifying reflection on fanaticism and extremism, making it a unique, albeit flawed, entry in Smith's filmography.

At its core, "Red State" challenges genre conventions and audience expectations, blurring the lines between horror, satire, and action in ways that are both intriguing and frustrating. The film's ambitious scope – tackling themes of religion, politics, and societal fear – occasionally overshadows its execution, leaving some ideas underexplored. Yet, this ambition also serves as one of the movie's strengths, offering a cinematic experience that provokes thought and discomfort in equal measure. While it may not achieve all it sets out to do, "Red State" is undeniably a Kevin Smith film: bold, unapologetic, and relentlessly engaging, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking cinema that dares to venture into uncharted territories.

Red State," Kevin Smith's foray into the horror genre, presents an intriguing yet polarizing experience that teeters between shock, humor, and downright perplexity. The film diverges significantly from Smith's typical comedic undertones, venturing into a domain that is both eerie and contentious. Despite its ambitious attempt to blend disturbing thematic elements with Smith's signature style, "Red State" struggles to achieve a harmonious balance, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed at times. The unevenness of the plot, coupled with an abrupt ending, has left audiences and longtime fans of Smith's work divided. However, it's undeniable that the film showcases powerful performances from its cast, elevating the material with their compelling portrayals.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "Red State" impresses with superior video and audio quality that enhances the viewing experience. While a traditional commentary track is absent, the disc compensates with a rich selection of supplements that provide insightful context and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Smith himself. These features add substantial value to the Blu-ray, making it a desirable acquisition for those intrigued by the film's unique place within Smith's oeuvre. Fans of gritty horror and action might find much to appreciate here, despite the narrative's inconsistencies.

In conclusion, "Red State" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to Kevin Smith's adventurous, albeit uneven, venture into horror. While the film itself might not resonate with all viewers due to its clunky execution and peculiar tone, the Blu-ray release merits recognition for its high-quality presentation and comprehensive supplementary content. It comes recommended for those willing to explore this atypical offering from Smith with an open mind and, perhaps, a bit of patience for its more unconventional aspects.