Grace Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Grace" delivers a fair 1080p, 2.35:1-framed transfer that effectively captures the film’s intentional visual design choices, though it comes with certain technical limitations. It employs a cooler color palette that purposefully mutes colors and flattens flesh tones to emphasize its dark thematic elements. Exterior scenes exhibit better resolution, showcasing fair long-range acuity and object detail, while interior sequences set within Madeline’s house feature softer elements that lack fine delineation. Occasionally, close-ups offer improved definition and sharpness, albeit not consistently.

However, there are noticeable drawbacks. The most prominent issue is the prevalent noise, particularly in solid-colored and dark backgrounds, with some scenes appearing abuzz with graininess. An overall artificial brightness results in washed-out fine details and gives the image a somewhat flat and lifeless appearance. Shadow detail varies, showing degrees of visible structure in dark backgrounds, and blacks exhibit good depth with gradational stages. The transfer suffers from minor posterization and noisy backgrounds, but the impact is generally negligible. Instances of blocking and banding are visible but not excessively distracting. Ultimately, while the presentation achieves the filmmaker's intended look, it doesn’t quite match the visual polish seen in more exemplary Blu-ray discs.

The Blu-ray release of "Grace" features a solid PCM 5.1 uncompressed soundtrack that elevates the film's atmospheric and haunting qualities. The audio immediately immerses the listener with a subtle yet realistic presentation, starting with light mood music in the background during the scenes at the independent clinic. This carefully placed ambient sound enhances the realism and situates the audience within the film’s environments. The action becomes sonically compelling in chapter five, where Grace's birth is portrayed with a powerful drum beat that intensifies sharply, culminating in a thunderous bass crescendo. This moment manages to deliver a nearly tangible auditory impact.

Further highlighting the meticulous sound design, the buzzing fly in chapter seven seamlessly moves across the soundstage, creating an almost lifelike presence as it darts from one corner to another. This effect underscores the high-quality surround sound capabilities of the PCM 5.1 track. Despite being generally reserved, the soundtrack effectively utilizes the back channels to enhance pivotal scenes, offering a fair atmosphere and precise spatial audio placement. Dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout the film, contributing to an engaging auditory experience.

Overall, the uncompressed sound mix for "Grace" is impressive, particularly in its ability to heighten specific scenes while maintaining an understated presence when appropriate. Although it does not feature the bombastic effects often found in action or big-budget horror films, its nuanced and well-utilized audio elements make for a compelling and immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Grace" impresses with an extensive collection of special features that delve deeply into the intricate production process. This comprehensive package includes two insightful commentary tracks. The first, exclusive to Blu-ray, features Director Paul Solet and Actor Jordan Ladd, blending informal anecdotes with informative discussions on various filming details. The second track engages Solet along with Producer Adam Green and Cinematographer Zoran Popovic later in the session, offering a more technically focused commentary. In addition to the commentaries, several documentaries and featurettes provide an immersive behind-the-scenes look at different aspects of the film, from its Sundance debut to production design and scoring.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Paul Solet & Jordan Ladd: Lighthearted and informative track exclusive to Blu-ray.
• Audio Commentary featuring Paul Solet, Adam Green, Zoran Popovic: Technical and insider-focused discussion.
• Grace at Sundance: Documentary on the film's premiere and reception at Sundance.
• Grace: Conception: Featurette on the scriptwriting process.
• Grace: Delivered: Behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the production process.
• Grace: Family: Examination of what sets the film apart within the horror genre.
• Her Mother's Eyes: The Look of Grace: Featurette on production design and photographic style.
• Lullaby: Scoring Grace: Documentary featuring Composer Austin Wintory discussing the film’s score.
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer for "Grace."

"Grace" is a harrowing entry in the horror genre, masterfully playing on the implicit terror of its unsettling premise. The film centers on Madeline Matheson (Jordan Ladd), a woman who, after a tragic accident and subsequent stillbirth, miraculously revives her baby, Grace. However, the miracle is double-edged; Grace is not an ordinary infant but one with an insatiable thirst for blood. This plotline drives a chilling narrative that departs from conventional horror tactics. Instead of relying on gore or jump scares, "Grace" thrives on building an oppressive atmosphere that climaxes into sheer horror.

The film's approach to its sensitive subject matter is as unique as it is disturbing. Rather than immersing the viewer in a dark, foreboding world, "Grace" uses bright and cheerful environments to create a jarring dichotomy with its morbid storyline. This choice accentuates the unnerving progression of the plot, keeping viewers perpetually uneasy. The disturbing nature of Madeline's descent into madness as she strives to satisfy Grace's grotesque needs is palpable and unsettling. The horror isn't confined to visceral imagery but permeates through the psychological torture Madeline endures, an experience that is intentionally uncomfortable and deeply affecting.

Character development is another pillar of "Grace's" unsettling impact. The film's nuanced portrayal of characters avoids simplistic labels of heroism and villainy, presenting a morally ambiguous landscape that keeps viewers guessing. This ambiguity only heightens the film’s sense of unease, making each choice by the characters feel weighty and consequential. By eschewing clear moral binaries, "Grace" demands viewers confront the complex ethical quagmire the characters find themselves in, a narrative decision that enriches its disturbing atmosphere and ensures it lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

The film "Grace" stands out in the horror genre, diverging from shock value and gore to focus on creating a profoundly disturbing atmosphere. It achieves a rare balance by being thought-provoking and emotionally unsettling, transcending the conventional boundaries of modern horror. The narrative is highly effective in engaging audiences on multiple levels, eliciting a visceral response while leaving a lasting impression on the mind long after viewing. This level of intellectual and emotional engagement positions "Grace" as a noteworthy addition to the genre.

The Blu-ray release of "Grace" from Starz is commendable for its technical quality, despite the transfer not being the absolute best available in the market. The high-definition presentation is robust enough to support the film's intricate atmosphere. Notably, the PCM uncompressed soundtrack is a significant highlight, delivering an immersive audio experience that enhances the film's unsettling mood. Additionally, the disc includes an impressive array of high-quality bonus features, adding substantial value for collectors and horror enthusiasts alike.

While "Grace" may not be suitable for pregnant women or mothers of young children due to its intense themes, it remains an essential watch for fans of horror looking for something more intellectually and emotionally engaging. The film's ability to evoke deep discomfort while compelling viewers to think critically about its content truly embodies the essence of horror filmmaking. The technical achievements of the Blu-ray release make this presentation worthy of high recommendation.