Carrie Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Carrie" in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 format exhibits a meticulously crafted image that combines the crisp sharpness of digital cinema with a subtle filmic texture. Shot with the Arri Alexa and processed on a 2K digital intermediate, this 2.35:1 aspect ratio transfer delivers a vibrant and varied color palette. The stark visual aesthetic is matched by a deliberate use of muted secondary colors within Carrie's home, contrasted against the strikingly bright primary colors of the outside world. The overall resolution affords well-delineated close-ups and sufficiently sharp long-range visuals, although it occasionally falls short when compared to 4K content. Fine details are impeccably rendered—unruly hair strands, pores, and fabric textures are all clearly visible. This exceptional level of detail enhances the film's narrative, making small but significant elements like Carrie's evolving hairstyle and the immaculate interior of Margaret's car notably impactful.

Nighttime sequences and darker scenes are competently managed, with deep, inky black levels that maintain visibility without succumbing to all-consuming shadows. This is crucial in the final acts of the film where nuanced depiction of blacks elevates the atmospheric tension. Whites are carefully balanced; the prom sequence’s bright lights and fire scenes never appear overstated, maintaining clarity without sacrificing intensity. The disc’s healthy bitrate of approximately 28 Mbps ensures that compression artifacts, aliasing, and banding are entirely absent.

The video quality of "Carrie" Blu-ray is uniformly excellent with no visible blemishes or noise, delivering a visually compelling experience that aligns perfectly with the film's dark themes. Rich details and color accuracy elevate this release to a commendable high-definition presentation, despite its 2K source limitations.

The audio presentation of "Carrie" on Blu-ray is exceptionally well-executed, showcasing a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that immerses the viewer deeply into the film's supernatural and emotional dynamics. The mix effectively utilizes the entire sound field, enhancing the narrative with dynamic environmental sounds and robust bass that support the thematic elements of the story. Notable scenes, such as Carrie’s telekinetic episodes and the climactic prom scene, are rendered with impressive clarity and depth. The surround mix excels in handling both subtle and overt sound cues, from ambient noises like locker chatter and footsteps to the explosive sound effects during scenes of telekinetic fury. The dialogue remains clear and prominently placed within the front soundstage, ensuring that every bit of character interaction is heard with pristine clarity.

The film’s score by Marco Beltrami enriches the listening experience, with its spooky undertones augmenting the tension and atmosphere. The bass extension is deep and solid, effectively complementing the supernatural elements of the film. This meticulous sound design ensures even the quietest of Julianne Moore’s eerie prayers and mutterings are perfectly audible, maintaining a high level of intelligibility throughout. Additionally, the sound editing during action-heavy sequences fills the surround field with a symphony of crashes, flames, electrical charges, and human terror, providing an auditory experience that is both intense and captivating. Selectable Spanish and French Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks are also available, catering to a broader audience.

In conclusion, this audio track is well-crafted and leverages technical elements to enhance the viewer’s experience drastically. The powerful score, detailed environmental sounds, and aggressive use of the subwoofer create an engaging and immersive audio landscape that punctuates Carrie’s journey from oppression to vengeance. Whether it’s the subtle creaks of a house or the full-blown chaos of a telekinetic rampage, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix ensures that every detail is heard clearly and compellingly.

The Blu-ray release of "Carrie" boasts an array of compelling extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience. Key highlights include an insightful commentary by director Kimberly Peirce, which delves into filming techniques, themes, and actor performances, though it may not uncover new layers to the film. Additional features such as the making-of documentary "Creating Carrie" and over an hour of deleted and alternate scenes, complete with optional commentary, provide an in-depth look behind the scenes. Noteworthy inclusions like the unique "Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise" viral video and details about the practical and CG effects used in the film, including over a thousand gallons of fake blood, reflect the thoroughness of the supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Kimberly Pierce: Analysis and insights into filming techniques, themes, and performances.
• Alternate Ending: View the theatrical cut with a different ending option.
• Deleted/Alternate Scenes (w/optional commentary): Nine extended scenes providing additional context.
  • Hail
  • Chris and Tina Kiss
  • Billy's Wild Ride
  • Carrie Levitates Margaret
  • Drive to Pig Farm
  • Carrie and Tommy Kiss
  • Billy Kisses Chris
  • Margaret Cuts Herself
  • Tina on Fire
• Tina on Fire Stunt Double Dailies (w/optional commentary): Real fire stunt footage.
• Creating Carrie: Making-of documentary with insights from cast and crew.
• The Power of Telekinesis: Perspectives from production on portraying telekinesis.
• Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise: Viral PR stunt in a New York coffee shop.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Sneak Peak: Trailers for related films and series.

Kimberly Peirce's 2013 remake of "Carrie," based on Stephen King's iconic novel, presents a modernized take that attempts to infuse the story with contemporary social relevance, particularly focusing on themes like bullying and mother-daughter dynamics. While Peirce's version introduces elements such as cyberbullying and gives a more sympathetic portrayal of Margaret White (Julianne Moore), it struggles with creating the same unsettling aura as Brian De Palma's 1976 adaptation. Chloë Grace Moretz’s Carrie is portrayed not as a passive victim but as an empowered, vengeful figure who actively practices her telekinetic powers. This strong characterization, however, shifts the film closer to a superhero origin story, a departure from the original's more nuanced exploration of Carrie's naivety and discovery of her powers.

The film stays reasonably true to the novel and the original movie, delivering key plot points like Carrie’s disastrous prom night with precision. Moretz’s interpretation of Carrie, unlike Sissy Spacek’s dreamy and surprised reaction to her powers, reflects a deliberate and focused application of her abilities, especially poignant during the climax. Julianne Moore brings a deeply unsettling, almost pitiful dimension to the character of Margaret White, contrasting Piper Laurie’s more terrifying and grotesque original portrayal. This portrayal adds layers of psychological complexity to the mother-daughter relationship but struggles to fully replace the chilling horror essence of De Palma’s version.

Overall, this adaptation provides a fresh spin for younger audiences unfamiliar with the original, effectively blending modern concerns with classical horror elements. However, while the film hits all the essential beats and includes solid performances and updated special effects, it fails to get under the viewer's skin in the way De Palma’s 1976 version so effectively did. For those versed in the original's haunting charm, Peirce’s take may feel more like a safe reiteration than a daring reimagining, leaving die-hard fans yearning for that unmatched blend of psychological and supernatural horror.

Kimberly Peirce’s "Carrie," a modern remake of Brian De Palma’s iconic 1976 film, has garnered mixed reactions. While it may never live up to the expectations of those intimately familiar with De Palma's original, it offers a fresh perspective and enhanced relevance for contemporary audiences. Peirce’s rendition boasts commendable video and audio quality on the Blu-ray release, with high-definition visuals that highlight the film’s modern aesthetic and polished special effects. The performances of Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore, along with the updated narrative context, lend the film a contemporary appeal that younger viewers might find more relatable.

The Blu-ray edition also excels technically, providing a robust audio and video experience that satisfies home theater enthusiasts. It features a number of special additions, such as director commentary, alternate scenes, and an alternate ending, which offer valuable insights and extended entertainment. These extras make the purchase worthwhile for both new viewers and long-time fans of the horror genre. The disc's strong technical performance ensures that the film’s suspenseful moments and visually dynamic scenes are fully realized.

However, opinions about the necessity of this remake remain divided. For purists who hold the original in high regard, Peirce’s version may feel like a safe, albeit well-crafted, retelling. But for those less acquainted with De Palma's version, this contemporary "Carrie" can stand as an iconic film in its own right, achieving a balance between homage and innovation.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of Kimberly Peirce’s "Carrie" delivers a solid home viewing experience complemented by high-quality audio and visual presentation. While it may never reach the cult status of Brian De Palma’s classic for some fans, its modern take and additional features make it a valuable offering for newcomers and horror aficionados alike. This release is recommended depending on your level of interest in seeing a contemporary adaptation of a well-known story.