Seventh Moon Blu-ray Review

Presented in 1080p using the AVC codec at an average bitrate of 18Mbps, the visual presentation of 'Seventh Moon' leaves much to be desired. Shot predominantly with hand-held video cameras, the film suffers from a gritty style that can be quite disorienting due to constant swaying and bobbing of the camera. The heavy film grain and ill-defined close-ups further degrade the viewing experience, compounded by a notable lack of focus during scenes featuring the undead. Black levels are inconsistent, frequently appearing weak and muddy, which hampers contrast and obliterates shadow detail, making it hard to detect finer elements in dark scenes. These issues are likely inherent to the source material, which only sporadically offers glimpses of high-definition clarity.

Technically, although the film appears to have been shot with high-definition cameras, the 1080p transfer on this Blu-ray is subpar. Contrast levels are excessively high, leading to blown-out whites which diminish resolution and fine details. Subsequently, brightness suffers, with blacks looking flat and poorly resolved throughout. While there are moments of decent definition and natural color reproduction, especially skin tones, these instances are overshadowed by overall issues in clarity and sharpness. Given that much of the film occurs during nighttime, one might expect better delineation, but that's not frequently the case here. All considered, the visual quality on this disc is markedly below what one would anticipate from a 1080p Blu-ray release.

The DTS HD-MA 5.1 audio track of "Seventh Moon" excels in creating an immersive horror atmosphere that enhances the viewer's experience. The subtlety of this track is noteworthy, with expertly separated ambient noises such as twigs snapping and footsteps approaching, which heighten the sense of tension. This precision makes the audience feel as though they are right there alongside the characters, Melissa and Yul. The music is incorporated seamlessly, remaining mostly unobtrusive yet perfectly punctuating intense moments, thereby amplifying the sense of dread that permeates the film. The dialogue balance is generally solid, though there are occasional moments where it seems slightly less pronounced; this might stem from initial recording choices rather than an issue with the mix on the disc itself.

The front soundstage is notably clear, with excellent imaging and intelligible vocals. While periods of silence are used effectively, discrete effects placed in the rear speakers significantly contribute to the creepy ambiance, enriching the overall viewing experience. Atmospheric elements such as distant crickets and ringing bells enhance the eerie mood, although some audio effects come off as overly precise or somewhat artificial. Bass frequencies are utilized effectively but remain reserved, providing impact only when truly necessary. Despite minor flaws, the lossless audio track of "Seventh Moon" is skillfully crafted and successfully serves to elevate the film’s haunting narrative.

The Blu-ray release of "Seventh Moon" offers a robust suite of extras that cater to fans of behind-the-scenes content and in-depth production insights. The included supplements, mostly presented in high definition, provide a comprehensive look into the film's creation. From detailed behind-the-scenes footage to informative commentary tracks, these features delve into various aspects of the production, such as make-up application, special effects, and folklore inspirations. The commentary track with director Ed Sanchez and actress Amy Smart is filled with intriguing anecdotes about the filming process despite occasional lulls. Collectively, these extras enhance the viewer's appreciation for the work that went into making "Seventh Moon."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion with director Ed Sanchez and star Amy Smart.
• Ghosts of Hong Kong: The Making of Seventh Moon: Behind-the-scenes footage of costumes, sets, and stunts.
• The Pale Figures: Focuses on the creation and design of the ghostly figures.
• Mysteries of the Seventh Lunar Month: A retro-styled documentary on the mythology behind the film.
• Ghost House Microvideos: Promotional clips of other Ghost House productions.
• Trailers: Includes a trailer for "Seventh Moon" and others for Lionsgate releases.

Eduardo Sanchez's "Seventh Moon" is a notable entry in the Ghost House Underground wave, bringing a gripping infusion of Chinese mythology to the horror genre. Established by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, Ghost House Underground is known for its independent horror releases that often lean heavily on atmospheric tension over gore. "Seventh Moon" successfully leverages these strengths, drawing viewers into a nightmarish blend of myth and contemporary terror. The film follows newlyweds Melissa (Amy Smart) and Yul (Tim Chiou) on a honeymoon trip to China, only to become accidental participants in the Ghost Festival—a time when Hungry Ghosts roam the earth. The narrative efficiently uses disorienting camerawork and underexposed shots to maintain suspense, reminiscent of Sanchez's previous work on "The Blair Witch Project."

The efficacy of "Seventh Moon" lies heavily in its atmospheric tension and the unsettling realization of its antagonists. The ghosts are portrayed as physically formidable entities rather than ethereal specters, which adds a relentless urgency to the couple's plight. Sanchez's use of shaky-cam techniques heightens the intensity without tipping over into incoherence, ensuring that viewers are perpetually on edge. The creatures, much like the cave dwellers in "The Descent," are kept just out of full view, increasing their menace. This approach is further complemented by Amy Smart and Tim Chiou's performances, which capture a realistic sense of fear and desperation, adding depth to their characters' harrowing experience.

However, the film is not without its flaws. While the mythology enriches the plot, the narrative occasionally stumbles with underexplained events that disrupt the tension. A particular sequence following an early car breakdown feels disjointed and leaves unanswered questions that undermine the film's cohesion. Despite these shortcomings, Sanchez's direction largely succeeds in maintaining suspense and leveraging traditional lore to craft a unique horror experience. Overall, "Seventh Moon" stands out for its atmospheric storytelling and inventive use of mythological elements, offering a refreshing alternative in a genre crowded with formulaic gore fests.

"Seventh Moon" Blu-ray Review:

"Seventh Moon," directed by Eduardo Sanchez, is a captivating horror film that plunges into the realm of Hungry Ghosts, delivering a mix of chilling and bizarre moments. The Blu-ray release, however, falls short in technical presentation. The picture quality is notably subpar, detracting from the immersive experience that the eerie narrative seeks to establish. Despite the visual shortcomings, the audio quality is commendable, effectively amplifying the movie’s suspenseful atmosphere and adding depth to the haunting storyline.

The supplemental package on the Blu-ray offers a modest selection of bonus features that, while not extensive, provide some entertaining insights into the film’s production and background lore. The special features may not be groundbreaking but they do add value to the overall package for fans of the genre. The unevenness in visual and audio quality poses a dilemma for potential buyers, particularly when considering the overall longevity of multiple viewings.

Despite its intriguing plot and moments of genuine terror, "Seventh Moon" struggles to justify a permanent spot in one's Blu-ray collection due to its flawed technical presentation. The film is certainly worth a watch, especially for horror aficionados or those interested in folklore-inspired stories. Therefore, it is recommended to rent "Seventh Moon" for an initial viewing and perhaps hold off on purchasing until a more favorable price point becomes available.

Despite my enjoyment of the film, I'm having a rough time deciding whether it's a worthy recommendation on the Blu-ray format. On the one hand, you have a suspenseful film that's easy to recommend for a single viewing. But on the other hand, the sketchy visual presentation and several glaring plot holes will definitely become more noticeable on multiple viewings. As such, I'd give this an easy recommendation as a rental, but suggest you hold off on a purchase until the price is right.