Ravenous Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Ravenous," presented by Scream Factory with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, yields a mixed visual experience that will likely leave dedicated fans wanting more. This high-definition transfer appears to have been sourced from an older master provided by 20th Century Fox, manifesting in a generally soft image exacerbated by some inherent focus issues. Colors occasionally achieve impressive saturation, particularly in scenes of blood and gore, but the overall picture is marred by frequent instances of artificial sharpening, generating distracting halos and ringing effects. The video presentation is further compromised by visible dust and minor anomalies such as small slashes of light.

Black levels exhibit variability; although they can appear solid, they often reach the point of crush, resulting in a loss of shadow detail. The contrast remains decent but leans towards the lower end of the greyscale, rendering the picture somewhat flat and dull while whites tend to bloom during outdoor snowy scenes. The detail in the picture fluctuates; while there are moments of sharpness and clarity, other sequences are blurred or smudgy, likely due to excessive denoising. Fine grain is evident, particularly in outdoor settings, yet the film also suffers from an overly smooth appearance suggesting heavy digital noise reduction.

Flesh tones are generally consistent but can vary in detail depending on the scene. While there is an appreciable layer of grain that adds to the filmic look, compression artifacts intermittently intrude on darker scenes. Despite these issues, there are intervals where the high-definition presentation captures substantial detail, especially in facial features. Overall, the visual presentation of "Ravenous" is average for a film of its era, though it doesn't quite meet modern high-definition standards.

The audio presentation of "Ravenous" on Blu-ray offers both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, delivering high fidelity and clarity, particularly with the distinctive, roots-based score by Michael Nyman and Damon Albarn. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly across both tracks, contributing to an immersive experience. The 5.1 track effectively utilizes the surround sound field, creating a compelling spatial sense during sequences like the foraging through the forest where environmental effects such as snow crunching and river sounds envelop the listener. Dynamic range is notably wide in most instances, though it does exhibit some minor inconsistencies.

Despite these strengths, there are areas where the audio presentation could be improved. Though vocals are typically stable, occasional fluctuations in decibel levels can make some dialogue harder to discern when overlaid with the score. Additionally, the dynamic range sometimes feels flat, with infrequent excursions into the upper frequencies potentially bringing slight distortions. Lower frequencies are emphasized, occasionally more than necessary, which might detract from the natural feel of the audio. The rear channels are underutilized, only sporadically engaging, primarily when elements of the score bleed into them.

Overall, while the audio quality of this release surpasses that of the DVD version with clean dialogue and an immersive 5.1 track, there remains room for enhancement. Low-frequency effects like gunshots and scuffles are impactful yet balanced. Surround sound provides effective ambiance during mountain travels and hallucinatory scenes but lacks consistent rear channel engagement. Despite these minor drawbacks, the blend of dialogue, score, and environmental effects generally succeeds in creating an engaging auditory tapestry that complements the film well.

The extras in the Blu-ray edition of "Ravenous" present a thorough and varied collection. Although some content is ported from previous releases, director Antonia Bird's commentary alongside composer Damon Albarn stands out, offering fascinating insights into the film’s production and scoring process. The conversation between screenwriter Ted Griffin and actor Jeffrey Jones, while somewhat sporadic, contains valuable on-set anecdotes and script discussions. Unfortunately, the commentary by Robert Carlyle is less engaging due to extensive silences and his thick brogue. The inclusion of deleted scenes, an interview with Jeffrey Jones, and other standard extras like trailers and photo galleries enrich the release further. Overall, the supplemental materials provide a deeper appreciation of the film’s creative process, albeit with some inconsistency in commentary quality.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Antonia Bird and Composer Damon Albarn: Detailed production insights and score commentary.
• Audio Commentary with Screenwriter Ted Griffin and Actor Jeffrey Jones: On-set anecdotes and script discussions.
• Audio Commentary with Actor Robert Carlyle: Sparse comments hindered by thick brogue.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Antonia Bird: Director discusses cut scenes.
• Interview with Jeffrey Jones: Discusses film’s wider implications.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.
• TV Spot: Promotional TV clip.
• Photo Gallery: Costume and production design images.
• Music and Effects Track: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track featuring music and sound effects.

Antonia Bird's "Ravenous" stands out as a unique entry into the horror genre, skillfully blending elements of historical narrative and cannibalistic terror. The film opens with Captain John Boyd (Guy Pearce) being exiled to the remote Fort Spencer in the Sierra Nevadas after an act of cowardice. His arrival coincides with a harrowing story from Colqhoun (Robert Carlyle), who details his descent into cannibalism when stranded in the mountains. Boyd’s commanding officer, Colonel Hart (Jeffrey Jones), leads a rescue mission despite warnings about the Wendigo myth, which suggests cannibalism bestows supernatural strength. These foundations set up a morbid and gripping exploration into human savagery.

What elevates "Ravenous" is its depth of subtext and character development. The film cleverly integrates elements from the Donner Party and Alferd Packer's true stories, merged with Native American folklore. Ted Griffin’s screenplay touches on themes of manifest destiny and America’s voracious consumption of resources, manifesting in both literal and metaphorical cannibalism. The performances are stellar, especially from Pearce and Carlyle, who bring complexities to their roles that straddle between horror, dark comedy, and psychological thriller. The film’s tension is masterfully built with Antonia Bird's direction paired with Anthony B. Richmond's stark cinematography and a memorably eerie score by Michael Nyman and Damon Albarn.

Despite being overlooked upon its initial release, "Ravenous" has aged remarkably well and offers much for contemporary horror aficionados. Its limited use of graphic violence, focusing more on psychological horror and dark humor, allows viewers’ imaginations to paint the gory details, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere. The cast, including Neal McDonough and Jeffrey Jones, provide excellent support, embracing the darkly comedic undertones with relish. Bird’s nuanced pacing, coupled with practical effects over CGI, gives the film an authenticity that modern movies often lack. This hidden gem is a must-watch for fans looking for something both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling in the horror genre.

"Ravenous" is a unique addition to the cannibal subgenre, offering a delightfully stylish, wickedly fun, and ironically gruesome cinematic experience. The narrative, crafted by Griffin, includes two particularly notable surprises that add depth to this criminally underrated gem starring Guy Pearce, Robert Carlyle, and Jeffrey Jones. The performances are commendable, with Bird delivering sharp and focused direction despite the film's occasionally odd tone, which can be expected given its subject matter.

The Blu-ray release by Shout Factory, while eagerly anticipated by fans, presents a mixed bag. The picture quality stands as slightly above average but falls short for those utilizing larger screens or projectors, leaving the visuals softer than desired for high-definition standards. Audio-wise, it performs adequately but doesn't significantly elevate the overall viewing experience. Special features include multiple commentaries and a noteworthy interview with Jeffrey Jones, which add value for collectors and fans of the film.

In conclusion, despite the less-than-stellar high-definition presentation, "Ravenous" on Blu-ray still represents the best version of the film available to date. While it may not fully justify the retail price due to its technical shortcomings, the additional content and the cult status of the film make it a noteworthy consideration for enthusiasts and collectors. It’s recommended to await a price drop, but for die-hard fans, it’s worth adding to the collection for its uniqueness and engaging story.