Poltergeist Blu-ray Review

"Poltergeist" on Blu-ray, presented by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and MGM, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Captured using Arri Alexa cameras, the image maintains a sleek and refined quality characteristic of these high-end cameras. Detail is exquisite, showcasing fine elements such as pores, hairs, and environmental textures with remarkable clarity. While some interior scenes exhibit a harsh blue hue reflecting static television light, and a brief hint of buttery yellow in certain shots, these instances do not detract from overall visual quality. Shadow detail is generally well delineated, though some murkiness appears in the second half, likely by design. CGI effects, including depictions of ghouls, exhibit intentional soft edges adding to the atmospheric gauziness.

The video presentation is further enhanced with impressive color accuracy and depth. Although initially muted to fit the film's eerie tone, the spectrum explodes vividly in sequences portraying the spirit world, offering an ample array of dazzling colors. The black levels are deep and inky, amplifying the tension and darker scenes effectively, with no signs of crushing or banding. Skin tones remain lifelike, transitioning faithfully depending on narrative context. Overall, the transfer enables a solid cinematic experience devoid of artifacts or noise, keeping the horror elements sharp and engaging throughout.

With its precise 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode, "Poltergeist" achieves near-reference quality visuals. The depth of field is particularly striking, especially in scenes within the spirit world that highlight exceptional detail and dimensionality. This Blu-ray release exemplifies high-quality video standards; providing dark, yet crisply defined imagery augmented by vibrant color reproduction when narrative demands. This intricate balance between fine detail, shadow depth, and color dynamics makes "Poltergeist" a visually outstanding offering.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Poltergeist" stands out for its exceptional use of a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix. Right from the opening credits, the mix is an aggressive display of forceful low-frequency effects (LFE) and intricately placed surround sound activity. The sound design excels with moments like the haunting rustling of leaves around the Bowens' iconic tree, and other supernatural effects. The audio includes spine-chilling sounds such as clown dolls' footsteps seamlessly moving around the room. The dynamic range is extensive, ensuring that everything from subtle ambient noises to intense sound effects is clearly defined.

The multidirectional soundscape is another highlight, providing an immersive auditory experience that expertly utilizes all seven channels. Environmental effects like wind, thunder, and buzzing power lines are vividly portrayed, creating a deeply atmospheric setting. Special effects often leverage LFE for added impact, from understated rumbles to powerful bursts. The vocal tracks are well-mixed, ensuring dialogue remains clear and intelligible despite the surrounding chaos of sound effects and a dynamically distributed musical score.

Multiple audio format options are available, including English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and various Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 tracks in several languages, ensuring a tailored acoustic experience for a diverse audience. Dialogue reproduction is consistently loud and clear, effectively maintaining presence even against the film’s dazzling array of effects. Whether you seek eerie silence or immersive loudness, "Poltergeist's" audio will impress horror enthusiasts with its meticulously balanced and energetic presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Poltergeist" delivers an engaging array of extras that provide a deeper insight into the film’s production and alternate storytelling possibilities. The standout feature is the alternate ending, which, despite its brevity and minimal added footage (only one minute of new content), offers an intriguing contrast to the theatrical conclusion. The extended cut of the film adds valuable context, particularly enhancing the tension in the beginning sequences. The photo gallery includes manual- and auto-advance options, making it easy to navigate through a concise collection of 12 production stills. Additionally, two theatrical trailers provide nostalgic promotional insights. The package is rounded out with sneak peeks for related horror content such as 'American Horror Story' and 'The Lazarus Effect,' ensuring a well-rounded viewing experience for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Ending: Briefly explores an unused conclusion with one minute of new footage.
• Photo Gallery: Twelve production stills with manual or auto-advance options.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two full-length trailers from the original release.
• Sneak Peek: Includes previews for 'American Horror Story' and 'The Lazarus Effect.'

The 2015 reboot of "Poltergeist," directed by Gil Kenan and produced by Sam Raimi, revisits the narrative established by the seminal 1982 horror film. Despite the high expectations, significant updating or reinventing the storyline to induce genuine terror seems to fall short. The Bowen family, now headed by Eric (Sam Rockwell) and Amy (Rosemarie DeWitt), experiences eerie disturbances upon moving into their newly purchased suburban home. The children’s reactions range from obliviousness to paranoia, particularly Griffin (Kyle Catlett), whose fears of the supernatural activities are dismissed by their parents. The opening sequences attempt to build a sense of dread but are marked by a lack of palpable fear, echoing criticisms of the film's inability to deeply engage its audience beyond superficial scares.

Notably, Kenan’s adaptation retains core elements of the original plot, with some modern alterations. Special effects have seen a considerable upgrade, featuring visually compelling CGI, yet they do not significantly elevate the scare factor. The incorporation of contemporary ghost-hunting television personalities introduces a modern twist but lacks the eerie charm and subtlety of the original characters, such as Zelda Rubinstein's iconic role. The film’s two major set pieces offer strong visual spectacles; however, they fail to sustain the suspenseful momentum necessary for a compelling horror experience. The reliance on familiar tropes and predictable outcomes further diminishes its impact.

The character development and performances vary, with Rockwell and DeWitt somewhat underutilized in pivotal moments. Instead, the focus unexpectedly shifts towards Griffin's heroics, which adds a layer of predictability to the plot progression. Despite occasional moments of tension and some engaging special effects, the remake struggles to evoke the same sense of wonder and fear that defined its predecessor. Overall, while "Poltergeist" (2015) is competent in execution, it remains an exercise in nostalgia rather than a reinvention, offering more visual flair than substantive horror.

The "Poltergeist" Blu-ray invites a range of reactions, with the film attempting to strike a balance between honoring the original and introducing its own modern twist. For fans open to a contemporary rendition, this remake produced by Sam Raimi offers a fresh perspective, albeit not one that dramatically diverges from the original story. The casting is mixed; while Kennedi Clements delivers a charming performance as Madison, Kyle Catlett’s portrayal of Griffin feels overdone at times, and the interaction between Jared Harris and Jane Adams falls flat. Yet, despite these shortfalls, special effects enthusiasts might find enough in the elaborate set pieces to make it a visually stimulating experience.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presentation of "Poltergeist" is impressive, boasting near-perfect video quality and an outstanding 7.1 lossless audio mix that could serve as a showcase for home theater systems. This high standard in audiovisual delivery significantly enhances the cinematic experience, even if the film itself fails to elicit the same level of engagement or dread that fans may expect. However, the notable lack of supplementary features on the Blu-ray may disappoint those hoping for additional insight or behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, this remake of "Poltergeist" may not reach the chilling heights of its predecessor and suffers from some uninspiring performances and a formulaic script. Nevertheless, it provides solid entertainment value, particularly in its technical execution. Fans able to view it independently of the 1982 classic might find it a worthwhile experience for its updated take on the story and strong production quality. However, those seeking new thrills or depth comparable to the original might find themselves underwhelmed.