The Last Exorcism Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Last Exorcism" from Lionsgate features an AVC encoded 1080p 1.78:1 image, which aligns closely with its lo-fi aesthetic roots. Similar to early found-footage films like "The Blair Witch Project", this presentation doesn't strive for immaculate clarity. The intention behind the director and DP Zoltan Honti’s choice is evident as the film runs a gamut from controlled, well-lit scenarios in the Marcus home and church, where colors and fine details pop vividly, to darker, grain-ridden scenes at the Sweetzer Farm, emphasizing the intended murky atmosphere.

While daytime scenes reveal excellent detail levels with crisp colors and natural skin tones, night scenes suffer from noticeable grain, fuzziness, and reduced contrast. This night-time graininess coupled with occasional blurring and softness illustrates the filmmakers' desire to create a more immersive, raw viewing experience. Additionally, there are instances of slight banding, crush, and exterior oversaturation that impact overall image fidelity. Nevertheless, these characteristics appear inherent to the source material rather than the Blu-ray encoding itself.

In summary, while not providing a traditionally sharp hi-def experience, "The Last Exorcism" on Blu-ray is an apt visual representation of its source material. This release delivers a specific aesthetic true to the director's vision, with vibrant day scenes contrasted by intentionally subdued and grainy night shots. Fans should appreciate the authenticity of the presentation despite it not reaching the upper tiers of pristine Blu-ray video quality.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix of "The Last Exorcism" delivers an impressively immersive auditory experience, enhancing the film's tension and atmosphere. The sound design is particularly effective in its use of startling effects ranging from rapid breathing to sudden crashes, which significantly elevate the viewer's engagement. One of the standout aspects of this audio presentation is the restraint shown in the score, with Nathan Barr's eerie compositions often limited to brief yet impactful low-end accompaniments that heighten the unsettling mood. Throughout the film, dialogue remains clear and precise, although there are intentional instances where voices are muted or muffled to contribute to the narrative.

The mix does have its subtleties and drawbacks. The rear channels are used sparingly, which may detract from the handheld documentary feel intended by the filmmakers, occasionally pulling viewers out of the immersive experience. Despite this, the audio mix boasts strong room dynamics, exceptional localization, and powerful bass rumbles during possessed moments that punctuate the tension effectively. The attention to environmental details, such as differentiated sonic textures between indoor spaces like the echo-laden Sweetzer farmhouse and outdoor scenes, adds depth to the soundscape. While some ambient noises may obscure dialogue at times, these instances are rare and do not significantly detract from the overall impact.

The Blu-ray of "The Last Exorcism" offers a solid collection of extras, effectively balancing entertainment and informational content for fans and film enthusiasts. Key highlights include three audio commentaries—one featuring a psychologist, a deliverance minister, and a former haunting victim that provides thoughtful insights. The other two commentaries feature producers Eli Roth, Eric Newman, and Tom Bliss discussing production intricacies, and director Daniel Stamm with lead actors detailing behind-the-scenes experiences. "The Devil You Know" is a comprehensive making-of featurette, while "Real Stories of Exorcism" delves into historical and contemporary practices. Audition footage of the actors and a text-based "Prayer of Protection" are also included. Lastly, interactive features like LG Live enhance the overall user engagement.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary With Eli Roth, Eric Newman, and Tom Bliss: Producers discussing production details.
• Audio Commentary With Daniel Stamm and Cast: Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the director and actors.
• Audio Commentary With Psychologist, Deliverance Minister, and Haunting Victim: Insights into psychological and religious aspects.
• The Devil You Know: The Making of 'The Last Exorcism': Featurette covering stylistic choices and themes.
• Real Stories of Exorcism: Interviews providing historical context.
• Actors' Audition Footage: Performances from Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell, Caleb Landry Jones, and Louis Herthum.
• Prayer of Protection: Text-based prayer in English and Latin.
• Trailers: Previews of the movie.
• BD Touch and Metamenu Remote: Enhanced interactivity features.
• LG Live enabled: Integration with social media platforms.

"The Last Exorcism" stands out as a notable entry in the found footage and religious horror sub-genres, despite a somewhat familiar narrative that merges elements of classics like "The Exorcist" and "The Blair Witch Project." Directed by Daniel Stamm, the film intricately weaves documentary-style storytelling with a chilling tale of demonic possession. The protagonist, Reverend Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian), a charismatic yet disillusioned preacher known for his fake exorcisms, takes center stage. His journey, captured on camera by an accompanying film crew, transitions from exposing the artifice of exorcisms to confronting what might be a real supernatural presence in Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell).

The film's effectiveness lies in its ability to play and defy genre expectations. The shaky handheld camera work, a staple in found footage films, is utilized to immerse viewers intimately into the narrative, creating tension and concern not just for the possessed Nell, but also for the crew documenting her ordeal. The character of Rev. Cotton Marcus adds a unique dimension to the story; his skepticism and showmanship juxtapose sharply against the increasingly sinister events at the Sweetzer farm, culminating in moments that are genuinely unsettling. The performances, particularly those of Fabian and Bell, lend credibility and emotional depth to the film, with Bell’s portrayal of Nell being both haunting and sympathetically human.

While "The Last Exorcism" aligns itself with familiar horror tropes, its execution and character-driven plot ensure it delivers an engaging and occasionally thought-provoking experience. It intrigues viewers with its blend of mockumentary style and traditional horror, allowing for an unpredictable narrative arc. Despite any perceived shortcomings or predictability in the climax, the film remains a commendable effort in the horror genre, bolstered by strong performances and effective direction.

"The Last Exorcism" on Blu-ray revisits the found-footage horror style popularized by "The Blair Witch Project," but with a fresh twist that delivers genuine thrills and chills. Writers Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland cleverly subvert genre expectations, providing an engaging narrative filled with unexpected turns. The standout performances by Patrick Fabian, as the charismatic preacher, and Ashley Bell, as the possessed young woman, infuse the film with an electrifying indie horror energy. While the storyline treads familiar territory, its execution is commendably sharper and more engrossing.

Technically, the Blu-ray release delivers above-average quality. The visual presentation maintains the film’s gritty, documentary feel, which enhances the realism of its horror elements. Audio-wise, the balance effectively supports the atmospheric sound design crucial to horror films. However, this release does not push the boundaries of Blu-ray capabilities; it displays a solid but unremarkable fidelity typical of mid-tier releases in this genre. Special features include behind-the-scenes insights and director commentary that fans of the genre will appreciate but won't find groundbreaking.

In conclusion, "The Last Exorcism" offers an engaging experience for those who appreciate well-crafted indie horror with smart writing and strong performances. While it may not reinvent the horror wheel, it comfortably holds its place within the genre's canon. It may divide audiences, making it a safer rental before a blind buy. Nonetheless, it's a worthy watch for those interested in possession narratives and unconventional religious horror.

After posting my review of it here on Blu-ray.com, I found out I wasn't alone in thinking The Blair Witch Project was a decidedly less than gripping film, at least for some of us. The Last Exorcism revisits Blair's faux documentary setup, but this film actually delivers some palpable thrills and chills along the way, instead of just hinting at them. Yes, you've seen large swaths of this film before in various other progenitors, but writers Huck Botko and Andrew Gurland deserve kudos for playing against expectations rather smartly a lot of the time. Fabian and Bell are excellent in the leads, and the entire film bristles with the best kind of lo-fi indie horror energy. Highly recommended.