BloodRayne: The Third Reich Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "BloodRayne: The Third Reich" presents a solid 1080p transfer, significantly enhancing the filmic texture and maintaining an even grain structure. Despite initial impressions reminiscent of early HD video ventures, the image tightens up to reveal intricate details such as leather and fabric textures and subtle elements like water droplets on military helmets and nuanced marble slabs. The color palette relies heavily on drab grays, blacks, and browns, with occasional splashes of red, reflecting the film's intended aesthetic. Black levels are generally inky with good shadow detail, though they can occasionally appear washed out. Banding is evident in some scenes but is not a recurrent issue.

Packaged in a stated 1.78:1 aspect ratio yet delivered in a true widescreen 2.35:1 format using the AVC MPEG-4 codec, the transfer is stable but imperfect. Detail retention is consistent but not exceptionally sharp, allowing viewers to discern makeup applications, such as the chalky textures used for certain characters. Texture quality and picture depth remain average, not exceptionally standing out but providing a satisfactory viewing experience. Grain levels are preserved, with whites appearing clean and skin tones natural except for deliberate makeup effects. There are minor issues with contrast boosting and light rings, but these do not heavily detract from the overall quality.

While "BloodRayne: The Third Reich" does not achieve top-tier status, it effectively leverages Phase 4's resources to deliver a competent visual presentation. Fans will find the transfer's stability and relative qualities commendable within its limitations, marking it as one of Phase 4’s better releases to date.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix of "BloodRayne: The Third Reich" presents an immersive, dynamic auditory experience consistent with genre expectations. The soundtrack is noteworthy for its expansive, spatial ambition that supports the film's vigorous action sequences. Gunfire effects stand out prominently, with the distinct pop of various firearms and realistic metallic impacts enhancing the excitement. The soundstage demonstrates significant activity, with bullets zipping around and echoes reverberating effectively through the back channels, contributing to an action-packed atmosphere.

However, some minor drawbacks are present. While the score feels spacious, it occasionally appears stifled, lacking a natural, pronounced presence that could enhance the overall listening experience. Dialogue clarity could also benefit from improvement as some lines are difficult to understand, which can detract from the engagement.

Despite these points, the track extensively utilizes surround speakers to support both action elements and general ambiance. The system handles both light and heavy sounds with a degree of proficiency, ensuring a steady, focused auditory foundation anchored in the center channel. Though it may not surpass most contemporary action movie soundtracks drastically, it delivers sufficient power and localization to keep viewers engaged throughout the film.

The Blu-ray of "BloodRayne: The Third Reich" offers a selection of engaging extras that dive into the film's production and creative processes. Headlined by an enthralling audio commentary from Uwe Boll and Michael Nachoff, the commentary is rich with discussions on the series’ structure, filming differences between Europe and the U.S., budget constraints, and much more. Boll’s candid remarks provide valuable insights, despite his controversial reputation. Additionally, the Making Of featurette provides a mix of raw behind-the-scenes footage and candid discussions that reveal the challenges of shooting in Europe and navigating internet criticism. While the interview with writer Nachoff presents a brief yet informative glimpse into the writing process, its contributions are modest. Complementing these features are two trailers, both showcasing the film’s stylistic choices.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Uwe Boll and Writer Michael Nachoff delve into various production details.
• Making of Bloodrayne: The Third Reich: Behind-the-scenes look intertwined with cast and crew interviews.
• Interview with the Writer: Michael Nachoff discusses writing and thematic elements.
• Official Trailer: Theatrical promotion of the film.
• Alternate Trailer: Bloodier version of the official trailer.

"BloodRayne: The Third Reich," directed by the polarizing Uwe Boll, attempts to blend Nazi occultism with vampiric lore, placing our protagonist Rayne (Natassia Malthe), a centuries-old dhampir, in the throes of World War II. With her mission to thwart Hitler’s quest for immortality by preventing him from infusing himself with her potent blood, the storyline ventures into dangerous territory rife with historical and supernatural elements. The narrative setup, albeit ambitious, is marred by an uninspired script and hampered by subpar performances, notably Clint Howard’s over-the-top portrayal of the deranged Dr. Mangler.

Visually, the film's production design begins with promise, hinting at a darkly atmospheric portrayal of wartime Europe. However, this semblance of a stylistic action film progressively deteriorates into a series of haphazardly strung-together scenes that lack coherence and fail to build any genuine tension or engagement. The fight choreography appears repetitive and fails to deliver the thrilling set pieces one might expect from an action-oriented plot. Boll’s direction is often critiqued for its lack of finesse, which is glaring here with awkward camera movements and disjointed scene transitions.

Character development is virtually non-existent, reducing most figures to mere caricatures. This leads to an odd kind of investment wherein viewers might find themselves more engrossed by the villains' antics or the sporadic nudity than the protagonist's quest. Ultimately, at under 80 minutes without credits, "BloodRayne: The Third Reich" is mercifully brief, ensuring its humorously awful experience does not overstay its unwelcome. While it may suffice as a lighthearted watch for masochistic Uwe Boll enthusiasts or those curious about its niche premise, it sadly exemplifies the director’s struggle to transform his love for game adaptations into coherent cinema.

"BloodRayne: The Third Reich," directed by Uwe Boll, stands out in his expansive canon as a film that exceeds the quality of many of his previous works, yet still falls short of being genuinely good. While the story unfolds within a typical action-oriented framework, its execution is hampered by subpar acting and a poorly written script. The film relies heavily on gratuitous sex and cleavage to capture attention, but these elements fail to cover up its deeper flaws. The action scenes, although somewhat entertaining, are neither frequent nor compelling enough to salvage the overall experience.

Despite the film’s shortcomings, the Blu-ray release from Phase 4 does shine in one critical aspect: technical presentation. The video quality is crisp and clear, offering a visually appealing watching experience that surpasses expectations for a film of this nature. Similarly, the audio track provides a robust and immersive listening experience that complements the on-screen action well. The disc also includes a few supplementary features that might interest fans of the genre, but these extras do little to elevate the material itself.

In conclusion, while "BloodRayne: The Third Reich" is a marginal improvement in Uwe Boll's filmography, it still struggles to be anything more than watch-and-forget entertainment. The Blu-ray's strong technical presentation does add value, making it worth a rental for curious viewers or genre enthusiasts. However, it remains a film better suited for those seeking guilty pleasures rather than quality cinema.