Mayhem Blu-ray Review

"Mayhem" presents a visually competent 1080p transfer that exhibits both commendable detail and some notable limitations characteristic of its lower-budget digital origins. Photographed at a 4K resolution but finished at 2K, the picture offers well-handled, clearly defined details across various elements such as natural skin textures, blood and bruise effects, clothing, and office decor. However, it lacks the intricate precision seen in higher-end digital productions. Colors, especially primary hues like crimson-red blood, are rendered cleanly, making them standout against the otherwise subdued office backdrops.

The encode utilizes AVC MPEG-4 technology, providing a generally balanced contrast with crisp whites and true blacks that enhance depth and shadow detail within the 2.35:1 frame. Despite this, the image sometimes appears flat, with certain scenes running excessively hot, resulting in distracting blooming highlights and mild background noise. Additional issues such as occasional banding, aliasing along sharp edges, and minor macroblocking detract from an otherwise pleasing visual presentation. Ultimately, while "Mayhem" does not achieve the sophistication of top-tier digital sources, it sustains a satisfactory visual experience that aligns well with its chaotic narrative themes.

The Blu-ray of "Mayhem" features a thrilling DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which intensifies the chaotic action and comical carnage of the film seamlessly. This dynamism is evident in the track's fluidity, making full use of each speaker by launching discrete effects strategically across the listening area. The balance between music, sound effects, and dialogue is immaculate, with bass providing a robust foundation for the more dramatic crashes, bludgeons, and other forms of on-screen mayhem. For instance, blunt instruments deliver impactful blows, nail guns zip lethal projectiles through the soundscape, and scissors cut through the air with tangible precision.

While maintaining a high level of engagement during scenes of rampant chaos, the audio track provides well-rounded and immersive atmospherics during its few quieter moments. Dialogue is consistently clear and centralized, never detracting from the intensity or humor of the blood-soaked negotiations and brief respites. The mid-range details contribute to a layered aural experience, making the soundtrack both lively and infectious in its frenetic sequences. The constant interplay between elements ensures there is rarely a dull moment, enveloping the listener and driving home the film’s energetic theme. Overall, this soundtrack turns "Mayhem" into an auditory spectacle that perfectly complements its visual frenzy.

The "Mayhem" Blu-ray's extras provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film, delivering valuable insights and engaging content. The featurettes include "Creating Mayhem," which delves into the making of the film, exploring the plot, character dynamics, and production challenges. "The Collected Works of Derek Cho" offers a closer examination of the artistic elements seen in the movie through a slideshow of Derek's artwork. The audio commentary features director Joe Lynch, Director of Photography Steve Gainer, and Editor Josh Ethier, who provide a detailed and technical breakdown of various scenes, discussing creative choices and thematic elements despite some audio quality issues. This disc provides an enriching experience for film enthusiasts eager to learn more about the creation process and intricate details of "Mayhem."

Extras included in this disc:

• Creating Mayhem: The Making of the Film: Overview of plot, characters, and production experiences.
• The Collected Works of Derek Cho: Showcase of character artwork from the film.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion by the director, DP, and editor on scenes, technical details, and themes.

In "Mayhem," Steven Yeun's role as Derek Cho is a visceral departure from his earlier work on "The Walking Dead." Directed by Joe Lynch, the film casts Yeun as a young lawyer ensnared in a corporate nightmare fueled by the ID7 virus. This virus unleashes primal instincts, inciting anything from brutal violence to uninhibited impulses in its victims. Set within the confines of a quarantined office building, Derek seizes the chaos to exact revenge on his corrupt superiors. Partnering with the disgruntled Melanie Cross (Samara Weaving), his ascent through the corporate hierarchy becomes a blood-spattered allegory for overthrowing corporate tyranny. Lynch's direction ensures a gory, visually arresting ride, although sometimes the metaphorical descent into carnage betrays its more profound satirical aims.

Despite its ostensibly straightforward plot, "Mayhem" is nuanced in its depiction of the rage virus. The ID7 not only strips away social norms, but also amplifies an individual's pre-existing motivations and grievances, particularly for Derek. Unlike other infected individuals who lose themselves to random acts of violence or lust, Derek retains a disturbing clarity. This allows him to channel his amplified psychosis into a focused vendetta against his oppressive corporate overlords, questioning societal norms surrounding power and retribution. However, this duality—the blending of a fantasy of uninhibited revenge with critique—sometimes undermines the film's coherence. While engrossing as spectacle, the narrative occasionally falters as it navigates between visceral thrills and moral introspection.

Yeun's performance carries much of the weight, showcasing not just physical aggression but also the psychological strain of corporate dehumanization. His portrayal strikes a balance between the everyman wronged by a soulless system and a man entirely liberated by sociopathic intent under the virus. Weaving's Melanie Cross provides a compelling counterpoint, an emblem of class struggle pushed to violent extremes. Yet, for all its splatter and chaos, "Mayhem" somewhat hesitates to fully commit to the consequences of its premise, rendering its anarchic catharsis safe for its audience. Ultimately, while Lynch's film offers an exuberant and frantic journey through lawless corporate warfare, it leaves underlying questions of ethical reprisal largely unexplored.

"Mayhem," starring Steven Yeun, presents a chaotic narrative centered on an infectious disease that removes moral inhibitions, playing out as a bloody metaphor for corporate ambition and social status. The film aims to deliver an over-the-top display of office-related carnage but ends up feeling restrained in its execution. Yeun carries the film admirably; however, the script lacks the finesse required to elevate the narrative beyond a straightforward gore-fest into something more compelling and insightful about corporate life.

RLJE's Blu-ray release of "Mayhem" offers a generally good viewing experience with its HD video presentation, although some scenes are marred with visual imperfections. The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack stands out, delivering a robust auditory experience that complements the film's intense atmosphere. Unfortunately, the supplements included are rather minimal, which detracts from the overall package's appeal.

In conclusion, "Mayhem" succeeds in creating a visually chaotic romp through corporate disarray, thanks to Yeun's strong performance and an impressive soundtrack. However, it falls short of delivering the incisive critique it aspires to be. Fans of the genre and curious viewers might find it worth a watch, but those looking for a profound narrative may feel underwhelmed.