The Crucifixion Blu-ray Review

"The Crucifixion" is presented on Blu-ray via an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Filmed using Arri Alexa and Red Epic Dragon cameras, the resulting image embodies the characteristics typical of these high-caliber digital devices. Notably, scenes filmed in Romania convey a blue and gray tinge, providing an effectively gloomy atmosphere that aligns with the horror narrative. Daylight scenes excel in clarity, showcasing impressive fine details in facial features and clothing textures. Despite the high standards set by these shots, darker scenes contain a notable softness and lesser detail, with occasional banding and minimal crush present. Nevertheless, black levels remain solid, rendering good shadow detail.

A core strength of the video presentation lies in its aerial sequences, which deliver remarkable general and fine detail along with commendable depth of field. These outdoor shots often portray a dreary and rainy ambiance that further accentuates the film's atmospheric horror aspect. This ambient styling, however, affects fine detail levels in both outdoor and darker sequences, presenting a slight trade-off in visual fidelity. Banding issues occasionally emerge, particularly in foggy scenes over the Romanian hillsides, subtly diminishing the otherwise pristine presentation. However, the overall quality of "The Crucifixion" Blu-ray makes for a visually engaging experience that remains true to the film's chilling essence.

The audio presentation of "The Crucifixion" Blu-ray features an effective DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that skillfully leverages the tenets of horror soundscapes to enhance the viewing experience. While the track is somewhat subdued compared to other horror presentations, it effectively utilizes sudden LFE jolts to deliver jarring startle effects. The central channel is heavily utilized for the dialogue-centric nature of the film, providing clear and precise vocal performances, especially during the extended conversation sequences.

Surround activity is well-executed, primarily during the more atmospheric and ambient scenes. Outdoor sequences benefit from a detailed sound placement that captures environmental nuances accurately. The film’s climax, particularly during the exorcism scenes, fully engages all six channels. The immersive use of rain effects and the deep rumbling of demonic elements envelop the listener, creating a compelling sonic experience. Despite the restrained surround effects during quieter moments, the overall audio fidelity remains crisp and without issue, ensuring a consistently immersive auditory environment.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Crucifixion" provide insightful and articulate additions to the feature film, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the movie's creative process. "The Crucifixion: The Director’s Vision" is a concise and focused featurette that showcases director Xavier Jens discussing his approach and the thematic nuances of the film. It's an effective behind-the-scenes look that rounds out the viewing experience. Additionally, the inclusion of the original trailer offers a compact yet enticing glimpse into the movie's atmospheric horror. Fans will also appreciate the "More from Lionsgate" segment, which teases other offerings from the studio.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Crucifixion: The Director’s Vision: Brief EPK featuring Xavier Jens.
• Original Trailer for The Crucifixion: A concise preview of the film.
• More from Lionsgate: Additional promotional content from the studio.

"The Crucifixion" offers an intriguing premise inspired by true events, exploring the controversial terrain of exorcism within a Romanian village. The narrative follows journalist Nicole Rawlins (Sophie Cookson) as she investigates the death of a young woman during an exorcism, attributed to priest Father Anton (Corneliu Ulici). The film posits an interesting dilemma: was the victim truly possessed by a demon, or was she suffering from a severe mental illness? Unfortunately, the screenplay by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes, notable for their work on "The Conjuring," simplifies this premise into a formulaic horror plot, replete with clichés and predictable scares.

Visually, director Xavier Jens infuses the film with a few stylistic flourishes, but these are not enough to combat the overall sense of mediocrity. Doors bang, computers flicker ominously, and familiar horror tropes predictably unfold, creating an experience that feels like a montage of scenes from better-known possession films like "The Exorcist" and "Amityville Horror." The narrative's pacing is sluggish; at 90 minutes, the film feels inexorably long, with protracted sequences of Nicole driving through scenic locales that fail to build tension or advance the plot significantly.

"The Crucifixion" squanders its potential by adhering too closely to genre conventions. The dialogue is serviceable, and the cinematography competent, but the story lacks depth and innovation. The film’s insistence on conventional jump scares and hackneyed horror elements over more nuanced storytelling results in a tepid viewing experience. This adherence to predictable formulas results in a movie that neither captivates through its horror nor engages through its psychological drama. Despite its promising setup and atmospheric setting, "The Crucifixion" ultimately offers little more than recycled horror scenes and fails to make a lasting impact.

"The Crucifixion" as a Blu-ray release presents an interesting yet ultimately underwhelming horror experience. Directed by Xavier Gens and starring Sophie Cookson, Corneliu Ulici, and Brittany Ashworth, the film centers on supernatural themes but struggles to offer originality. Despite a promising premise, it revisits conventional exorcism tropes without delivering any standout moments of horror or suspense. The narrative drags, rehashing familiar plots from other films and failing to engage viewers fully. However, the audiovisual presentation on Blu-ray is commendable, with a stable 2.35:1 AVC aspect ratio and clear DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, meeting industry standards.

In terms of technical specifications, Lionsgate's Blu-ray release of "The Crucifixion" is adequate yet unremarkable. The visual quality remains sharp throughout the runtime of 90 minutes, and the audio effectively captures subtleties and dramatic peaks. Despite this, the supplementary materials provided are sparse, which might disappoint those who seek additional content. While the acting is competent and direction steady, the overall execution lacks innovation, making it a mediocre entry in the horror genre rather than an exciting new take on exorcism narratives.

In conclusion, "The Crucifixion" isn’t inherently problematic; it just doesn't stand out in its genre, succumbing to its own hype and offering nothing new. Horror enthusiasts might find it a passable viewing for a low rental, but it ultimately falls short of becoming memorable. Though technically solid, the film's lack of effective scares and a compelling storyline makes it fall flat. For those seeking higher quality or more innovative horror cinema, this movie might be worth skipping. However, for fans of supernatural thrillers who are less particular about originality, this Blu-ray could still merit a one-time viewing.

Recommendation: Low Rental