Fear Blu-ray Review
Retro VHS Collection
Score: 44
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Fear offers a nostalgic 90s thriller vibe but disappoints with poor video quality, fair audio, and no extras on Mill Creek's disc.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 54
The Blu-ray presentation of 'Fear' shows a 2.40:1 AVC HD transfer with decent color reproduction and some scenes of crystal clarity, though the overall image suffers due to smoothed textures and compression artifacts, rendering it a lackluster release compared to potential higher quality standards.
Audio: 64
Featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, the Blu-ray audio presentation is spacious and clear with well-balanced atmospheric elements, an upgrade over the previous Dolby Digital 5.1. While it captures the era's grungy music, dialogue clarity could be enhanced amidst less active surround channels.
Extra: 0
The Blu-ray of Fear is disappointingly featureless, with only basic play and subtitle options, lacking even the trailer that was present in Universal’s previous release, though it does include Mill Creek’s Retro VHS slipcover.
Movie: 26
The 1996 thriller "Fear," now released on Blu-ray, maintains its tension and charm with strong performances from Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon. Its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track enhances the viewing experience, making it a memorable '90s film, despite a predictable plot. An essential for nostalgic thriller enthusiasts.
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Video: 54
The Blu-ray release of "Fear" employs a 2.40:1 AVC HD transfer that presents mixed results. While this iteration improves upon previous formats like VHS, LaserDisc, and DVD, its visual quality feels lackluster due to the use of an older master from Universal. The inherent filmic texture has been overly digitized and smoothed, leading to undesirable edge enhancement and a pasty appearance. This effect diminishes texture detail and introduces compression artifacts, although these aren't significantly detrimental. In brighter scenes, the film exhibits decent clarity; however, the overall presentation lacks the lifelike vibrancy one might expect from a high-quality Blu-ray.
The color palette, while maintaining some highlight qualities—such as the vivid reds and deep greens—still falls short in subtlety and depth. Skin tones appear natural but are affected by the soft textures and slightly flat contrast. Blacks are passable, and despite the muted colors attributed to the Seattle setting, a richer visual depth could have been achieved with better attention to detail in mastering.
Ultimately, the video quality, while being an upgrade from previous releases, still leaves much to be desired. The reliance on the same master as the 2013 release shows evident limitations when compared to more recent Blu-ray standards. A refreshed master with a higher bitrate could have alleviated these shortcomings, offering viewers a more engaging visual experience befitting the film's potential.
Audio: 64
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition of "Fear" provides a substantial auditory enhancement over its DVD predecessor, previously limited to a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. This update ensures a more dynamic and spacious presentation, particularly noticeable in scenes set in bars or clubs where deep, engaging beats are prevalent. The audio quality underscores the film’s atmospheric demands, adeptly managing both subtle ambient sounds and the roaring cacophony of settings like amusement parks.
With dialogue clearly centered and focused, the soundtrack ensures comprehensibility despite Wahlberg's occasionally mumbled delivery typical of his early career. Music tracks, especially those from “Bush,” evoke a nostalgic grunge era, though some may find them slightly dated. While the soundtrack is balanced with a front-heavy orientation, it lacks notable surround activity which might disappoint those seeking an immersive audio experience. Nevertheless, the mix presents a clear improvement in clarity and engagement over the DVD version.
Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio is an undoubtedly competent presentation that aligns well with the film's visual and thematic elements, its understated use of surrounds might not fully satisfy enthusiasts seeking an enveloping soundstage. However, for viewers attuned to improvements in clarity and definition, especially in musical sequences and dialogue delivery, the soundtrack serves as a commendable enhancement over past iterations.
Extras:
Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of Fear is notably devoid of any special features, maintaining a bare-bones approach similar to Universal's previous edition. The disc excludes even the minimal inclusion of a theatrical trailer that was present in Universal’s release. On the main menu, viewers are afforded only the basic options of playing the film or toggling subtitles, lacking any supplementary content that could provide deeper insights into the movie. Despite this, it includes Mill Creek's distinctive Retro VHS slipcover, which adds a nostalgic touch. This absence of extras makes for a straightforward home cinema experience without additional context or enrichment features typical of more comprehensive releases.
Extras included in this disc:
- None
Movie: 26
Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of the 1996 thriller film "Fear" is a commendable update, especially when compared to the initial 2013 release by Universal. While direct comparisons are unavailable, this edition likely stands out due to its superior DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, which provides an enhanced auditory experience pivotal for this suspenseful narrative. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon, and Alyssa Milano, "Fear" explores the tumultuous descent from a seemingly idyllic romance into a nightmarish obsession. The movie offers a gripping blend of suspense and intensity with a standout soundtrack that amplifies its thrilling atmosphere.
Set in mid-90s suburban America, "Fear" captures a vivid snapshot of era-specific teen angst, underscored by the riveting performances of its main cast. At its core, the story follows Nicole Walker, played by a young Reese Witherspoon, as her desire for a passionate relationship leads her into the arms of David, portrayed by Wahlberg. Unbeknownst to her, David's charismatic exterior conceals a much darker persona, propelling the plot toward a tense confrontation with her protective father. The dynamic between Witherspoon's innocent portrayal and Wahlberg's ominous charm significantly elevates the psychological tension.
While the plot may come across as familiar or even formulaic at times, "Fear" remains an engaging journey thanks to nostalgic performances and the directorial prowess of James Foley. This film serves as an intriguing prelude to the careers of both Wahlberg and Witherspoon, highlighting their promising future trajectory in Hollywood. Though some may find the narrative predictably structured, it is a concise depiction of youthful vulnerability and dangerous allure. With its availability on Blu-ray, "Fear" is accessible to both devoted fans and new viewers eager to experience a hallmark thriller from the 1990s.
Total: 44
The Blu-ray release of "Fear" by Mill Creek offers a mixed bag of experiences, primarily hinging on nostalgia for the mid-'90s thriller scene. While the film itself isn't groundbreaking and errs on the side of predictability, it remains a noteworthy piece for its role in launching the careers of Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon. The movie's suspense and thrills appeal mostly to a specific demographic looking for classic teenage-scare entertainment rather than a cerebral thriller. Unfortunately, the disc merely replicates what was already available with no additional features, which disheartens those hoping for new insights or enhancements.
From a technical standpoint, the video quality is notably subpar, failing to improve upon previous releases. The audio quality fares slightly better but falls shy of modern expectations, detracting from the overall viewing experience. The absence of supplementary content further disappoints, as it leaves enthusiasts without any behind-the-scenes material or fresh interviews that could have enriched this release. While the "Retro VHS" packaging may intrigue collectors, it offers little incentive for those seeking a substantial difference from earlier editions.
In conclusion, "Fear" on Blu-ray by Mill Creek is underwhelming in terms of both presentation and additional value. It's best suited for fans of '90s thrillers and collectors drawn to the packaging novelty. Others are advised to consider existing versions as they provide an equivalent experience without the need for this reissue. While the film still holds nostalgic charm for some, this release does not capitalize on enhancing its legacy.
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 40
The picture has been scrubbed of it inherent film-like look, rendering textures severely flattened and smooth and subsequently re-sharpened, a tactic which might have suited DVD but leaves this looking...
Audio: 60
The climax offers the usual barrage of this-and-that audio cues, well balanced and suitably engaging for the visual tone and sonic tenor at work....
Extras: 0
This disc's main menu screen offers only options to play the film and toggle subtitles on and off....
Movie: 30
Also starring William Petersen and Amy Brenneman, and featuring a killer soundtrack, this provocative thriller will lure you past the brink of terror and keep you on the edge of your seat!...
Total: 30
Brian called Fear a "silly movie" with "cheap shock value" that "consistently refuses to take the premise seriously, looking to entertain teenage audiences with scares instead of selecting a more interesting...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 80
It’s a good effort and certainly the best the film has ever looked, but I think given the right budget and TLC, it could look better....
Audio: 80
While a bit dated, the grungy songs do bring the viewer back to a time when flannel ruled the world....
Extras: 0
...
Movie: 0
I find I identify with a lot of the movies that came out around this time (White Squall, Happy Gilmore and Primal Fear to name a few)....
Total: 70
But if you’re looking for a good, mid-90’s thriller that helped launch the careers of Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon – here you go....
Director: James Foley
Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Reese Witherspoon, William Petersen
PlotNicole Walker, a naive teenager, is living with her father Steven, stepmother Laura, and younger brother Toby in Seattle. Seeking excitement and escape from her family's watchful eyes, Nicole meets David, a charismatic and mysterious young man. Despite her father's warnings and concerns, Nicole is drawn to David's charm and begins a passionate romance with him. At first, David appears as the perfect boyfriend—attentive, affectionate, and protective. Nicole is enthralled by the intensity of their relationship, which offers an exhilarating contrast to her sheltered upbringing.
However, cracks in David's facade soon begin to surface. Steven becomes increasingly wary of David's intentions when he notices odd and menacing behaviors. His concern grows as he discovers unsettling details about David's past. Ignoring his distrust for David, Nicole initially resents her father's interference in her personal life. But the situation escalates as David's obsessive and violent tendencies become unmistakable. Tensions rise as Nicole finds herself caught between her infatuation with David and the alarming reality of who David truly is. As her father's attempts to protect his family intensify, impending danger looms over Nicole and her loved ones. The boundary between love and obsession becomes terrifyingly blurred as the façade of David's charm gives way to darker impulses.
Writers: Christopher Crowe
Release Date: 12 Apr 1996
Runtime: 97 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Canada
Language: English