The Stylist Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray of "The Stylist" features a pristine 1080p HD transfer in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, maintaining the visual integrity envisioned by the filmmakers. The high-definition master, provided by XYZ Films, presents an exceptionally sharp and detailed image quality, often displaying crystal-clear fine detail levels that are especially notable in closeups. These allow viewers to discern facial pores, practical visual effects, and intricate textures, such as the silver sheen of scissors and the bloody scalps, with vivid clarity. The film's digital cinematography employs Red camera technology, contributing to a distinctive and almost crystalline imagery that enhances the overall viewing experience.

The film's color palette is another standout element, bringing richness and depth to various scenes. Notably, scenes in clubs and styling studios are bathed in bold greens, purples, and reds, creating a visually engaging experience. Dramatic sequences, such as those involving Olivia's bachelorette party, make compelling use of reds and purples. Conversely, more eerie settings like the basement—where scalps are displayed—feature an amber tint that adds a dusty, foreboding atmosphere. Other scenes exhibit a slimy and moldy green hue that, while stylized for horror effect, does not compromise on detail. Black levels are impressively deep with no murky shadows detracting from the image quality. Additionally, skin tones remain consistent and natural throughout the film.

Overall, the transfer is devoid of technical imperfections such as noise, aliasing, or banding, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. The visually intense aesthetic choices serve to heighten the horror elements of the film effectively while maintaining superior image quality throughout. This Blu-ray presentation should satisfy both casual viewers and discerning cinephiles alike.

The audio presentation of "The Stylist" on Blu-ray features a highly competent DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that is predominantly subtle, occasionally escalating to deliver immersive surround sound experiences during key scenes. Throughout the film, dialogue is rendered with impeccable clarity and precision, ensuring that every word is delivered cleanly. The soundtrack, primarily composed by Nicholas Elert, provides a nearly subliminal engagement with the side and rear channels, creating a nuanced and atmospheric backdrop without overwhelming the viewer.

The audio mix truly shines during specific scenes, such as particularly violent attacks or a lively nightclub setting hosting a bachelorette party. In these instances, the full array of the sound system heightens the sensory experience, engulfing the listener with effects like music, crowd noise, and environmental sounds. Delicate sound effects such as scissor snipping and spray bottle misting are meticulously balanced and vivid. The detailed rendering of gorier elements, like slicing and skin-pulling, adds a visceral punch to the horror sequences. This thoughtful sonic design seamlessly integrates with the narrative, enhancing suspense and drama throughout the film. Optional English subtitles are provided, ensuring accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Stylist" offer a comprehensive and immersive experience for fans and film enthusiasts. The commentary by Jill Gevargizian and Najarra Townsend provides a warm, in-depth discussion about the film's creation and the impact of the pandemic on its release. The package further enriches the viewer's understanding with a collection of behind-the-scenes featurettes, visual essays, short films, and promotional content, showcasing the meticulous effort that went into production. The disc also includes physical goodies like a soundtrack CD, a fold-out poster, and an insert booklet, making it a well-rounded collector’s edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Co-Writer/Producer/Director Jill Gevargizian and Actress/Producer Najarra Townsend: Engaging discussion on the film’s production and pandemic challenges.
• Exclusive Blu-ray Introduction by Jill Gevargizian: Brief introductory segment directly transitioning to the film.
• The Invisible Woman: Visual essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas exploring themes of women’s labor and female killers.
• Behind the Scenes Featurettes: Comprehensive look at various aspects of production with cast and crew interviews.
• Location Scouting: Insights into locations used, accompanied by script snippets.
• Outtakes: Amusing clips of flubbed lines and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Original Kickstarter Video: Jill Gevargizian’s pitch for crowdfunding support.
• Short Films: Includes "The Stylist" and "Pity," with an optional introduction to the latter by its director.
• Trailers: Teaser and official trailers.
• Image Galleries: Production stills, location scouting images, and more.

Additionally, the Limited Edition set includes a Soundtrack CD and a Folded Mini-Poster, as well as a well-crafted insert booklet.

Jill Gevargizian's "The Stylist" marks a compelling addition to the serial killer genre, following hair stylist Claire (portrayed by Najarra Townsend) who harbors a dark, murderous secret. By day, Claire navigates her profession with congeniality, listening to her clients' personal stories and making them feel good about themselves. However, her sinister alter-ego emerges at night as she drugs, kills, and scalps her clients, adding the "trophies" to an unsettling collection. The film echoes inspirations like "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," but imbues Claire with a more humanly fragile and psychologically damaged dimension.

Technically, the movie excels with its striking visuals and meticulous production design, capturing both the serene atmosphere of a retro hair salon and the eerie, dimly-lit basement where Claire stores her grisly keepsakes. Townsend delivers an exceptional performance, presenting Claire as both chillingly detached and crumblingly insecure. However, "The Stylist" leaves viewers with lingering questions about the protagonist's backstory. While the film hints at a disturbing scar as a symbol of past trauma, it never fully dives into the origins of Claire’s deranged psyche, which some may find as either a compelling choice to enhance mystery or a narrative shortfall lacking in depth.

Despite these narrative gaps, "The Stylist" extends beyond mere shock and gore to explore themes of identity and invisibility in female-centric professions. This adds emotional depth and resonance, creating an engaging character study within the horror paradigm. Complementing the feature are Arrow Video’s high-quality extras, including a video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas that delves into the film’s feminist subtext and a supplementary short film providing further context. All these elements make "The Stylist" a visually impressive and thought-provoking entry that is both unsettling and poignant.

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "The Stylist" is a testament to Jill Gevargizian's meticulous craftsmanship. This psychological horror film delves into the dark, unsettling corners of its protagonist's psyche with a visually arresting style. The narrative could benefit from deeper development, but it manages to captivate with its intense and haunting atmosphere. From a technical perspective, the video and audio presentations are exemplary, delivering the film's stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes with remarkable clarity.

The supplementary package included in this collector's set is equally impressive. The bonus features, ranging from behind-the-scenes documentaries to insightful commentaries, provide a comprehensive look into the film's creation. These extras not only enhance our understanding of the filmmaking process but significantly elevate the overall value of the release. The attention to detail in the packaging and presentation further underscores Arrow Video’s commitment to producing top-notch home entertainment experiences.

In conclusion, Arrow Video has really done Jill Gevargizian and her team proud with this release, and if the film might have been a bit better developed from a narrative standpoint, appropriately in the style department it's aces. Technical merits are first rate as is the supplementary package. Recommended.