What We Do in the Shadows Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "What We Do in the Shadows" offers a strikingly detailed and nuanced 1080p transfer that deftly balances the film's unique visual style with the technical demands of high-definition video. Despite being shot with a budget-conscious, documentary approach, the image retains a rich, film-like quality, presenting a myriad of textures from the characters’ heavily applied makeup to the intricacies of their surroundings, including wood, stone, and artwork. Detail levels are impressively maintained across a diverse range of lighting conditions, with colors appearing natural and vibrant where appropriate. Particular attention is paid to the reds of blood and certain costumes, which stand out vividly against the more muted, atmospheric backdrop of the vampires' home environment. The nighttime scenes, representing the majority of the film's setting, showcase deep blacks and excellent shadow detail without succumbing to crush issues, enhancing the visual depth and keeping the film's comedic horror elements grounded in a semblance of reality.

Notwithstanding its low-budget roots and the intentional use of harsh, direct lighting to emulate a found-footage aesthetic, the transfer largely avoids the pitfalls commonly associated with such stylistic choices. Instances of video noise are present but infrequent, serving more as reminders of the film's production realities rather than detracting significantly from the viewing experience. The absence of severe compression artifacts like banding or macroblocking further underscores the quality of this Blu-ray transfer.

In essence, "What We Do in the Shadows" on Blu-ray surpasses expectations for a film of its genre and budget, offering viewers a visually compelling experience that complements its humor and horror in equal measure. The transfer exhibits a commendable balance between preserving the film's intended visual comedy and delivering an image quality that is both detailed and dynamic. This Blu-ray not only supports the movie's atmospheric and thematic elements but does so with a technical finesse that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate.

The audio experience provided by "What We Do in the Shadows" Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating both aggression and finesse in its delivery. The music, a rich melange ranging from traditional scores to bass-heavy club vibes, is rendered with astounding clarity and detail. Even the deliberately coarse musical attempts by the on-screen vampires manage to impress with lifelike definition, showcasing the audio mix’s ability to handle both refinement and rawness with equal proficiency. This audio track’s meticulous attention to detail is further evidenced by the vividness of various sound effects – whether it’s the ambient creaks and moans or the bustling street sounds – each element enjoys a substantial definition and precise spatial placement within the mix.

The narrative's spoken elements receive special treatment, ensuring that dialogue is exceptionally clear and naturally placed at the forefront, benefiting from light, situational reverberation that enhances the auditory experience without drawing attention away from the screen action. It’s this balance of clarity and atmospheric immersion that elevates the film's faux documentary style, making every whispered incantation as impactful as the more explosive moments of supernatural chaos.

Paramount's offering shines not just through its showcase of dynamic ranges but also in how it masterfully layers its audio components. The surround channels are employed thoughtfully, weaving a coherent sonic landscape that’s as expansive as it is immersive. This subtlety in the mix, paired with strategically placed ambient sounds, crafts an atmospheric backdrop that complements the film’s unique blend of comedy and horror. Each audio element, from dialogue to sound effects and music, is given adequate space to breathe, ensuring that none overpower the other – a testament to the meticulous mix that enhances both the humor and horror elements inherent in the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "What We Do in the Shadows" offer a broad spectrum of content, rich with both enlightening and entertaining material, though not without its fluff. The audio commentary with Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi delves into the film’s creation, offering insights that fans will find valuable despite its lackluster delivery. A substantial collection of deleted scenes unfolds additional humor and character depth, suggesting an extended cut could have been intriguing. "Behind the Shadows" provides a tangible look at the movie's making, stressing the effort behind this faux-documentary's creation. The original short film is a noteworthy inclusion, showcasing the raw vision and humor before full realization. Additionally, the promo videos, interviews in character, and a diverse poster gallery inject extra flavor, capturing the film’s unique style and enhancing fan appreciation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A detailed discussion by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi on the making of the film.
• Behind the Shadows: On-set footage revealing the movie’s production.
• Deleted Scenes: A range of scenes extending character narratives and humor.
• Video Extras: Includes the original short film and extra scenes adding to the lore and laughter.
• Interviews: In-character interviews adding promotional but enjoyable content.
• Promo Videos: Character introductions and thematic shorts.
• Poster Gallery: A collection of artistic interpretations and alternate poster designs.

What We Do in the Shadows," a vampire mockumentary that marries dry humor with the mundane aspects of modern-day life, breathes new life into the horror-comedy genre. This film, underappreciated at the box office during its limited release, is poised for cult status through home video appreciation. With its reality TV aesthetic enriched with a sophisticated understanding of genre tropes, the movie's 80-odd minutes are packed with an expert blend of sly jokes and loud guffaws. Thanks to its spirited take on familiar ground, reminiscent of the comedic geniuses Mel Brooks and Leslie Nielsen, it updates a classic formula for today's audience.

The story revolves around a quartet of vampire flatmates in New Zealand navigating the challenges of undead life with humor and a touch of the macabre. This group, comprised of distinct personalities portrayed by a superb cast including Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement (who also serve as writers and directors), deals with issues ranging from household chores to attending the Unholy Masquerade. Their antics are documented by a fearless crew, promising an insider’s look at mythical night dwellers attempting to fit into the modern world. Unique comedic elements, like a vampire’s struggle with dress-up due to the lack of reflection or the novel way they invite themselves into public venues, are executed with precision, making familiar scenarios feel fresh and hilariously engaging.

Technically, the film is a marvel of indie filmmaking, showcasing how creativity can triumph over budget constraints. Makeup, costuming, set design, and props work in harmony to create a believable yet comically absurd vampire world. The brilliant script crackles with dry humor, balancing overt jokes with subtle nuances that reward attentive viewers. Directors Clement and Waititi execute their vision with confidence, ensuring that every aspect of production supports the comedic goals. As such, "What We Do in the Shadows" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vampire lore when handled with originality, wit, and a clear love for the genre it parodies.

What We Do in the Shadows" triumphs in its embrace of simplicity and absurdity, seamlessly weaving the mundane with the fantastical to yield a mockumentary that is as refreshing as it is humorous. The film, which could easily have veered into the territory of cliché or overdone parody, instead finds strength in its innovative presentation and sharp wit. Helmed by Jermaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the movie emerges as a standout horror comedy, navigating potential pitfalls with grace and delivering a product that is not just entertaining but also uniquely distinct. The Blu-ray release by Paramount enhances this experience, offering viewers high-quality video and audio that faithfully convey the film's atmospheric nuances, alongside a plethora of engaging extras that deepen the appreciation for this cinematic venture.

The synergy between a talented cast and meticulous production design cannot be overstated; it elevates "What We Do in the Shadows" beyond its modest budgetary confines, showcasing what can be achieved with creativity and a clear vision. The film's ability to update and subvert classic vampire tropes within a contemporary setting is both clever and endearing, ensuring it appeals to a wide audience. This Blu-ray edition is not just for fans but for anyone looking for a film that marries horror elements with comedy effortlessly. Its comprehensive extras package further cements the release as essential, offering insights and entertainment that complement the main feature superbly.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "What We Do in the Shadows" is an exemplary model of how to enhance and celebrate a film through home video. It not only preserves the original charm and inventiveness of the movie but also expands upon it with quality presentation and a rich selection of bonus content. This release comes highly recommended, promising to be a valued addition to any collection and solidifying the film's status as a beloved cult classic that transcends its genre constraints.