Nurse Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Nurse" delivers an impressive visual experience with its MVC (3D) and AVC (2D) encoded 1080p transfers in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The film’s intentionally bright, fluorescently lit environments create a strikingly sharp and clear picture that defies traditional horror tropes. Details are incredibly fine, particularly in close-ups, where textures like skin tones and uniforms are rendered vividly with excellent fidelity. However, the low-lit scenes exhibit some murkiness, slightly diminishing shadow detail levels. The colors are generally well-saturated and realistic, with deep and inky black levels.

The 3D presentation further enhances the sense of depth and dimensionality. By employing practical techniques such as foreground-background separation, the film achieves substantial three-dimensionality. Noteworthy is the effective use of CGI elements to augment the visual depth, although certain effects aimed at creating pop-out moments feel less impactful. Yet, scenes of surgical implements being directed towards the audience deliver an engaging visual. Despite some minor softness in darker scenes, the overall video quality remains solid with minimal noise or artifacts, making it an exceptional viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of Nurse 3D through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix exhibits an engaging, albeit inconsistent, auditory experience. Key scenes, particularly the throbbing nightclub environments and the climactic splatter-fest, are delivered with a potent punch that highlights the mix's dynamic range adeptly. Crowded hospital sequences benefit from excellent directional sound effects, encapsulating viewers in an immersive environment. However, this mix encounters some issues with quieter dialogue scenes and omnipresent narration, where voice clarity sometimes necessitates manual volume adjustments—an area where the otherwise crystal clear but occasionally suppressed speech might not meet all expectations.

Technical implementations are impressive and varied. From rain, thunder, and car crashes to a bass-filled score, the low-frequency extensions provide significant depth and resonance. The surround sound presentation is particularly notable; ambient environmental effects such as ambulance sirens and rain showers create a fully enveloping soundstage that places listeners at the heart of the action—particularly in high-intensity scenes similar to those found in Dexter-like scores. Despite such strengths, the disparity in volume between dialogue-driven segments and action-packed sequences can detract slightly from what is otherwise a solid surround sound track.

Ultimately, while Nurse 3D boasts an audio mix that is often robust and richly detailed, it does encounter periods of restraint which may require volume moderation for a balanced listening experience. The score supports the film's suspenseful atmosphere without overshadowing dialogue or sound effects, ensuring that while certain aspects of the audio presentation fall short of greatness, it remains a commendable effort.

The Blu-ray extras for "Nurse" offer an insightful peek into the production process, accompanied by a mix of technical insights and lighthearted moments from the set. The Audio Commentary by writer-director Doug Aarniokoski is especially vibrant, balancing technical discussions about his first 3D shoot with amusing anecdotes, such as reshoots prompted by costume mishaps. The Bad Medicine: The Making of Nurse featurette provides a standard, yet engaging look behind the scenes with interviews, on-set footage, and funny quips particularly from Niecy Nash. On the lighter side, the Video Diaries give a glimpse of the daily antics of actors Katrina Bowden and Corbin Bleu, though it may feel less substantial to those not fans of the cast.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Doug Aarniokoski discusses technical aspects and on-set anecdotes.
• Bad Medicine: The Making of Nurse: Behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews and on-set footage.
• Video Diaries: On-set antics with Katrina Bowden and Corbin Bleu.

"Nurse 3D" opens with an enticing setup that shows potential for a thrilling, horror-laden narrative centered around a seductive yet lethal nurse, Abby (Paz de la Huerta). The initial premise focuses on Abby's vigilante justice against adulterous men, a theme that could have beautifully navigated through campy horror and dark humor. As Abby prowls nightclubs to lure and eliminate her targets in gory fashion, the stage is set for an engaging thrill ride. However, this promising start soon derails into a convoluted subplot involving Abby's obsessive infatuation with new nurse Danni (Katrina Bowden), sidestepping the compelling serial-killer narrative.

The film's narrative becomes bogged down in genre clichés and underdeveloped plot threads. Abby's fascination with Danni culminates in a cat-and-mouse game filled with predictable twists and a lack of authentic suspense. Supporting characters, including Niecy Nash's hilarious Nurse Regina and an oddly placed Judd Nelson as Dr. Morris, add eclecticism but can't compensate for the uneven script. Abby's attempts to frame Danni for murder, interspersed with less impactful scenes involving Danni’s paramedic boyfriend Steve (Corbin Bleu) and her unfaithful stepfather, dilute the film's focus and tension.

Performances vary significantly across the board. While Bowden brings earnestness to her role, de la Huerta's portrayal of Abby is disjointed, oscillating between seduction and lethargy without grounding her character's menace. The film’s climax, although delivering the anticipated carnage in a blood-soaked spree, feels like an afterthought rather than a culmination of escalating horror. Despite abundant nudity and some well-executed gore moments that make sporadic use of the 3D format, "Nurse 3D" ultimately falls short of its initial promise. The lack of coherent direction and the unfocused script turn what could have been an exciting midnight horror flick into a frustrating exercise in missed opportunities.

"Nurse" on Blu Ray showcases an intriguing yet flawed cinematic attempt that blends horror and black comedy. The film, directed by Douglas Aarniokoski, delivers a unique visual flair and several enjoyable moments, particularly in its opening scene and climax. However, the film struggles with cohesion and consistency, due in part to Paz de la Huerta's peculiar performance which often feels disconnected. Despite these challenges, the supporting cast energetic performances provide some levity and interest.

The technical presentation of this Blu Ray release is commendable. Video quality is pristine, offering rich detailing and vibrant visuals that enhance the overall viewing experience. The 3D effects are particularly well-executed, adding an immersive touch for genre enthusiasts. The audio track, while robust, could have benefitted from finer tuning to match the high visual standards. Additionally, the Blu Ray package includes several extras, providing added value for fans and casual viewers alike.

In conclusion, "Nurse 3D" serves a niche audience who can appreciate its campy, over-the-top nature. While it falls short of reaching its full potential, it offers enough moments of gore, fun characters, and stylistic direction to make for a passable viewing experience. Renting before purchasing is advisable to gauge personal enjoyment. Overall, if you’re a collector or a horror-comedy enthusiast, this Blu Ray might be a quirky yet worthwhile addition to your library.