Cooties Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Cooties," distributed by Lionsgate Films, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio that expertly showcases the work of co-directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion, along with cinematographer Lyle Vincent. The film’s visuals strike a careful balance between gruesome and playful, beginning with an unusual color grading in the opening sequence of a blue-green tint that, combined with enhanced contrast, gives off a surreal quality. Fine detail and sharpness are commendable in segments bathed in red hues, particularly at the movie's conclusion. The majority of the film enjoys a bright, sunny ambiance that envelops the school environment in vivid, colorful tones with excellent clarity and sharpness in well-lit scenes. However, some sequences, such as those involving teachers navigating dimly lit tight spaces, exhibit slightly diminished detail.

Technically robust, "Cooties" delivers a highly detailed 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode likely captured on HD cameras contributing to its somewhat sterilized digital appearance, more reminiscent of television rather than cinema. Yet, despite this, fine lines remain razor sharp, and distant objects retain excellent definition thanks to a bright and balanced contrast. Nighttime sequences continue to offer excellent visibility even in darker corners of the 2.35:1 frame. While black levels are generally true and robust, there are instances of inconsistency, leading to the few moments that lack depth. Additionally, several moments display banding and visible gradation steps—while not overly intrusive, they are noticeable. Primaries are richly saturated, enhancing the impact of blood and gore, while secondary hues appear accurate and cleanly rendered, with facial complexions revealing natural textures and ample warmth.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Cooties" in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 delivers an engaging and dynamically robust experience. The sound effects, especially during scenes where the children go feral, are well-executed and contribute to the immersive atmosphere. Attention to detail is evident; ambient environment changes, such as reverb from different rooms in the school and outdoor sequences, are meticulously recorded. Dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized throughout, ensuring that character interactions are distinct amidst the chaos. The overall dynamic range is extensive, enhancing both the subtle and explosive elements of the soundtrack.

The soundtrack effectively employs the surround channels to create an active and encompassing auditory experience. Sounds like the snarling and howling of zombified children are accurately placed to enhance immersion, with their sinister laughs echoing hauntingly through the school's corridors. Outdoor scenes benefit from precise audio cues such as distant rustling leaves and the distinct metallic sounds of ventilation ducts. The front soundstage offers broad imaging with excellent channel separation, allowing off-screen effects to transition smoothly into the frame. The low-end is particularly noteworthy, delivering powerful and authoritative bass that enhances both music and action sequences, providing weight and presence.

In summary, the Blu-ray's audio mix meticulously balances chaotic mayhem with clarity and detailed ambient effects, resulting in a captivating auditory experience. Dynamic range is wide, catering to both high-frequency clarity and impactful low-end moments. Technical execution is superb, making "Cooties" a standout DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presentation that adeptly supports its playful yet frenzied narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cooties" are a robust collection, offering an engaging blend of informative and entertaining content. The cast and crew's commentary, titled "The Cootieary," is lively and insightful despite occasional noisiness, providing both humorous anecdotes and technical details about the effects. "Circle, Circle, Dot, Dot...Catching Cooties" is a fairly traditional EPK, yet it delivers worthwhile cast and crew interviews. The package is supplemented with a series of deleted, alternate, and extended scenes that add depth to the film. Additionally, the gag reel offers lighthearted, behind-the-scenes moments, while the alternate ending includes an optional commentary for further context. "Talking Cooties" gives viewers a glimpse into the commentary recording process.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Cootieary: Fun, anecdotal cast and crew commentary with technical insights.
• Circle, Circle, Dot, Dot...Catching Cooties: EPK-style making-of with interviews.
• Talking Cooties: Clips from the audio commentary sessions.
• Alternate Ending with Optional Commentary: Original cinematic ending.
• Deleted/Alternate/Extended Scenes: Various sequences not in the final cut.
• Gag Reel: Humorous behind-the-scenes clips.

Combining nostalgic elements of childhood fears and modern commentary on food processing, "Cooties" presents an engaging dark comedy where innocent-looking chicken tenders trigger a swift devolution of schoolchildren into feral zombies. This gruesome premise is highlighted vividly through an unsettlingly graphic opening sequence that traces the journey of the tainted chicken nugget from factory to lunch tray. The filmmakers' detailed depiction of food processing may induce a palpable sense of revulsion, establishing the film's tone right from the outset. As the first infected child starts showing eerie symptoms, the tension escalates, juxtaposed with moments of boneheaded adult ignorance that add a comically absurd layer to the unfolding horror.

Set in the fictional town of Ft. Chicken, Illinois, the narrative follows Clint Hadson (Elijah Wood), an aspiring horror writer turned substitute teacher. He reunites with old crush Lucy McCormick (Allison Pill), only to find her dating the brash PE teacher Wade Johnson (Rainn Wilson). As children rapidly transform into bloodthirsty monsters, the teachers are forced to grapple with the chaos in an environment steeped in both comedic and terrifying elements. The initial outbreak scenes cleverly play up the teachers’ obliviousness, leading to darkly humorous scenarios where everyday school activities continue amidst escalating carnage. Elijah Wood's hapless Clint and Rainn Wilson's macho Wade provide standout performances, balancing horror with humor.

The low-budget production is elevated by sharp writing and self-aware humor, particularly when addressing the ubiquitous presence of cell phones. By enforcing a "No Phones" policy at school, the filmmakers cleverly sidestep modern horror clichés while using it as a plot device for later developments. Whannell’s script infuses wit throughout, utilizing archetypes and stereotypes for effective comedic moments, though some gags may feel stale or forced. Special mention goes to the makeup and visual effects that transform seemingly harmless kids into nightmarish creatures, imbuing "Cooties" with a distinctively gory charm. The film’s sporadic comedic flair amidst relentless bloodshed ensures it remains an entertaining watch for those with a penchant for twisted humor.

"Cooties" is a horror-comedy that leans more heavily on horror than comedy, creating an uneven balance that may disappoint those seeking a more equal blend. The film's premise of zombified children running amok is both whimsical and grotesque, with aggressive blood and guts effects often overwhelming the humor. Despite this, the energetic and engaging performances from a cast including Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, and Alison Pill are commendable. Directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion show clear talent and potential, making them worth watching in future projects.

The Blu-ray release of "Cooties" impresses with its technical quality. The picture quality is very good, showcasing the film's visual effects and frenetic action sequences with clarity. Even more commendable is the audio presentation, which enhances the viewing experience with precise sound design that captures the film's frantic energy and gruesome details. The Blu-ray also includes a decent range of supplemental features, providing additional value for those interested in behind-the-scenes content.

In conclusion, while "Cooties" may not consistently deliver laughs, its unique premise and strong performances make it an entertaining watch for horror-comedy fans. The Blu-ray edition's excellent technical quality further solidifies it as a worthwhile addition to any genre enthusiast's collection. Recommended for those seeking a blend of grotesque horror with sporadic moments of humor.