'Slaxx' Blu-Ray Review - Campy Horror Film Will Make Your Fear Your Jeans
For thoughts on Slaxx, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:
Video Quality
The film debuts on Blu-Ray with a 1080p presentation in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio that is as pleasant as one would hope. There is no discernible damage or digital noise in this transfer. You can appreciate the subtle facets on display, especially in the retail production design and the gory makeup effects brimming with exceptional textures. The movie has a natural color palette that is accurately saturated, especially in the clothing. There is likewise a rich sense of detail and clarity at hand. The transfer provides favorable black levels that do not struggle with crush or other shortcomings. Objects hold up well in the shadows and retain their depth with only a minimal banding at hand. There is only a slight loss in detail when it comes to some of the panning shots, but it is not a standout issue throughout. Shudder has delivered a rock solid Blu-Ray.
Audio Quality
Slaxx arrives on Blu-Ray with a precisely executed DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that tackles all the sounds with ease. The soundtrack comes through with faithful fidelity so nothing ever sounds shrill or distorted. All elements play well with the music where nothing gets overshadowed in the track. Surround channels provide some welcome activity with the interior tones as customers mill about and other developments in the warehouse. Dialogue and sound effects are capably balanced throughout the duration. While not particularly kinetic, the movie comes alive when the narrative requires it, and environmental sounds provide an immersive atmosphere for the story. The track's low end provides some texture when the pants attack. The track accomplishes everything that is asked of it. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
Audio Commentary:
Director/co-writer Elza Kephart, co-writer/co-producer Patricia Gomez Zlatar and co-producer Anne-Marie Gélinas provide a track that provides some great insights into the production process, the background with the talent, the shooting locations, sequences and ideas that had to be abandoned, and more.
Behind the Scenes Segments:
There is an array of brief videos provided that give you a behind-the-scenes look at various performers and craft elements.
The Story & The Message (1:44)
Visual Effects (2:43)
Producing Slaxx (0:54)
Death Consultant (0:42)
The Cast – Brett Donahue (0:49)
The Cast – Romane Denis (0:53)
The Cast – Sehar Bhojani (0:51)
Original Trailer (1:32)
Booklet:
A multi-page booklet featuring an essay from film critic Tori Potenza is provided here. This piece gives a well-rounded analysis of the themes of the film.
Final Thoughts
Slaxx is absolutely silly and campy idea for a horror film on the face of it, and the creatives embrace this lunacy like any cult favorite genre flick of yore. The special effects are just good enough to deliver a fun time, and the characters are fleshed out enough to give you people to care about and root against. There is even an attempt to provide some thematic weight to the narrative, which is not overemphasized to feel like the movie is lecturing you. It hits the right balance that makes it an easy recommendation for horror fans who appreciate a bit of levity. Shudder has released a Blu-Ray featuring a great A/V presentation and a valuable assortment of special features. Recommended
Slaxx is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Shudder and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
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