Blu-Ray Review: ‘V/H/S’

One of the most talked about films in the horror genre that gained buzz and notoriety was V/H/S. After premiering at Sundance earlier this year, it became one of the most anticipated films of the year. It took the better part of the year for it to be released on VOD & in theaters. Michael saw and reviewed the film at the True/False Film Festival back in March. Magnolia Home Entertainment and Magnet Releasing have released the film on Blu-Ray so we sit down to take a look at the release.

The Movie

V/H/S is a horror anthology directed by Adam Wingard, Glenn McQuaid, Joe Swanberg, David Bruckner and newcomers Radio Silence. Told in a traditional anthology framework yet executed in different variations of quality and formats, V/H/S is sort of a mixed bag. Anthology films that have different directors/creators tend to lack a form of unity which can become dissonant when viewing as one film. When different voices are contributing to what they want to be viewed as one single product, it can sometimes lack a flow. Sadly, this seems to be a bit of the case in V/H/S. However, one can say that since it is supposed to be a compilation of found footage tapes, the fact that it doesn’t feel like it was directed by people with the same vision makes it a bit more believable. Since this is a film though, we need to look at it as a whole and there is no doubt that some of the stories fall flat.

When I watched the film on Video on Demand earlier this year, I wasn’t a huge fan of the film except for a few of the segments. My opinion, more or less, has stayed the same with the exception of the first segment, Amateur Night. The segment plays a bit more playfully with the audience for the second time around. The guys in the segment are not likable but if you look at it at a slasher mentality, we really don’t want them to live. They are deplorable and are just looking for self gratification without caring for any of the women involved. It is pretty well explained a few moments into the segment that we are just waiting to see how and when the bad stuff will happen to these guys.

The wraparound, also known as Tape 56,  follows a group of young guys breaking into a home to find one VHS tape. Automatically the whole reason why we view these segments is already flawed. It is never explained what is on the tape, how they know which tape is the one they need nor is it really explained what the deal is that these guys will get once it is found. Honestly, a lot of the plot holes and missing pieces I found with the film is partially explained in the commentary. I just don’t think that every person that watches the film is going to want to watch the commentary in order to figure out the logic of why these segments are presented to us. I found it to be heavily influenced by the cKy and other camcorder compilations that came out in the early 2000’s – needless to say it turns out that it was an inspiration to the whole film, particularity the cKy stuff, according tot he commentary.

The other segments are interesting on an individual level or as a commentary on particular horror films and there are enough strong segments in the film to at least give it a watch. Sadly, it is just not the film that some horror fans may have hoped for.

The Presentation

The film varies in formats & quality. From VHS tapes to computer screen captures, it won’t be the prettiest film on Blu-Ray however this is no doubt the best the film will look. The segments that are filmed using consumer DSLRs and HD camcorders look very clean. The audio is presented in DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio that is, for the most part, driven by dialogue in the front speakers. There are a few sounds and sound effects that utilize the surround speakers but this is a pretty true presentation given the content.

Special Features

The Blu-Ray has plenty of special features to keep people occupied. The commentary provides important information like why the film has slashes in the title (originally, all the segments were going to just be labelled by dates) and how the segment that is recorded via Skype ended up on a VHS tape. Not only does it provide information but it is fun to listen to the creators talk about the film. They often joke with each other while fitting in some technical aspects of the feature as well. For fans of the film, it is worth a listen.

Rounding out the special features is an alternate ending to the final segment as well as some deleted scenes/bloopers from the Tuesday the 17th segment, a mini-feature on how the final shot was done on Amateur Night as well as some Cast & Crew interviews and the usual mini-featurette that is on the majority, if not all, Magnolia Home Entertainment releases.