DVD Corner

Shadow People Blu-ray Review

Despite having an interesting subject, “Shadow People” goes for cheap scares.

“Shadow People” involves a radio talk show host (Charlie Crowe) becoming obsessed by an unnerving series of cases involving people dying in their sleep (AKA Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome). In order to boost his sagging radio career and to legitimately found out what is going on, Crowe begins to look deeper into these deaths with the help of a CDC officer. As their investigation deepens, reports (and sightings) of shadowy figures strangling their victims in their sleep begin to come to light. Is it all a hoax? Is it mass hysteria? Is it a bad case of sleep paralysis?

In the first half hour or so of “Shadow People,” the story structure and subject matter certainly grabbed my attention. I’ve long been intrigued by sleep paralysis and have always felt it was perfect material for a horror film. Likewise, I admired the fact that writer/director Matthew Arnold mixed in phony (but real) looking found footage in with the narrative story at the heart of the film. Alas, the story’s potential crumbles under the tired cheap scares and some truly suspect acting by the whole cast (especially star Dallas Roberts). Had the film fully embraced its subject matter and gimmicky storytelling approach without succumbing to horror clichés, this film might have turned out better. As is, you can’t help but feel like it’s a cheap combination of “The Ring” and “A Nightmare On Elm Street,” only NOWHERE near as good.

Video/Audio:

“Shadow People,” which is presented in 2.40:1 1080p, is an expectedly dark and moody horror film and as such it’s not the best looking movie in hi-def. Darkly lit films can be pretty hit-and-miss in 1080p and this one doesn’t leave a good impression.

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track is effective when it needs to be, but I found it a bit lacking for a hi-def audio track.

The only extra is a featurette titled “Shadow People: More To The Story” that features interviews with people talking about sleep paralysis, Old Hag syndrome, and other related conditions.

Summary: “Shadow People” gets points for presentation, but not execution. Possibly worth a rent if you’re a bored horror fan.

April 17, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Shadow People Blu-ray Review, Sleep Paralysis, SUNDS