DVD Corner

Hangman Blu-ray Review

“Hangman” is one creepy movie.

“Hangman” (which is “inspired by true events”) is a gimmicky found footage esque horror film in which a psychotic killer preys upon a family of 4. After learning the location of their home, he breaks into their home, sets up numerous cameras around the house, stalks them, goes through their belongings, and begins to psychologically and physically mess with the family. Note: The film is told entirely through the killer’s own recordings and through the numerous cameras he has set up inside the family’s home.

I know the words “found footage” are the last thing any horror fan wants to hear these days, but I’m here to tell you that it’s actually done right in “Hangman.” Sure, the film echoes several horror films such as “Silence of the Lambs,” “When a Stranger Calls,” and the little seen “Alone With Her,” but it’s still an effectively unnerving home invasion/psycho killer movie nonetheless.

What makes “Hangman” have such an impact on the viewer is the way it’s told. The film doesn’t spend time developing characters or delivering genuine scares like a normal horror film. Instead, we get to know the family via their daily routine. We see how the impact of the break-in (and the killer’s own antics) begin to slowly tear the family apart. Granted, some might find this style to be a bit slow moving, but I like that the film takes its time. Seeing the killer secretly live in their home for an extended period time made the film more chilling.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The picture quality is rather irrelevant here as they were going for a certain style. With that said, it still looks solid in hi-def.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? Again, the audio quality doesn’t matter as much with the film’s storytelling structure, but I will say that it is a little on the flat side for my taste.

The only extras are Alchemy trailers.

February 3, 2016 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Hangman Blu-ray Review