DVD Corner's blog

The Forever Purge Blu-ray Review

“The Forever Purge” takes the franchise in a new direction.

8 years after the events of “The Purge: Election Year,” the New Founding Fathers Of America are back in power and have reinstated the annual Purge. As the title suggests, the one night Purge doesn’t end this time around. Instead, the Forever Purge is continually happening across the U.S. with groups like the racist Purge Purification Force (who go after non-American citizens) going on murder sprees. The New Founding Fathers Of America invoke martial law to stop the Purge, but the military and Purge groups are violently clashing. Matters become so grim that Canada and Mexico open up their borders for those wishing to escape the U.S. Character wise, the story revolves around a migrant couple (Juan and Adela) who initially flee Mexico to live in Texas. After the Purge chaos, however, the couple and the Tucker family that Juan works for try to leave the U.S. and evade the Purgers.

Ever since “The Purge” came out in 2013, I’ve been a fan of the film franchise and the underrated TV series. It was an unnerving, intense horror series that didn’t feel far fetched (which is what made it so scary). It’s sad to say, but I think we’ve reached the point where real world events are more terrifying than “The Forever” Purge so perhaps that diminished the overall result of this latest entry. With that said, director Everardo Gout and writer and series creator James DeMonaco still create a hard-hitting movie about migrants, racism, nationalism, violence and politics that, while not exactly subtle, is as timely as ever in these dark times. Obviously, the movie is very inspired by what is happening in the real world…perhaps to a fault. Instead of pushing the envelope further or digging into the horror aspect more, this entry feels more political than past entries. I don’t have a problem with that myself, but it does feel a bit too on the nose for its own good.

Where “The Forever Purge” shines is with its genre mix. Not only is it very action heavy, but it also splices in a fair amount of western elements which I appreciated as a long-time western fan. It’s always refreshing to see this series evolve so that it won’t get stale. Makes me wonder what’s in store for the next sequel!

In terms of the cast, this sequel is loaded with talent. Ana de la Reguera, Will Patton, Josh Lucas, and Cassidy Freeman are the clear stand-outs to be sure.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? This is a nice sharp hi-def print. Both the day and nighttime scenes look exquisite. Note: This title is also available on 4K. 

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? You can’t complain about getting a high quality audio track that takes full advantage of the action moments.

Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* A deleted scene and the storyboarded alternate opening sequence.
* “Collapsing The System: Behind The Forever Purge” contains film clips, set footage, interviews, story and character discussions. This extra runs 8 minutes.
* “The Forever Purge” theatrical trailer.
* “Creeptastic Wardrobe”- The title of this featurette says it all.

September 16, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Horror Movie, Purge 5, Purge Franchise, Purge Series, The Forever Purge Blu-ray Review