DVD Corner

The Strangers: Chapter 1 Blu-ray Review

Why? 

Based on 2008’s “The Strangers,” “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is the first in a planned trilogy. Some have said it serves as a prequel to the original film or is a reimagining, but it’s unclear. If anything, it feels like a remake as it follows the original so closely.

The story: While embarking on a road trip, couple Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez) stop off in the town of Venus, Oregon where they soon encounter car problems. Needing a place to stay while they wait for their car to be fixed the following day, the two rent out a remote Airbnb. The couple soon find themselves being preyed on by 3 deranged masked “strangers” (Dollface, Scarecrow and Pin-Up Girl). A fight for survival ensues AKA lots of running around the property and neighboring forest.

The original “The Strangers” still stands as one of the best horror films of the past 20 years. Writer/director Bryan Bertino crafted a deeply unsettling horror film that felt like it could actually happen. So why is there now a trilogy without Bryan Bertino being involved? Your guess is as good as mine.

Director Renny Harlin is a long time competent veteran filmmaker who is no stranger (pun intended) to the horror genre having helmed films like “A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: Dream Master,” “Deep Blue Sea,” and “Exorcist: The Beginning.” Now, he’s stepping into the world of The Strangers, but the problem is that he’s bringing nothing new to the table alongside writers Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland. The setting may be different and there are a few additional characters in this shady town, but at no point does this story deviate from the original in structure nor does it feel like it should span 3 films. The plot feels entirely exhausted as the credits roll from part 1. The multi-part film plans have really become an irritating trend to say the least. You are truly better off watching the original and avoiding this retread that can’t even properly create the same chilling tension that Bertino’s film did.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a clean hi-def print.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? This is an effective Atmos track that delivers the right jolts.

Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* Theatrical trailer
* Commentary by star Madelaine Petsch and producer Courtney Solomon.
* “Reimagining A Classic: Making The Strangers: Chapter 1”- A general 17 minute featurette with interviews, discussions about this new take, set footage, and more.
* “A Hostile Environment: The Visual Design Of The Strangers: Chapter 1”- The 11 minute extra covers the cinematography, colors, production design, sets, and lighting.

July 20, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | horror, Horror Movie, The Strangers, The Strangers Trilogy, The Strangers: Chapter 1 Blu-ray Review