| The Video: From a technical standpoint, The Blood Shed looks very professional. The non-anamorphic letterboxed image - around a 1.78:1 OAR - is colorful and loaded with detail. Of course, you can tell that this is one of those camcorder creations that then gets a slightly fuzzy film look during DVD post-production. Still, the less than flawless transfer does provide the film with an added edge. We feel like we're watching someone's sordid home movies, and that impression matches the film's intentions perfectly.
The Audio: Nothing to really write home about when it comes to sound. The Dolby Digital Stereo is clear and distortion free. The lack of a true multichannel remix is no big concern, especially since the dialogue is easily discernible.
The Extras: As for added content, Heretic Films fails to fully deliver on The Blood Shed's creative worth. We get a collection of trailers, and some Actor's Bios, but that's about it. The only really valuable bonus feature is the full length audio commentary featuring Kelly, actors Jerry Murdock (Sheriff), Katherine O'Sullivan (Leslie) and crew members Tom Burns (composer) and Bart Mastronardi (Director of Photography). It's a genial and giddy conversation, with our director pleased as punch about his results and his cohorts mimicking his insights. We do learn of the logistical problems during the production, as well as the film's more modest origins (it was originally going to be a short). In-depth without being overbearing, this is an excellent title overview. Sadly, the cover art-promised Behind the Scenes montage was nowhere to be found.
Final Thoughts: ...Had Heretic Films fleshed out their DVD package with slightly more significant supplements, this would be one of 2007's best film/bonus features combo. As it stands, the digital presentation is merely average. The movie it manages is above reproach... |
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