Animal Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		2.5

Animal Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman February 19, 2015

About the only surprising thing in the completely rote “teens stranded in the forest with a menacing monster” film that is Animal turns out to be a rather unexpected producing credit: Drew Barrymore. That perhaps future Trivial Pursuit question aside, Animal provides decent if hardly innovative midlevel scares as a bunch of improbably beautiful young ‘uns find out their little romps in the woods have a voyeur looking on, and it’s eager to do more than just feast its eyes.

An original quintet of kids out for a camping expedition soon uncovers signs of foul play, at which point they become aware they’re not alone. They’re even less alone when they hightail it to a nearby cabin (yes, a cabin in the woods), where they discover a trio of other refugees from whatever is marauding through the wildlife (including the stray human or two) outside. Animal is a routine fright fest, one that delivers a couple of scares but frankly a few unintentional laughs as well, especially courtesy of the titular beast, which barely escapes the “can you see the zipper?” costume test.

Animal Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Animal is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Scream Factory, an imprint of Shout! Factory, (along with Chiller Films) with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 (the slipcover and keepcase insert incorrectly state a 1.78:1 aspect ratio). This appears to have been digitally shot and there are times when detail struggles to really pop, given the fact that aside from about the first 10-15 minutes (and then again for the last 9 or 10 minutes) the entirely of this film plays out in dark, secluded environments like the forest and, later, the cabin (which is typically lit only by firelight). Interestingly, the palette here tends to exploit only green and yellow, with an emphasis on the former outside and the latter inside courtesy of that aforementioned firelight. This gambit, which is at least slightly unusual (the green part, anyway) also tends to mitigate detail and (especially) fine detail. When characters can get into decent light, there's at least adequate and at times even abundant fine detail on display. Despite the darkness of the film, there are no compression issues to note, and sharpness is excellent throughout the presentation.

Animal Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Animal's lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is a lot of fun, with the titular beast's roar emanating through various surround channels (and at times panning through them), creating a bit of aural angst. There are typical bursts of LFE meant to evoke a startle response. Dialogue (such as it is) is presented cleanly and clearly and there are no issues to report on this track which boasts excellent fidelity and dynamic range.

Animal Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio Commentary with Director Brett Simmons


• Interviews with the Cast (1080i; 1:43)


• Behind the Scenes Footage (1080i; 3:04)


• Theatrical Trailer (1080p; 1:45)


• Teaser Trailer (1080i; 0:32)

Animal Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Animal is a decent enough midlevel fright fest which is notable for not really exploiting the blood and guts angle these sorts of films typically do, concentrating instead on the growing dysfunction of the disparate group thrown together in the cabin. There's nothing even remotely innovative here, but the film is well paced and sports okay performances. Technical merits are very strong for those considering a purchase.