6.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Two serial killers go on a murdering rampage as one films the outcome from behind a video camera.
Starring: Andy Lauer, Fred VogelHorror | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.33:1
English: LPCM 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 1.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Look, no judgement. I mean it. I just can't bring myself to fully watch all three August Underground Trilogy films. They're disgusting, which doesn't make those who enjoy them disgusting. Simply... interesting folks. Don't get me wrong, I know these flicks are intentionally disgusting, not to mention gory, nauseating, offensive and distasteful for the sake of being, well, all the things even a horror junkie like me can't quite stomach. There are lines, and reviewing has allowed me to find mine. Your lines may be farther down the genre path. If so, ladies and gents, may I present the August Underground Trilogy in all its sick, twisted, low-budget indie glory. These are the Saw movies for a generation who thought, "meh, could be grosser." These are the Hostel flicks, for people who shrugged their shoulders and wished for something dirtier, grimier and more diseased. And I can't stress this enough: I think... no, I know that's the point. Director Fred Vogel wants to push you past what you thought you were capable of enjoying. And he does so to greater or lesser extents, depending on your appreciation of being pushed so far. So if you think you can watch this trilogy from start to bloody finish, more power to ya. I failed, by the films' implied challenge, and I'm not exactly sad I did. Good luck and God speed.
The first two August Underground Trilogy films are presented with 1.33:1 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfers. However, because each found footage-style production is meant to evoke lo-fi, standard definition VHS video, the results are as ugly as the content of the supposed tapes. The illusion is convincing, and the resulting presentations are intentionally horrible. Blocking, crush, stair-stepping, subpar clarity, lines rolling up and down the screen (just like an old, worn VHS tape would do)... it's a mess. Colors are vivid, and pop enough to make things queasier than they already would be otherwise, and black levels are deep-ish, though as flawed and inconsistent as everything else, including detail. In fact, there's just enough detail to be able to see what's happening, which more often than not, doesn't help with the nausea. Part of me became irritated with the VHS-style presentation; the other part of me was grateful I wasn't watching Vogel's serial killers film their crimes in crystal clear high definition.
All three August Underground films feature a down-and-dirty, equally lo-fi LPCM 2.0 mix, again, designed from the ground up to sound like the audio you'd expect while watching a tattered VHS tape. Voices are intelligible enough to follow the, um, "plot" and conversations, but warped and warbled enough to top off the home cassette illusion. Likewise, effects and other elements are decidedly realistic, insofar as a poor camcorder microphone would capture each sound. It suits the films, sure. But it gets very old, very quickly. Particularly if you're watching the entire trilogy, back to back. Nearly five hours of torture, ugly VHS video and intentionally degraded audio? No thanks.
I couldn't bear to watch the August Underground Trilogy films. Not because I would puke out my guts, although I doubt I'd be hungry anytime soon after, but because the trio are so vile, so unapologetically gratuitous and brutal that I had no desire to subject myself to the torture of others being believably tortured. You may love 'em. Like I said, no judgement. You'll just have to forgive my non-reviews. Unearthed Films brings each of the Trilogy to Blu-ray as they were meant to be seen and heard, which isn't saying a lot considering the lo-fi video and audio that involves. But it's faithful, so it's hard to get too upset. However, each release offers a massive collection of special features, which lend plenty of value to each purchase. The August Underground flicks aren't for me, but if you dig 'em, you'll certainly get your money's worth.
2015
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