Countdown Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Countdown Blu-ray Movie Review

Countdown is a decent horror-thriller featuring a big cast of characters. Executive produced by Paiboon Damrongchaitham, Saithip Montrikul na Ayudhaya, Jina Osothsilp, and Visute Poolvoralaks, Countdown brings new terror to the New Year. Produced by Jira Maligool, Vanridee Pongsittisak, Chenchonnee Soonthonsaratul, and Suwimon Techasupinan, Countdown stars Pachara Chirathivat, Jarinporn Joonkiat, Pattarasaya Kreuasuwansri, David Asavanond, Prach Rakissarakul, and Lawrence de Stefano.

Everyone enjoys a countdown to a New Year. New Years Eve and New Years Day is a time for celebration and hope. Everyone wants a new year to create a new opportunity – new year, new me – and the whole idea is one that three Thai teens living in New York City take seriously. The Thai teens have ambitions for the new year and hope to make it a good one for everyone. The countdown has begun – 4, 3, 2, 1… and yet the teens are tossed into more trouble than any of them expected when another guest at their New Year celebration turns out to be a deranged lunatic with monstrous impulses – who wants to take out each and every one of them. Can these Thai teens survive to see a New Year?

The ensemble cast of Countdown includes Jack (Pachara Chirathivat), Bee (Jarinporn Joonkiat), Pam (Pattarasaya Kreuasuwansri), Jesus (David Asavanond), Por (Prach Rakissarakul), and Fabio (Lawrence de Stefano).  The cast does a solid job with their respective roles. With such a wide ensemble, each of the actors still has a moment to shine in the film. A solid cast for the genre filmmaking.

Composed by Hualampong Riddim (One for the Road, Fabulous 30), Countdown features a solid score. The music is a decent backdrop to the terror. The score is well suited to the filmmaking and adds an element of tension to the production.

The cinematography by Niramon Ross (Shutter, Alone) is well done. The cinematography is one of the best qualities of the production. Ross did a terrific job as cinematographer. The visuals add a lot to the filmmaking.

Edited by Panayu Kunvanlee (Friend Zone, A Gift), Countdown is well edited and flows with good rhythm. The pacing is well done. The results are a more tightly edited and cohesive genre film.

The production designs by Kanuang Dumkeaw (Phobia, Phobia 2) add to the genre sensibilities, too. The New Year setting a solid backdrop of the designs. The production designer added a sense of dread to the surroundings.

Written and directed by Baz Poonpiriya (Bad Genius, One for the Road), Countdown is a decent Thai horror thriller. Though not one of the best films in the Thai collection, Countdown is reasonably engaging and still compelling. The filmmaking is solid overall and the genre elements work well.

Countdown Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, Countdown is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio. The high-definition presentation impresses with worthwhile video. The transfer capably showcases the genre elements. A sleek production and the cinematography is well reproduced throughout.

Countdown Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio is well reproduced on the release. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The score is well highlighted. A well-done audio presentation overall.

Countdown Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Interview with Director Sophon Sakdaphisit (SD, 12:26)

The Sathorn Unique and The Promise – A Video Essay by Grant Watson (SD, 4:01)

Ghosts of Aspiration: The Haunted Vistas of Sophon Sakdaphisit – A Video Essay by Hayley Scanlon (SD, 8:49)

Locating Three T-Horrors From Sophon Sakdaphisit – A Video Essay by Anton Bitel (SD, 13:20)

Countdown: New Year, Same Sins – A Video Essay by Matt Donato (SD, 10:47)

Stills Gallery (SD, 2:22)

Countdown Trailer (SD, 2:30)

Countdown Critical Audio Commentary by Pierce Conran and James Marsh

Countdown Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Countdown is a reasonably fun and engaging horror-thriller set at the New Year. The genre filmmaking is worthwhile. The Blu-ray release provides a solid high-definition transfer and a selection of extras for fans. Recommended.