Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

End of the Line Blu-ray Movie Review

End of the Line is an entertaining and fast-paced horror-thriller with a fun genre element. The film was an independent Canadian production originally released in 2007. The film stars Ilona Elkin and Nicolas Wright. End of the Line co-stars Christine Lan, Neil Napier, Emily Shelton, and Tim Rozon. Produced by Maurice Devereaux and featuring work by associate producer Adrien Morot, End of the Line is an under-the-radar horror gem with plenty of exciting thrills for genre fans.

Karen (Ilona Elkin) decides to take the last running subway late at night. The subway is heading towards the end of the line. During the day, Karen isa psychiatric nurse helping to oversee patients at a hospital. Karen now finds herself heading down an unexpected path on the late subway run. Karen finds herself seeing horrific visions of demonic monsters on the subway and she runs across a religious cult with plans to save the world.

The cult is feverish and determined to save as many souls from eternal damnation as possible – even though it means killing as many as they can. Slashing their way forward as religious fanatics, Karen and the other subway passengers must fight to survive – even if demons get in the way. Karen, Mike (Nicolas Wright), and Viviane (Christine Lan) are amongst the last survivors fighting against the crazy cult. It’s the cult against the non-believers. Who will win at the end of the line?

For a low-budget independent production, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the performances in the film. Even though none of the lead actors deliver “Oscar-worthy” performances (so to speak), the stars deliver solid performances for an under-the-radar genre film. Even though most of the cast aren’t as well known as some actors, the performances are noteworthy. Ilona Elkin is especially solid in the leading role. Elkin is a sexy and fun hero for the film and she certainly does a good job carrying the production.

The production has a number of excellent qualities. The production design by Jean-Phillippe Hebert (Slashers) is effective and does a great job of showcasing the landscape of the subway. This was an excellent piece of the filmmaking puzzle. A great effort by Hebert.

Key makeup artist Therese Faniel does excellent work alongside special makeup effects supervisor Adrien Morot (M3GAN, Scream VI). End of the Line benefits from outstanding creature effects. A massive part of the appeal of the film is the surrealist and creepy horror make-up effects. These elements were outstanding – even if the low-budget nature of the film means it’s only a smaller percentage of the screen-time that is devoted to these sequences. A tremendous effort by Morot.

The costumes by Julie Perrault are effective and do a good job of highlighting the performers and their characters. The costumes are down-to- earth for the main cast members and a bit more extreme for an assortment of “cultists” featured during the storyline. The main characters have down-to-earth costume attire and the results are impressive. A great effort by Perrault.

The score composed by Martin Gauthier (Lady of the Lake, Slashers) is entertaining for a lower-budget independent horror production. While I wouldn’t call the score a home-run effort, composer Gauthier provides a decent backdrop to the terror and helps to amp up the suspense with the music. A solid if (sometimes) forgettable score. The music adds to the experience nonetheless.

The cinematography by Denis-Noel Mostert (Slashers, Lady of the Lake) is one of the best elements of End of the Line. Mostert does a great job as cinematographer. This is a sleek and well-produced indie production. The cinematography looks artistic and engaging. The use of color and lighting in the film impresses. A wonderful effort.

Written and directed by Maurice Devereaux (Blood Symbol, Slashers), End of the Line is a much better Canadian horror film than some might be expecting to find. Devereaux clearly made a fun under-the-radar gem with End of the Line. The film wasn’t a big hit on release but it did receive some decent buzz during festival screenings and it even won the Special Jury Prize when it was screened at Fantastic Fest.

Though End of the Line isn’t as well known as some other modern horror films, perhaps due to its low budget and Canadian roots, the film is terrific fun and an excellent showcase for the talent of director Devereaux. A worthwhile thriller and one that has a good balance of suspense and old-school horror. Devereaux edited his own film, too. The result is an indie project that feels a bit more ambitious and willing to take risks than some fare. Well worth checking out.

End of the Line Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Terror Vision, End of the Line is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation looks excellent here and the transfer does an exceptional job of presenting the cinematography with the best quality possible. The transfer is surprisingly sharp – crystal clear looking for a lower-budget independent production. The transfer is clear and free from print wear (such as dirt, debris, and scratches). A outstanding transfer of the film.

End of the Line Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The lossless audio quality is excellent and sounds remarkably crisp during the presentation. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The score is well reproduced and highlighted during the presentation. The audio presentation capably preserves the soundstage and the surrounds are actively used.

As a result of the quality sound mixing, End of the Line has a much more effective and engaging surround sound mix than some audiences might expect given the low-budget roots of the production. The surrounds have some great sound effects work integrated in to the soundstage and the experience is heightened as a result (especially during the action-packed finale). A great effort from distributor Terror Vision.

End of the Line Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release comes with an attractive o-card slipcover featuring unique art-work (separate from the key artwork highlighted on the art sleeve underneath the o-card). The release is provided in a clear case. Special inner-artwork is also provided on the inside cover sleeve.

Th on-disc supplements are excellent and the release offers a Criterion-esque worthy assortment of bonus features. The effort given to the release and its supplemental package is impressive and adds significant value to the release.

On disc extras include:

Interview with Maurice Deverueaux (HD, 41:03) offers End of the Line fans with plenty of insights from the director of the film. The interview is in-depth and there are a lot of great tidbits shared by the films director.

Audio Commentary with Maurice Deverueaux and Martin Gauthier

Photo Gallery includes 318 click-through photographs (ranging from behind the scenes stills to promotional images).

Trailer (HD, 1:53)

Isolated Score

End of the Line Making Of Documentary (HD, 36:41) explores the behind-the-scenes of the production.

Deleted Astrology Scene (HD, 2:01) is a great sequence – so compelling that it makes one wonder why it was even cut in the first place. (It technically makes sense why it was cut from a pacing perspective, though.) Well worth seeing this deleted scene.

Footage from Fantasia Film Festival 2007 (SD, 10:12) provides a glimpse at the festival showcase for End of the Line.

Maurice Deverueaux on Distribution (SD, 1:28) discusses his approach to distribution for End of the Line.

End of the Line Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

End of the Line is an excellent horror-thriller with plenty to offer genre enthusiasts. The film is an under-the-radar gem and it certainly delivers a fun time. The performances are solid from the ensemble cast and the direction by Maurice Devereaux (Slashers) is entertaining and ambitious for a lower-budget production.

The Blu-ray release includes an impressive scan of the feature-film and lossless audio. Terror Vision has also rounded out the package with an impressive selection of bonus features that add a lot to the viewing experience. Highly recommended.