Final Cut Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Final Cut Blu-ray Movie Review

Final Cut isn’t a cult classic or underseen gem but it does have some decent thrills and suspense for genre fans. Executive produced by Frank Gardiner, Final Cut is from an original story by Jonathan Dawson. Produced by Mike Williams (The Myth Makers, Horse on the Seventh Floor), Final Cut impresses with good performances by David Clendinning, Jennifer Cluff, and Lou Brown.

Dominic Black (David Clendinning) is an extremely wealthy multimillionaire entrepreneur involved in a world of drugs, sex, and music. Dominic uses his extreme wealth for other showbusiness – playing a series of elaborate games with those around him and producing movies where the lead performers end up dead.

When a documentary filmmaker (Lou Brown) and journalist girlfriend (Jennifer Cluff) end up being direct eyewitnesses to a party guest at one of Dominic’s parties being chased down, hunted, and attacked, the unexpecting duo find themselves overwhelmed by the unexpected terror. Dominic continues to invite people out to mind game parties and cat-and-mouse games unfold in his elaborate penthouse. Yet more lives might be lost. Could there be more bodies dead in a pool of water?

The performances are one of the essential highlights of the production. Lou Brown, David Clendinning, and Jennifer Cluff add to the film. The actors have fun with their respective roles. The performances adding to the style of the filmmaking.

Edited by Tony Paterson (Mad Max, Centrespread), Final Cut is well paced. The editing style is well done. There is a good sense of cohesion to the editing.

The production designs by Phil Warner (Fortress, The Naked Country) are well done and bring something special to the table. Warner is a talent as production designer and brings a unique sensibility to the filmmaking. The results are impressive at adding genre sensibilities to the filmmaking.

The costume designs by Camilla Rountree (We of the Never Never, The Gold and the Glory) are a lot of fun and some of the nicest production elements. The costume designer made solid costumes for the cast members. There is a nice style to the designs.

Composed by Howard J. Davidson (King Alfred and the Anglo Saxons, Royals and Reptiles), Final Cut isn’t a perfect score but the music does work well for the filmmaking. The music is a solid backdrop to the storytelling. Davidson added some nice ambiance to the genre storytelling.

Featuring cinematography by Ron Johanson (Freedom, The Woman Inside), Final Cut offers solid visuals and stylistic finesse. The cinematography is well-done and certainly one of the most memorable and highlighted aspects. The visual style a nice highlight of the genre elements.

Written by Jonathan Dawson (Division 4, The Box) and Ross Dimsey (The Naked Country, Fantasm), Final Cut lacks a great script but it does have some decent dialogue. The script provides genre elements that help the storytelling flow better. The scripting isn’t perfect but it works well for the production.

Directed by Ross Dimsey (Blue Fire Lady, The Runner), Final Cut is worth checking out for its genre storytelling and stylistic elements. Dimsey made a solidly crafted thriller. Dimsey did well with the production and imbued some class into the filmmaking. A well rounded genre film and one that the audiences will appreciate.

Final Cut Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, Final Cut is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The high-definition transfer looks naturally filmic and pleasing. Color reproduction is excellent on the release. The fine detail and depth to the image is engaging throughout.

Final Cut Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English uncompressed PCM 2.0 mono. The release also provides optional English subtitles. The lossless audio quality is engaging on the release. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and well highlighted. The score and soundtrack are well reproduced on the release. The soundstage adds so much to the presentation. A fantastic lossless encode by Umbrella Entertainment.

Final Cut Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Producer Mike Williams Moderated by Screenwriter Shayne Armstrong (Acolytes, Bait 3D)

Oz Voyeurs – A Visual Essay from Author and TV Historian Andrew Mercado (HD, 11:04)

Not Quite Hollywood Interview With Director Ross Dimsey (HD, 2:05)

The VHS Experience (SD, 1:22:25)

Stills Gallery (HD, 1:51)

Trailer (HD, 2:22)

Final Cut Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Final Cut is a reasonably engaging thriller with some nice performances and genre merits. The filmmaking is well-done and the overall production values add some class to the genre film, too. The Blu-ray release provides an excellent presentation. The Umbrella release also includes an absorbing selection of bonus features. Recommended.