Laddaland Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Laddaland Blu-ray Movie Review

Laddaland is an engaging and compelling Thai horror drama. Executive produced by Paiboon Damrongchaitham (Shutter, Alone), Boosaba Daorueng (Shutter, Bad Genius), Jina Osothsilp (Bad Genius, The Medium), and Visute Poolvoralaks (Nang Nak, Shutter). Produced by Jira Maligool (The Tin Mine, Seven Something), Vanridee Pongsittisak (Bad Genius, Fast & Feel Love), and Chenchonnee Soonthonsaratul (Fast & Feel Love, Bad Genius), Laddaland stars Saharat Sangkapreecha.

Everyone wants to buy a home in Bangkok. Being a homeowner is a dream so many Bangkok residents strive for. Even though not everyone can afford to buy a home, the goal is clear – buying a home can provide happiness and a feeling of contentment and success. Thee (Saharat Sangkapreecha) finds himself getting a wonderful opportunity in his line of work. The job opportunity opens up new windows for Thee. Thee soon has begun moving his family to Laddaland, a huge housing project with beautiful homes up and down the street. Yet the sense of perfection in the neighborhood is upended somewhat by the neighbors – the dead neighbors. Can there be ghosts haunting Laddaland?

Saharat Sangkapreecha delivers a compelling performance. Saharat Sangkapreecha is the forefront of the movie and the storyline. The role requires a lot out of Saharat Sangkapreecha and he brings the absolute best to his performance. The drama and heartfelt quality of the story is told through his character and performance.

Featuring a score composed by Hualampong Riddim (One for the Road, The Teacher’s Diary) and Vichaya Vatanasapt (One for the Road, The Promise), Laddaland is well done in regards to the scoring. The score certainly plays a vital role in the film. The music adds to the genre filmmaking.

The cinematography by Kittiwat Semarat (Friend Zone, The Red Envelope) is well done and is one of the strengths of the production. The cinematography showcases the landscape of the production well. The visuals certainly aid the storytelling.

Edited by Thammarat Sumethsupachok (The Teacher’s Diary, Phobia), Laddaland is well done from beginning to end. The editing handles the story and the pace of the film well. The editing is quite compelling visually and handles the ebb and flow of the story.

The production designs by Wuttinun Sujaritpong (Phobia) are impressive and certainly one of the best qualities of the entire feature. The production designs showcase a lot of charm to them. The entire concept of the film relates heavily to the environment and the production designs reflect that well. The art direction by Kanuang Dumkeaw (Phobia, Phobia 2) adds to the sensibilities of the production, too.

The costume designs by Wasana Benjachat (Dorm, Hormones) are well done. The main cast of characters are well highlighted by the costumes. The supporting cast are also well highlighted.

Written by Sopana Chaowwiwatkul (The Teacher’s Diary, Notebook) and Sophon Sakdaphisit (Coming Soon, Shutter), Laddaland is an entertaining genre film. The story is a bit bittersweet and sad. This is certainly a genre film that walks a fine line with drama. The storytelling is more complex than some other Thai horror films in the same collection and is a darker drama as much as a genre film.

Directed by Sophon Sakdaphisit (Coming Soon, The Swimmers), Laddaland is well worth seeing. The filmmaker did a good job with the production. Laddaland is one of the best films in the Thai horror collection. The film is a good genre film and drama, too. Worth seeing.

Laddaland Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, Laddaland is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio. The presentation quality on the release is well done overall. The colors are well reproduced. The cinematography is well showcased and shines well on the release. The scan looks a little dated and could have benefited from a newer 2K or 4K remaster.

Laddaland Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Thai audio sounds clear on the release. Dialogue is well reproduced. The score is well highlighted on the release. The English subtitles are well done and are well translated.

Laddaland Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Interview with Director, Writer and Producer Yongyoot Thongkongtoon (SD, 6:51)

Coming Soon: When Horror Escapes the Screen – A Video Essay by Matt Donato (SD, 12:31)

Thai Ghost Stories: Alone, Dorm, Laddaland, Coming Soon and The Promise – A Video Essay by David Michael Brown (SD, 10:42)

Laddaland: There's Something Horrific Lurking in the Family Home – A Video Essay by Dr. Duncan Caillard (SD, 12:01)

Stills Gallery (SD, 8:48)

Coming Soon – Critical Audio Commentary by Pierce Conran and James Marsh

Laddaland Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Laddaland is an entertaining genre film with a more serious dramatic backdrop. The storytelling is compelling. The performances are well done. The production values are impressive. The Blu-ray release provides a solid high-definition presentation and a selection of bonus features. Recommended.