6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
An ancient evil awakens in a small Mexican village and many people fall victim to its curse. It is up to a mystical doctor to try and stop this evil power before it is too late.
Starring: Peter Phelps, Cyrus Elias, William Berger, Mariella ValentiniHorror | 100% |
Foreign | 77% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
After scoring a small success with 1987’s “Specters,” co-writer/director Marcello Avallone returns to horror with 1989’s “Maya,” which also seeks to blend elements of history with a weird haunting. There’s a defined idea in play with the project, which inspects the ruination of a Mexican village after a man elects to mess with the border between the living and the dead. It’s a set-up for a slasher, but “Maya” doesn’t jump off the screen with elements of suspense. It’s not as much of a drag as “Specters,” but the picture aims to stay strange, which doesn’t always translate to a riveting feature, though some gory events certainly help to set a more threatening mood.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly restored in 2K" from the original 35mm camera negative. "Maya" offers stable colors, with local decorative choices and period style retaining sharp primaries. Red blood is distinct, and skin tones are natural. Detail captures skin particulars on the cast, explore ranges in age, and makeup effects are nicely textured. Exteriors preserve depth, including tours of the temple set. Interiors are dimensional with filthy living spaces and bar activity. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is nicely resolved. Source encounters some brief, light scratches.
Vinegar Syndrome includes information concerning the original English stereo soundtrack for "Maya," which was found in a damaged state, resulting in "extreme and intermittent ringing and hiss." While restoration efforts were attempted, clarity and comfort couldn't be achieved. What's here is a 1.0 DTS-HD MA track for English, and it secure dialogue exchanges, which preserve their urgency. Scoring maintains a decent synth sound, which swells with moments of suspense. Sound effects are appreciable.
"Maya" has more to do than "Specters," loading up on supporting characters and threatening situations. As with the previous picture, Avallone isn't the king of suspense, often mistaking stillness for screen tension. "Maya" is a slightly better film, showing more confidence with technical achievements and a greater sense of danger for the characters. Perhaps forgiving horror fans will respond to sections of the endeavor that focus on vicious visits from a malevolent force. These scenes tend to stand out in the effort, which still struggles to master mood and build a compelling fright factor.
(Still not reliable for this title)
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