Parasites Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		2.5

Parasites Blu-ray Movie Review

Parasites is an action-thriller with a dark energy. Filmed in the darkness of Los Angeles, Parasites is produced by Chad Ferrin (Night Caller, Pig Killer), Robert Miano (The Deep Ones, Night Caller), John Santos (Attack in LA, Night Caller), and Silvia Spross (The Deep Ones, Reflections). Executive produced by Robert Rhine (Attack in LA, Escape from Area 51), Parasites is an action-horror hybrid about a dangerous gang of homeless people and the turn of events that unfolds one dark night.

Starring Robert Miano. The film co-stars Joseph Pilato, Robert Rhine, Sean Samuels, Rich Young Lee, Sebastian Fernandez, Silvia Spross, Jeffrey Decker, Paul Louis Harrell, Eddie Kehler, and Shaun T. Benjamin. Parasites is a dark, unusual, and gritty take on late-night suspense.

Traveling late at night along Skid Row, three friends find themselves encountering the unexpected rage of a homeless gang leader, the violent and ruthless Wilco (Robert Miano). The gang has a group of raging members all of whom are following the commands of their leader, Wilco. The night is just beginning. Danger and violent outbursts erupt as chaos on the streets goes underway.

The cast adds to the suspense of the film: Robert Miano as Wilco, Joseph Pilato as Wilde, Robert Rhine as Spade, Sean Samuels as Marshal Colter, Rich Young Lee as Rake, Sebastian Fernandez as Scott Dobbs, Silvia Spross as Mona, Jeffrey Decker as Josef Lode, Paul Louis Harrell as Wallace the Driver, Eddie Kehler as Officer Mitchum, and Shaun T. Benjamin as Officer Spinell. Though none of the performances elevate the film, the cast does the best possible job with the material. None of the performances are as good as audiences might hope to find.

The cinematography by Christian Janss (Attack in LA, Exorcism at 60,000 Feet) is a highlight. The cinematography is dark and hypnotic at times. The visuals provide a grim aesthetic to the film – showcasing the grim realities of the city landscape and the late-night terror. A good effort by the cinematographer.

Edited by Jahad Ferif (Night Caller, The Deep Ones), Parasites lacks cohesion. The filmmaking is a bit underwhelming and the pace is all over the map. The film lacks ambition in the editing room and it certainly doesn’t follow a good flow as a story. Ferif and the editing style is too lackadaisical.

The score composed by Matt Olivo (Attack in LA, Chop) is one of the best highlights of the film. The music by Olivo adds to the suspense of the filmmaking – often elevating the material. The synth compositions are clearly inspired by the music of John Carpenter. A good highlight for the film.

Written and directed by Chad Ferrin (Night Caller, Pig Killer), Parasites is underwhelming. The film has an average-at-best concept and it doesn’t know what to do with the story. The filmmaking by Ferrin is quite underwhelming (to say the least). Director Ferrin has some interesting visuals to showcase at times but the storytelling and vibe of the film is underwhelming. Parasites is a disappointment and one can’t help but wish one was watching the brilliant Bong Joon Ho masterpiece Parasite instead.

Parasites Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Terror Vision, Parasites is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The transfer is generally impressive, highlighting the image and the dark outdoors cinematography well. The visuals provide a documentary-style approach to filmmaking at times and the presentation reflects that – including an abundance of soft shots in the film that never appear as razor-sharp as some might expect. Even so, Terror Vision capably handles the encode and the transfer appears faithful to the intended aesthetic.

Parasites Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The lossless surround sound track has a simplistic surround sound design. The surrounds are not actively used in an interesting way and the front channels are more aggressive. The score is slightly more enveloping with the surrounds. The soundstage is well reproduced. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand.

Parasites Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary featuring Chad Ferrin, Robert Miano, Robert Rhine, and Siliva Spross

Parasites Making-Of Documentary (HD, 40:05)

Shriekfest Premiere (HD, 6:57)

Trailer (HD, 1:02)

Deleted/Alternate Scenes (HD, 15:10)

Behind the Scenes (HD, 13:49)

Parasites Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Parasites is a bit of a miss with an underwhelming concept and average performances. The filmmaking is decent-at-times but the overall vibe of the film is not one that audiences will find easy to enjoy. The Blu-ray release provides worthwhile video-audio and a nice selection of supplements for fans to enjoy. Fans may wish to consider a purchase but newcomers should consider renting it first.