Red Letter Day Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Red Letter Day Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 30, 2019

While it gives off “Purge” fumes, there’s potential in the premise of “Red Letter Day.” It’s a story about a suburban community infiltrated by a digital terrorist group working to arrange a special day where residents are forced to kill their neighbors. Clocking in at 76 minutes, one would expect writer/director Cameron Macgowan to establish his characters and go full speed ahead into excessive violence and mild social commentary, managing B-movie expectations. Unfortunately, Macgowan wants to sit awhile before the bloodshed begins.

“Red Letter Day” presents itself as horror, but it’s really more of a family drama, spotlighting the interplay between a divorcee and her two kids. There’s letter distribution, informing the damned of their mission, but actual excitement doesn’t arrive for 40 minutes, which is an eternity for this style of entertainment. The production appears to be avoiding its exploitation interests, electing to be a painfully dull domestic tale instead, and one supported by sluggish performances.

Red Letter Day Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation wrestles with compression issues, as banding is common throughout. Sharpness for the HD- shot feature is excellent, with precise facial surfaces and fibrous costumes, while gore zone visits are clearly defined, providing a chance to examine bodily harm. Colors are bright and appealing, with distinct primaries to set the suburban mood, including greenery and blue skies. Skintones are accurate. Delineation is acceptable, preserving frame information.

Red Letter Day Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 Dolby Digital mix is standard, with fresh dialogue exchanges, making dramatic interplay and horror panic easy to follow. Scoring is supportive with acceptable position and volume, often finding its way into the surrounds. Atmospherics are basic, opening up outdoor attacks and exploring room tone. Sound effects are distinct. Low-end isn't challenged.

Red Letter Day Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Suburban Skirmish" (45:06, HD) is the making of for "Red Letter Day," and it's a tremendously comprehensive overview of the production experience. While clips from the feature are a tad intrusive, information provided here can't be beat, going from inspirations and script origins to the picture's premiere at genre film festivals. A good amount of the cast and crew are gathered here to reflect on the experience, and they have excellent stories to share.

• "Her Eyes" (27:47, HD) is an interview with actress Tiffany Helm, who explores her career origins and walks through her filmography, sharing anecdotes about her time on such projects as "O.C. and Stiggs," "21 Jump Street," and "Friday the 13th: A New Beginning." Her best memories are saved for 1986's "Reform School Girls." Missing from action for nearly two decades, Helm discusses her return to acting in "Red Letter Day."

• A Teaser Trailer (:45, HD) and a "90 Second Trailer" (which runs 73 seconds) are included.

Red Letter Day Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Red Letter Day" has promise and an interest in splatter when the killing finally begins. It's such an oddly managed movie, finding Macgowan unwilling or unable to kick out the jams and deliver ugliness the plot promises. He keeps holding the effort back, determined to craft a character study instead of a snowballing nightmare.