Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

An entertaining 3D presentation for the Resident Evil conclusion.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is the action-packed finale to the long-running Resident Evil franchise. An action-horror genre hybrid based on the video game series, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is executive produced by Victor Hadida (The Hitman's Bodyguard, Hunter Killer) and Martin Moszkowicz (Pandorum, Pompeii). Milla Jovovich returns for one last outing – the swan song for the series.

Humanity is on its last legs. Alice (Milla Jovovich) is one of the few survivors following the devastation of the undead. Returning to Raccoon City, Alice must face-off against Dr. Isaacs (Iain Glen) and the Umbrella Corporation. One last battle is being waged against humanity. Can Alice manage to defeat the undead and prevent the Umbrella Corporation from destroying the world?

Milla Jovovich is perfect in the role of Alice (imbuing her part with her charm and kick-ass style). Jovovich is an entertaining and gifted actress. Alice is a strong character for the Resident Evil film franchise and Jovovich makes the most of the role: trail-blazing her iconic cool. Returning for the conclusion to the story, Jovovich has fun with her final outing (and fans will appreciate seeing her in the role one last time).

The production design by Edward Thomas (Doctor Who, Torchwood) expands the world of Raccoon City and the Umbrella Corporation. The design efforts are impressive throughout the film. The bleak world building makes the filmmaking more immersive and engaging.

One last ride.

The cinematography by Glen MacPherson (Monster Hunter, Trick r' Treat) provides the filmmaking with a pitch-black atmosphere. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is easily the bleakest looking film within the Resident Evil franchise. MacPherson provides the film with a sense of grim darkness to heighten the horror roots of the story.

The score composed by Paul Haslinger (Underworld, The Irregulars) provides excitement for the action-packed horror adventure. Though the score isn't a classic one, it nonetheless entertains and engages with plenty of energy. A solid effort by Haslinger.

Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (Monster Hunter, Resident Evil), Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is a worthwhile send-off to the Resident Evil franchise. Though not the best film in the entire franchise, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is a solid entry and it wraps up the story in a compelling way. There are some great ideas at play in the final entry (and its actually less convoluted than some preceding films in the series). Not a perfect film but one that is undeniably entertaining.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 3D Blu-ray from Sony, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The 3D presentation is worthwhile and adds a nice sense of depth to the presentation. Given the film has enormously dark cinematography, the 3D effect is a little less effective in some scenes (though colleague Martin Liebman had the same issue with the 4K presentation). 3D fans will still be entertained by the immersive layering of the conversion and the results are satisfying (if imperfect). Some sequences (such as the final laser battle at the Umbrella Corporation) have especially good depth.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround sound. The lossless surround sound presentation is an effective sound mix that heightens the experience tenfold. Dialogue is clear and mixed well. The score and sound effects are well integrated. The LFE enhances the action scenes.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes the same extras included on the standard Blu-ray – in addition to exclusive extras on a separate disc. For additional information on the standard-edition supplemental features, please refer to the review by my colleague Martin Liebman.

Exclusive Bonus Disc:

Directing the Final Chapter (HD, 5:02)

Rola as Cobalt (HD, 3:34)

From Saints to Sinners (HD, 8:45)

From Script to Screen: The Making of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (HD, 9:55)

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is an entertaining conclusion. While not a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is one of the more unique entries in the saga – with some curious storytelling ideas and a nice action- packed conclusion. Milla Jovovich is as good as ever. The 3D Blu-ray release features a somewhat inconsistent but engaging presentation and a solid audio track. The release includes an exclusive bonus features disc. Enthusiasts of the 3D format (and the Resident Evil film series) should consider it a worthwhile presentation. Recommended.