6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Angela is a young hairdresser thrown out of home by her puritantical mother after too many nights out. She quickly falls in with the modeling crowd and does some modeling work herself, while it seems she is being stalked by a mysterious figure driving an ice-cream van.
Starring: Chantal Contouri, Sigrid Thornton, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Vincent Gil, Julia BlakeThriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
BDInfo
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
In the legacy of Ozploitation, it’s difficult to understand what “Snapshot” represents to the cinematic tradition. Coming from the makers of “Patrick,” which went far to establish the popularity of Australian chillers, “Snapshot” doesn’t register with the same level of creepiness, emerging as more of a character drama than something intending to rile up audiences. It’s an unusually reserved effort which trusts in the possibilities of patience, never really pursuing a defined plot until most of the movie is already over. Director Simon Wincer and screenwriters Everett and Chris De Roche trust in quieter, conversational moments, and it gives the feature a different approach to unsettling behavior. It lacks most overt surprises, but the nightmare summoned here appears to be psychological in design, tracking the ruin of a young woman who only wanted quick cash and a little taste of independence.
The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "Newly scanned and restored in 2k from the original 35mm camera negative. An opening card shares the information that this version of "Snapshot" is known as the "International Cut," with edits made directly to the negative, making hope for a pristine "Australian Cut" impossible (see below for an alternative viewing opportunity). The picture features some impressive widescreen lensing, with the Blu-ray handling the work with care, providing a bright, clear look at cinematographic achievements. Detail reaches as far as possible, supplying decent facial particulars and dimensional locations. Textures are valued on disco-esque costuming and sets, while horror imagery with dead mice and pigs remains vivid. Colors are strong, enjoying period hues with club encounters, remaining natural with clothing. Greenery is appealing, along with the blue waters of the beach shoot. Skintones are spot-on. Delineation registers as it should, preserving evening encounters. Source is in fine shape, with a few faint scratches and some debris.
The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix supports the moods of "Snapshot" with comfort and clarity. Dialogue exchanges are defined to satisfaction, handling accents and intensity, while also finding clarity in club environments. Scoring is equally forceful, handling suspense needs without steamrolling over the action, offering distinct instrumentation. Soundtrack selections are commanding, though disco performances lack some fullness, which may be an inherent issue. Atmospherics are present and favorable.
"Snapshot" goes to a few unexpected places, and not all of them hold attention, but Wincer hits more than he misses here. While it's not exactly random, there's a fluidity to the plot that takes some getting used to, with the production often unsure if it wants to frighten the audience or deliver a fairly accurate depiction of an indecisive, easily overwhelmed young woman. The conclusion settles on scares, finally achieving a sense of direction, but "Snapshot" ends up more intriguing in moments, offering a human nightmare of personal responsibility that's occasionally visited by monsters.
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