6.1 | / 10 |
Users | 3.2 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.4 |
Two renegade young scientists break legal and ethical boundaries by conducting a dangerous experiment in which they combine or 'splice' DNA from human and animal sources. Their experiment results in the creation of a new creature whom they christen Dren.
Starring: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chaneac, Brandon McGibbon, Simona MaicanescuHorror | 100% |
Thriller | 85% |
Sci-Fi | 12% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
Digital copy (on disc)
DVD copy
BD-Live
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Never heard of Canadian filmmaker Vincenzo Natali? Perhaps you're more familiar with Cube, Natali's finest hour and foremost genre pic; a high-concept, shoestring-budget mind-bender that's become a tried-and-true sci-fi cult classic since its humble 1997 release. (If you haven't experienced its trippy, Rubixian labyrinth, skip this review and track down a copy immediately.) Splice, a more traditional sci-fi yarn in every regard, was meant to follow Cube, but budgetary limitations and the cinematic fates intervened, forcing Natali to shelve his script for the better part of a decade. And frankly, I'm glad he didn't find a way to make it work. In 2010, with a decent budget, proper CG and the backing of oh-so-discerning producer Guillermo del Toro -- who doesn't blindly slap his name on anything and everything that crosses his desk... ahem, Wes Craven -- Splice is a smart, sophisticated treat. No cut corners, no missed opportunities. (Well, none that are readily apparent anyway.) Granted, science takes an unfortunate back seat to fiction, pacing issues are a persistent threat and sci-fi zealots will see the last fifteen minutes coming a mile away, but its intricate, all-too-relevant character studies and devilish deconstruction of modern creature features allows Natali's haunting cautionary tale to stand out from a very bloated pack.
Dren contemplates an uncertain future...
Those expecting a razor-wire genre transfer may be in for a bit of a shock as well. Rather than tinker with the film's DNA, Warner delivers a somewhat soft 1080p/VC-1 presentation that, for better or worse, stays true to Natali's intentions. That's not to say Splice underwhelms, just that it isn't going to drop any jaws. Tetsuo Nagata's photography is, by design, awash with antiseptic greens and pale, sickly whites, and his palette, though seasoned with striking reds and warmly lit farmhouses, is fittingly sterile. Like Dren though, there's an unsettling beauty to it all; one that works in tandem with the film's sometimes surreal dreamscape. Skintones follow suit and rarely disappoint, and blacks are deep and authentic. Detail, meanwhile, is still quite impressive. Closeups reveal a bevy of fine textures, edges are clean, object definition is relatively crisp, and clarity and contrast remain consistent throughout. (Several shots are nothing short of breathtaking, despite being the exception rather than the rule.) A faint veneer of unobtrusive grain is apparent at all times, lending the film legitimacy and cinematic weight. And while it spikes on a handful of occasions, it never distracts. As it stands, the whole of the presentation is polished and proficient. Small, arguably negligible bursts of artifacts creep into a handful of shots, and crush takes a slight toll from time to time (mainly in the latter half of the film), but other significant anomalies -- macroblocking, banding, aliasing, smearing and ringing -- aren't a factor. Ultimately, while hardline high-defers may balk at the film's softer scenes, most videophiles, Splice fan or no, will appreciate Warner's faithfulness.
Splice also features a satisfying DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that, aside from a few minor issues, is both convincing and immersive. From the credit sequence to the final, harrowing moments of the film, the rear speakers earn their take. Remarkable ambience frequents the soundfield, wrapping every genetic lab, horrified auditorium, abandoned farm house and vacant barn around the listener with eerie ease. Interior and exterior acoustics are believable, Cyrille Aufort's score effectively probes and prods the soundscape, and Natali's evocative atmosphere bleeds through magnificently. LFE support is generally reserved, only baring its teeth when Wren does, but anything more would be at odds with the film itself. Each scene, quiet or otherwise, boasts appropriate weight and presence, and the experience is an engaging one. Dialogue isn't as reliable though. While the majority of lines are crystal clear and precisely prioritized, some are dampened, while others are a tad shrill. Such mishaps never spoil the proceedings outright, but they do knock the sonics down a small notch. Regardless, I seriously doubt Splice could sound much better than it does here.
Unfortunately, the Blu-ray edition of Splice offers just one special feature: "A Director's Playground: Vincenzo Natali on the Set of Splice" (SD, 35 minutes), a lengthy, fairly comprehensive production documentary that, as standalone behind-the-scenes glimpses go, is informative and refreshingly low-key. It's just a shame it isn't presented in high definition.
Again, Splice isn't for everyone. It certainly isn't perfect any number of minor issues may interfere with your ability to enjoy its unsettling wares. I, for one, was taken by its clever oedipal cautionary tale, but I also wouldn't spend much time defending Natali's latest effort to anyone who despised its twists and turns. The Blu-ray release isn't for everyone either. Its video transfer, fit and faithful as it may be, will underwhelm any modern moviegoer expecting a razor-sharp genre transfer, its excellent DTS-HD Master Audio track is its greatest asset, and its anemic supplemental package includes nothing more than a lone, 35-minute documentary. It isn't a mediocre release by any means -- I was quite pleased overall -- but it isn't going to draw jaws, burst ear drums or soak up the better part of your weekend.
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