6.9 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A young couple trying to reunite amid a city ravaged by a plague that turns its victims into deranged, bloodthirsty sadists.
Starring: Tzu-Chiang Wang, Ralf Chiu, Berant Zhu, Regina Lei, Ying-Ru ChenHorror | 100% |
Foreign | 46% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.00:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.00:1
Mandarin: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Rob Jabbaz makes his feature-length directorial debut with “The Sadness,” heading to the world of horror to create a first impression with audiences, like many aspiring moviemakers before him. It’s zombie cinema in a way, but the material is largely inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, with production taking place in 2020, when the world was still trying to manage the details of the viral event. “The Sadness” uses this sense of confusion and chaos as a starting point for a tale of survival, with Jabbaz working to add as much blood and guts as possible. “The Sadness” is an exercise in extremity, and while the helmer has all the gore and ugliness imaginable, he neglects to create a pace to the endeavor, which never feels alive as it drags from one makeup effects display to the next.
Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray release
The UHD release of "The Sadness" does exceptionally well with fine detail, often going pore-deep with facial surfaces. Gore zone visits are also textured,
delivering a full appreciation of shredded flesh and assorted makeup achievements, including bulging eyes. Exteriors retain depth, exploring the
expanse of rural tours and city life. Interiors handle with dimension, preserving some claustrophobic settings. Color is rich, with bold reds throughout
the viewing experience as blood pours into the feature. Primaries are sharp with signage
and costuming. Greenery is distinct. Highlights do struggle at times, possibly reaching the limitations of the original cinematography with some blown-
out shots. Blacks are acceptably deep. Compression falters on occasion, with banding present at times.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA delivers clear dialogue exchanges, balancing quieter moments of intimacy with more chaotic survival interactions. Scoring cues are sharp, with a fresh sense of synth and surround immersion. Low-end delivers some heavier beats and harder hits of violence. Sound effects are distinct, securing all the goopy, stabby events from various rampages. Atmospherics are appreciable, capturing community bustle and room tone.
Jabbaz has a vision for grisliness, and he tries to work in some commentary on the COVID-19 world, as politicians labor to downplay obvious danger during an election year. Ultimately, the helmer lightly paws at the topic, and he doesn't have much interest in creating a snowballing level of danger for the characters. He throttles "The Sadness" with limp scenes of contact between Jim and Kat, and the end goes for an exposition dump, coming too late in the feature to help develop its sense of threat. "The Sadness" is a fine showcase for technical achievements, as Jabbaz and his team accomplish quite a bit with an obviously limited budget. There's just no sense of movement to the picture, never allowing viewers to feel the pressure of the situation instead of simply being grossed out by it.
2018
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