7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The twisty story of identical triplets separated at birth, who reconnect by chance at age 19. But what starts as a happy reunion soon sets off a series of events that lead to shocking and sinister secrets.
Director: Tim WardleDocumentary | 100% |
Biography | 97% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Good god, what did I just watch? What begins as a seemingly heartwarming (albeit wildly improbable) tale of three identical triplets, separated at birth, finding one another by complete chance in their adult lives soon becomes a shocking story that has to be seen to be believed. It's a plot straight out of a horror movie, with twists and turns that make the term "twists and turns" seem positively inadequate in describing the jaw-dropping revelations that unfold. If Three Identical Strangers were a fictional drama or thriller it would be torn to shreds by critics and audiences alike, criticized for its silly, convoluted third-act developments. There wouldn't be a single person that would be able to suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy its jump-the-shark script. But here it is, in all its true-story glory. Just the facts, ma'am. Reality unfiltered. Presented as it happened. Sure to leave you revisiting your beliefs in the nature vs. nurture debate, pondering topics involving generational mental health, and certain that true evil really does exist in this world.
Happier times...
Like most documentaries of its nature, Three Identical Strangers is a patchwork of old footage, photographs and talking-head interviews. Universal's 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation handles it all in stride. There's not much in the way of striking visuals here but it's competent enough, without any major transfer-related issues. There are a host of anomalies in the dated home video footage, news clips and other imagery but that's par for the course. Colors are solid, contrast is dialed in nicely, black levels are deep and detail is as revealing as each source allows. No one comes to a documentary looking for a high definition standard so I doubt anyone will be disappointed with the results.
Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is a dialogue driven affair, with interviews, narration and more. There's little in the way of rear speaker engagement, directional effects or soundfield wizardry. There are some moments that deliver a fuller sound experience -- familiar songs, bustling streets, passing traffic, and other nice touches -- but otherwise this is simply a documentary mix presented without distraction or notable flaw. Voices are clean and clear, never tinny or muffled, and music never overpowers. The songs are the sonic highlight of the track, though that's not saying a lot. There's not much more worth mentioning and there certainly aren't any serious issues to report.
I've already said too much. If you haven't watched Three Identical Strangers, just add it to your cart and go along for the ride, blind as possible. Universal's Blu-ray release makes it even easier to purchase on a whim thanks to a solid AV presentation and an equally solid pair of special features. Highly recommended.
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