Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		2.5

White Noise Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman July 22, 2023

Mill Creek has released the 2005 supernatural Horror film 'White Noise' to Blu-ray. The film was previously released to Blu-ray in 2014 via Universal. This release includes the same supplements from the Universal disc. I did not review, nor do I have access to, a copy of the Universal disc, so the video and audio reviews are only specific to this release, but both appear to be similar based on Brian Orndorf's review of the Universal release. At the time of this review's publication, 'White Noise' is only available through Mill Creek as part of a two-film double feature with the sequel film 'White Noise 2.'

When architect Jonathan Rivers (Michael Keaton) loses his wife in a tragic accident, he turns to the shadowy, unnerving world of Electronic Voice Phenomenon: communication from beyond the grave. As he begins to penetrate the mysteries of EVP, Jonathan makes a shocking discovery: once a portal to the other world is opened, there's no telling what will come through it.

For a full film review, please click here; note that this link points to the 2014 Blu-ray and a review written by Brian Orndorf.

White Noise Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

As noted above, I did not review, nor do I have access to a copy of, the original Universal disc. I cannot make a direct comparison, then, but it seems very clear from Brian's writing and the accompanying screenshots that this is a very similar image, almost assuredly, at least, sourced from the same master. The picture as presented here is generally fine with a few points of note in the negative column, which is primarily, as is often the case with Mill Creek discs, questionable compression. This is not a surprise considering that the film shares a disc with another film. The compression issues are in no way severe, but it is very clear that backgrounds are often compromised and at the mercy of the gloppy looking macroblocking. Otherwise, the picture looks perfectly serviceable, certainly a far cry from the best the format has to offer, but there is good baseline definition here. Overall clarity to faces, clothes, and location details, such as inside the Rivers home, offer nicely tactile and in-depth detail. Colors are adequate in a base sort of way. They lack fullness and absolute vividness. Colors look flat rather than punchy, paler rather than very bold. Black crush is an issue (look at a dark interior at the 21 minute mark. Flesh tones appear a little pasty as well. This is not at all a "great" image, but it is at the very least "adequate" in every way.

White Noise Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is more than likely identical to the one issued on the Universal disc, but I cannot absolutely confirm that hypothesis. As it is, the track is very effective for its ability and willingness to disperse sounds throughout the entire sound stage area. Listeners will often be engaged with the static-filled clips of the dead speaking from the other side. Musical engagement is wide and full with healthy surround usage. Overall clarity is not the best, but it is very good. The track offers plenty of discrete elements and nicely defined atmosphere as well. The presentation offers good, solid, baseline dialogue that is well prioritized and plays with healthy front-center placement and balance.

White Noise Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Though it is more often than not Mill Creek practice to release films sans supplements, White Noise actually includes the full suite of extras from the Universal disc. See below for a list of what's included and please click here for coverage of the carryover material.

• Deleted Scenes (480i, 9:35 total runtime).
• Deleted Scenes (480i, 9:35 total runtime): Filmmaker commentary plays atop. I am not sure if the Universal disc includes the deleted scenes commentary.
• Hearing Is Believing: Actual EVP Session (480i, 14:33).
• Making Contact: EVP Experts (480i, 8:41).
• Recording the Afterlife at Home (480i, 4:26).
• Feature Commentary with Director Geoffrey Sax and Michael Keaton.

White Noise Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

White Noise aims to straddle the line between chilling and atmospheric with a fairly play-it-safe approach, and it never quite gets there. Keaton is effective in the lead role, but the script from which he works, and the relatively generic cadence with which the film plays out, hinder what is an otherwise OK-ish storyline, resulting in a very flat and forgettable movie. It's watchable, but this is hardly a classic or even a film with much replay value. Mill Creek's Blu-ray, as part of a double feature, is efficient. At time of writing, the double feature in which this film is bundled costs only a few dollars more than the Universal standalone, so fans looking for this film can buy the Mill Creek version and get the second film, which is better, for just a few extra dollars.