Monsters – Blu-ray Review

The Film:

When I first heard about director Gareth Edwards’ shot on the cheap debut feature Monsters I was skeptical. Could a crew of three people and two actors pull off a monster movie on a shoestring budget? The answer to that question is absolutely. Not only did Gareth and his team pull it off, they made a stellar, unforgettable flick that needs to be seen to be believed.

A NASA probe that crash landed in Mexico brought alien lifeforms with it that are multiplying at an alarming rate, causing the Mexican government, along with the United States government to deem the area around the site the “infected zone.” Everything inside this “infected zone” that hasn’t been destroyed by the monsters is getting reduced to nothing more than smoldering rubble by constant bombings from US air strikes. Andrew Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), a photographer hoping to get a money shot, is forced to pick up his boss’s daughter Sam (Whitney Able) and bring get her back home safely. Only due to an unforeseen force of nature (tequila) Andrew has to trek through the “infected zone” in order to get Sam home.

During their daunting journey, Andrew and Sam learn more about the monsters. They also grow fond of each other. Even with the political undertones and giant creatures, Monsters is a really solid love story. The relationship the two leads develop never seems forced and the unbelievable events unfolding around them appear to be happening for real.

Gareth used his lack of money, and his background in visual effects to build a gripping science fiction masterpiece. The actors ability to improvise within the lush, broken landscapes that were often used without permission added realism to the picture. Monsters leaves its audience asking themselves who the real monsters are, and that’s what makes it a killer film.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Magnolia gives the flick a stellar Blu-ray presentation, especially given the nature of its production. Staying true to the source, the details and colors are great, sometimes really eye-catching. The DTS track is equally as great, with its low-key sound design, when something does happen, the sound field is wisely used, offering us a nice ambiance.

Commentary: Director Gareth Edwards, and actors Scoot McNairy, and Whitney Able school us in a great track about the film’s production, making it essential for budding filmmakers.

All extras are in HD.

Behind-the-Scenes of Monsters: This hour long look at the film’s production is just as great as the commentary, as it shows guerrilla film making at its finest.

Monsters: The Edit: The unsung hero of the film is the editor Colin Goudie, as this shows how he built the film after having hours and hours of improved footage. Great stuff, students.

Visual Effects: What is usually a throwaway extra, is a well-rounded and highly informative piece with Edwards as he talks about the VFX in the film and his career in the VFX department. This runs for about 45 minutes.

Interview with Gareth Edwards: Here’s another extensive extra. While he talks more about the film’s production, he offers up some interesting theories about life on other planets.

Interview with Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able: Offering their thoughts on the characters and the production, it’s a pretty thorough chat about being an actor.

Deleted Scenes that offer just more character moments, HDNet: First Look is an EPK making-of, Trailers, New York Comic Con Discussion is a quick chat with Edwards, and the Digital Copy round out the extras.

Conclusion: Gareth’s next is Godzilla (here), but his debut here is a fresh take on “monsters” and Magnolia’s BD is one of their best offerings.

The Film: Rating:

The Blu-ray: Rating: