Why So Blu?

Morituris (Blu-ray Review)

One of the most talked-about films of the 2011 Fantasia Film Festival, Raffaele Picchio’s MORITURIS quickly became controversial for its scenes of extreme horror, which got the film banned in in its home country of Italy.  But over the years its reputation has grown into that of a new Italian horror classic, reminiscent of the works of Lamberto Bava (DEMONS) and Lucio Fulci (ZOMBIE).  Now, American audiences can see it for themselves in eye-popping High Definition from Synapse Films!  An interesting mix of old school 1980s Italian horror, with a touch of the brutality of Wes Craven’s THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, MORITURIS is an unflinching, strong, cruel and extremely violent film featuring gruesome effects from Italian SPFX maestro, Sergio Stivaletti (DEMONS, DEMONS 2, DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE, Dario Argento’s OPERA).

Film 

Two lovely Romanian girls take a trip with three Italian men to a rumored midnight rave in the middle of a dark forest. As the gang proceeds on foot to their final destination, a mysterious graveyard is discovered, a shockingly vile plot twist is revealed and bloodthirsty undead Roman gladiators rise from the dead to torture and mutilate their victims! For the two women, an already terrifying night is about to get much, much worse, as the zombified warriors hunt down the group to tear their heads off! Will anyone survive the night?

When I got the press release for Morituris, it caught my attention and my interest because of some of the big names they were touting as inspiration for the film.  Lucio Fulci, Lamberto Bava and Wes Craven’s Last House on the Left.  After having seen the film, all I can say to that description is “Yeah, maybe”.  While I do see in small spots or an idea where something may be similar or where it came from, both the quality and direction/writing of this film are severely distant cry from those three.

This film starts out like its going to be some crazy killing in the woods romp, but winds up being a mean spirited jaunt in sadomasochism and mean spirited violence against women.  I get that horror being disturbing in nature is doing what its supposed to if its getting under your skin.  However, in such a hollow effort, I can’t really agree.  There is no weight here for any of the things that happened.  It didn’t need to have any build up since this film goes where it does.  And also, this film kinda doesn’t have any other point to prove or tell.  Watch women get raped, watch monsters come in and brutally kill them.

I will give the film some credit in its make up department as some of the visual effects are pretty neat.  When visible, that is, because the movie is very dark.  The gore is pretty goopy and groovy, that I wish I could have been enjoying this film more to really appreciate it.  I don’t know if the lighting was a result of hiding stuff that wasn’t working do to low budget or just a poor cinematographer.

If you’re into just watching people sexually assaulted and bludgeoned, then this film probably is up your alley.  And I’m not talking some pervert perusing for snuff films or anything, there are horror movies that basically work as an exploitation on this sort of thing.  However, most of those have a little bit of depth to them.  Its a short film, but honestly I couldn’t wait for this one to be over.  I just couldn’t get into it at all.

Video 

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Clarity/Detail:  This is a really good modern image.  Details are very high.  You can make out scuffs, dirt and aging on the armor of the goons showing up at the end.  Also, props like rope have you able to see the straws.  I’m going to chalk it up to the filmmakers when I say that I wish it was lit a bit better and I could see things, but aside from that Synapse Films has done a fine job and everything they can to make this look pretty.

Depth:  I’ll take about the darkness in the next section, but for when things are lit well, things appear pretty nice, free and spaced.  Movements look natural.

Black Levels:  This film is really dark.  I’m not sure if its by intention to hide budgetary restraints on effects or whathaveyou, but there are times where it is hard to see some details.

Color Reproduction: This film has a pretty dingy look to it.  For the most part colors take on a natural look and are all bold in their own way.  None are really striking or vibrant though.

Flesh Tones:  Skin tones take on a slightly colder look and hold up that way pretty much throughout.  Facial detail such as dried blood, dirt, scratches, freckles and stubble all look nice and pristine in this image.

Noise/Artifacts: Clean

Audio 

Audio Format(s): Italian 5.1 DTS-HD MA, Italian 2.0 DTS-HD MA

Subtitles: English SDH

Dynamics:  The film defaults to the 2.0 audio track (maybe the preferred method?).  Both tracks are very crisp and clean.  Action is loud and at the forefront.  The mix features a nice loose blend of music, vocals and sound effects.

Low Frequency Extension: Smashing, stabbing and beatings all get the proverbial thump from the subwoofer.

Surround Sound Presentation: Rear speakers provide plenty of ambiance and spook sounds throughout.  The front displays a nice chronicle of the action and volume particulars.

Dialogue Reproduction:  Dialogue is crisp, clean and very audible throughout.

Extras 

Morituris features reversible cover artwork, showcasing an alternate poster design.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:45)

Summary 

I won’t deny that there aren’t fans of Morituris or ones like it.  I’m not one of them and this is one that is really not for everyone.  Synapse Films proves again in the audio and video department, that when you’re dealing with them, you’re dealing with top quality as the presentation is very nice.  Extras are lacking, but if that’s all there is, that’s all there is.  If you are curious about the film, tread VERY carefully and I suggest a rental before purchase.