Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Push a red button on a little black box, get a million bucks cash. Just like that, all of Norma and Arthur Lewis's financial problems will be over. But there's a catch, according to the strange visitor who placed the box on the couple's doorstep. Someone somewhere - someone they don't know - will die. Cameron Diaz and James Marsden play a couple confronted by agonizing temptation yet unaware they're already part of an orchestrated and - for them and us - mind-blowing chain of events.

If you’re anything like me, you lost a bit of faith with Richard Kelly after the disappointing Southland Tales. I skipped this one at the box office after the middling fan fare and uninspiring trailer. But I’m glad I gave it the chance on Blu-ray. The film plays like a great Twilight Zone episode with unexpected twists and turns and solid performances from the cast. I thought this one would be a bit more predictable but the story manages to be fresh and eerie at that. Fans of the genre should definitely give this one a look!

The Box was shot using the Genesis digital camera. The image reminded me a bit of another film shot with this camera, Superman Returns. This is by far a better transfer than that film, but it shares some of the soft glow look. Most of the digitally captured films we see today have incredible detail but this one has what appears to be an intentionally softer look. Detail is still pretty good overall and dimension isn’t lacking, but the image can look a bit too clean at times. I loved the soundtrack though. Great use of the score for tension and mood and plenty of ambiance in the soundstage.

Warner delivers on its promise of including both a DVD and digital copy of the film with all new release Blu-ray movies. You also get a feature commentary with the director, a look at the special effects and an interesting interview with the story’s writer, Richard Matheson (I Am Legend, Stir of Echoes, What Dreams May Come).

By far Richard Kelly’s most accessible work to date and a surprisingly solid addition to the sci-fi thriller genre. Worth a look.