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Scar Tissue
R2 - United Kingdom - Warwick Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (14th February 2015). |
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The Film
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Twenty-five years ago the serial killer Edward Jansen was shot and killed by the police in his underground lair. With him were the bodies of five young girls he had mercilessly tortured and killed. Today he's back. And today is Luke Denham's birthday. Twenty-two years of a normal, unremarkable life. But tomorrow Luke will wake up to find a mutilated corpse in his bathroom. He will be stalked and taunted by a psychopath who died long before Luke was even born. And he will have his future placed into the hands of a volatile and deeply disturbed female detective, Sam Cross. The secret they uncover will shatter Luke's whole world and bring Sam face to face with demons from her tragic childhood. Together they will discover that the past is impossible to escape. And that some wounds will never heal.
Video
Independent British distributor Warwick Films have released the thriller "Scar Tissue" on to DVD in the United Kingdom, using the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The feature receives an anamorphic transfer in PAL format, and looks better than expected for such a low budget film. Director Scott Michell and cinematographer Alan Dunlop (The Killing Zone, Bad Day) have opted for a very dark palette for this film, with several scenes using different styles including a drained muted look, and a monochrome look. They all suit their respective scenes very well, and I must express, the level of details for such a dark film on DVD is surprisingly good. Crumbling brickwork, distant foliage as Luke and Sam walk through a park down to the canal, and even murky streets all show off the strengths of this transfer. The way lighting is used from flashlights works very well, and the blacks rarely fall victim to crush. I have to say though, black levels could have been deeper at times as they can have a tendency to push towards grey. Close-up details are pretty average for a film of this ilk. Smaller details are noticeable, but lack the clarity and sharpness that big budget movies generally have. There is some occasional aliasing present, with one of the more obvious examples at 45:25 with Sam's hair. Some banding can also be seen in longer distance shots. There is no obvious damage to the print that I noticed, so apart from some minor issues, this is a slightly above average effort all round. The film is uncut and runs 99:06.
Audio
Two options are available: - English Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo For my viewing, I opted for the English Dolby Digital 5.1 track, and although it is far from reference material, it was certainly a pleasurable experience. Straight from the start of the feature, the score makes a big impact, with several nightclub scenes really utilising the surrounds and the LFE well. In fact, the score consistently influences the nature of the movie and helps immerse the viewer with its added depth. There isn't much in the way of environmental effects using the surrounds, but there are some nice subtle touches such as the echo of the voice in the 81st minute. Dialogue is clear at all times, and although the score is very enthusiastic and boisterous, it never overpowers the action on screen. Direction of effects could be improved upon, but there are no causes for concern here. There are no scratches, pops, or hiss. Unfortunately, no subtitles are available.
Extras
The main extra that has been included here, is a standard "Making Of" featurette clocking in at 13:24. It features interviews with main members of the cast and crew, often against a backdrop of some raw behind the scenes b-roll footage. Also included is some audition tape footage which is a nice little addition, and director Scott Michell does a good job in explaining why he cast certain people, and the roles that they play. This featurette is worth a watch if you enjoyed the film, but it won't be one you revisit. There is also a short theatrical trailer (0:29).
Overall
A film of two halves, I really enjoyed the opening half hour but started to lose interest in the final act. There are some good ideas here, which just miss the mark, but I have to say it is one of the better cast independent British movies of this ilk in recent memory. Visit the official site HERE.
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