Released by: Universal Studios
Release Date: February 3, 2015
Production Year: 2014
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:29:30
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1 / Spanish DTS 5.1 / French Canadian DTS 5.1 / DVS
Video: 1080p (2.40:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
THE FILM:
How far would you go to make contact with someone you lost? From the Producers of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Insidious comes a supernatural thriller in which a group of friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they unwittingly release a dark power from the other side. What started as a game will unleash an evil only they can stop. Starring Olivia Cooke (Bates Motel), Douglas Smith (Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters), Bianco Santos (The Fosters), and Daren Kagasoff (The Secret Life of the American Teenager).
While not the best film based on a Ouija board, "Witchboard" arguably holds that title, "Ouija" is still an okay movie. Thin on plot? Sure. But horror films aren't typically known for being plot driven. Not that it is an excuse, but let's face it, we don't usually watch horror films for thought provoking stories. They are surely welcome, just not common. This film was bashed by many for its PG-13 rating which I don't really understand since its not a slasher film or anything remotely close to one. Haunted house, supernatural and ghost based films don't normally rely on spilling the blood of its cast to be effective. "Poltergeist (1982)", "The Legend of Hell House (1973)", "The Haunting (1963)", anyone? I'm not about to call this film a masterpiece or great. It mainly relies on jump scares to spook the audience and it is effective at that at times.
AUDIO:
The film offers several audio options, a English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which did a great job with the dialogue, score and sound effects which the film makes good use of at certain times, especially when jump scares occur. Also included are a French Canadian DTS 5.1, Spanish DTS 5.1 and a DVS (Descriptive Video Service) track.
VIDEO:
"Ouija" comes to Blu-ray from the beyond thanks to Universal Studios. The film is presented in 1080p with a 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio. Video quality of the film is fantastic. I have no complaints. Colors look strong and have good saturation. Black levels look great throughout. Skin tones look natural. There is a great amount of fine detail present as well, with the texture of objects looking terrific.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The Spirit Board: An Evolution (4:07) - Producer Bennett Schneir, Director & Co-Writer Stiles White, Co-Writer Juliet Snowden and Talking Boards Collector & Historian Robert Murch, talk briefly about Ouija boards and their history.
Adapting the Fear (3:45) - This featurette includes brief comments from Producers Jason Blum and Brad Fuller, stars Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff and Bianca Santos. They talk about the Ouija board and its use in the film. One interesting part was seeing how they filmed the planchette moving on its own.
Icon of the Unknown (4:00) - Talking Boards Collector & Historian Robert Murch discusses how there are three main explanations that people believe in, in regards to how the boards work. Co-writer Juliet Snowden mentions how the film makers spoke to people who have had experiences using Ouija boards in preparation for the film. Director Stiles White talks about what tends to happen when people use ouija boards, like blaming one another for moving the planchette.
IN CONCLUSION:
While not a great film, I still find it entertaining. I've been interested in Ouija boards for over 25 years so I am always interested in watching films about them, especially if they are the main subject of the film. I would recommend renting this unless your are a big fan of Ouija boards or if this style of film appeals to you. The trailer below may help you decide.
OVERALL: 3/5
AUDIO:
The film offers several audio options, a English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which did a great job with the dialogue, score and sound effects which the film makes good use of at certain times, especially when jump scares occur. Also included are a French Canadian DTS 5.1, Spanish DTS 5.1 and a DVS (Descriptive Video Service) track.
VIDEO:
"Ouija" comes to Blu-ray from the beyond thanks to Universal Studios. The film is presented in 1080p with a 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio. Video quality of the film is fantastic. I have no complaints. Colors look strong and have good saturation. Black levels look great throughout. Skin tones look natural. There is a great amount of fine detail present as well, with the texture of objects looking terrific.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The Spirit Board: An Evolution (4:07) - Producer Bennett Schneir, Director & Co-Writer Stiles White, Co-Writer Juliet Snowden and Talking Boards Collector & Historian Robert Murch, talk briefly about Ouija boards and their history.
Adapting the Fear (3:45) - This featurette includes brief comments from Producers Jason Blum and Brad Fuller, stars Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff and Bianca Santos. They talk about the Ouija board and its use in the film. One interesting part was seeing how they filmed the planchette moving on its own.
Icon of the Unknown (4:00) - Talking Boards Collector & Historian Robert Murch discusses how there are three main explanations that people believe in, in regards to how the boards work. Co-writer Juliet Snowden mentions how the film makers spoke to people who have had experiences using Ouija boards in preparation for the film. Director Stiles White talks about what tends to happen when people use ouija boards, like blaming one another for moving the planchette.
IN CONCLUSION:
While not a great film, I still find it entertaining. I've been interested in Ouija boards for over 25 years so I am always interested in watching films about them, especially if they are the main subject of the film. I would recommend renting this unless your are a big fan of Ouija boards or if this style of film appeals to you. The trailer below may help you decide.
OVERALL: 3/5