Go Home. For the First Time.
Released by: MVD Entertainment Group
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Production Year: 2014
Region Code: 1
Running Time: 1:29:47
Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Video: NTSC (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None
THE FILM - [ 2.5 / 5 ]:
99% of the human race has colonized on Mars. The remaining few work to rehabilitate our dying planet. Each year a small number are selected to return home to aid in the process. For those few, it will be their first glimpse of Earth. We follow them on their journey in this sci-fi psychological thriller. Go home. For the first time.
"Earthrise" takes place in the future where Earth has become uninhabitable and we require a new planet to call home. Mars. Years later a corporation called Revive is sending a sparse few lucky folks back to Earth to help "rehabilitate" the planet. Enter our trio of passengers and stars of the film, Marshall (Greg Earnest), Dawn (Meaghin Burke) and Vivian (Casey Dillard). While a few others appear in the film in minor roles, these three have to carry the film, which I think they did a good job with what they had to work with.
I thought the film itself was average overall. It had some effective and moody scenes however it needed a little more substance to bump it up to the next level. The psychological thriller aspect of the film with its space setting reminded me of "Event Horizon" but this just wasn't nearly as exciting or gripping. The story does make you question what exactly is happening which helps put you in to the shoes of the main characters who also begin to question their mission and rules they are to follow once they arrive on Earth. When the crew begins to experience hallucinations, it only adds to the unease and distrust that occurs.
For a film that was made for approximately $10,000 "Earthrise" comes off looking more professionally done than expected or should appear. It may not have spectacular set pieces but it does appear to have been wisely made to make the most of what was available. Those going in to the movie expecting lots of action will be disappointed but for those that are more interested in story and drama, a decent little film is waiting to be seen.
AUDIO - [ 3 / 5 ]:
The only audio option on the DVD is an English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track. The sound quality was above average with dialogue very easy to hear and understand. Sound effects were represented well and the score sounded crisp and its quality helped aid the often downbeat feel of the film.
VIDEO - [ 3 / 5 ]:
"Earthrise" comes home on DVD thanks to MVD Entertainment Group. The film is in the NTSC format with a 1.85 Aspect Ratio. While the bulk of the film is full of grays and browns, the picture quality still looks nice and when other colors do appear, they typically stand out among the sea of drab colors. The level of detail is relatively sharp. Overall, a quite pleasing display of quality for a low budget film on DVD.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 1.5 / 5 ]:
Audio Commentary - Director and writer Glenn Payne is joined by star Casey Dillard (Vivian). The two mostly discuss scene specific topics throughout the commentary but do also offer some tidbits of information regarding the cast and production. Some insight is given in to what the intention was behind some scenes or shots in the film as well as behind the scenes stories.
Trailer (1:58)
OVERALL RATING - [ 2.5 / 5 ]