Tiger House - DVD Review - Magnolia Pictures

Tiger House, an effective home invasion thriller

Released by: Magnolia Pictures
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Production Year: 2015
Region Code: 1
Running Time: 1:22:47
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: NTSC Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French


THE FILM - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:

One night, Kelly (Kaya Scodelario, "The Maze Runner") sneaks into her boyfriend Mark's (Daniel Boyd) family home; but she is not the only one with designs on the house that evening. A gang lead by Shane (Dougray Scott, "Taken 3") and Callum (Ed Skrein, TV's "The Game of Thrones") has come to abduct Mark's father and force him to carry out a robbery on the bank that he manages. Kelly instantly becomes the one unknown element in the gang's meticulously planned heist. As the next 12 hours unfold, she must use every reserve of skill and courage to outwit and overpower her highly trained adversaries.

While the plot of the film may not break new ground, I found it to be an effective home invasion thriller. I thought Kaya Scodelario as our damsel in distress, did a great job in her role as Kelly. As you can see in the trailer, she has a few tricks up her sleeve and is far from helpless. Kaya Scodelario did a fine job carrying most of the film on her shoulders. 

I don't want to say too much in regards to the story as to avoid spoilers. "Tiger House" was written by Simon Lewis and provided a number of tension-filled scenes. There are times when you feel a bit claustrophobic, which further adds to the suspense. The actors in the film all did a fine job in their respective roles. "Tiger House" is the first feature film directed by Thomas Daley and I would say he is off to a good start and I look forward to watching his next film. 

AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

The "Tiger House" DVD offers an English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. There are also optional English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles. I thought the audio sounded great throughout the film. The sound was balanced and volume levels were consistent during the movie. The dialogue and sound effects were both very sharp. I did not notice any instances of hissing, pops or any other issues with the audio. 

VIDEO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:

"Tiger House" comes to DVD thanks to Magnolia Pictures via their Magnet Releasing label. The film is presented in NTSC Anamorphic Widescreen with a 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio. This DVD sports some outstanding video quality with strong colors and it really looks sharp in close up shots displaying a healthy amount of fine detail. Contrast and black levels both looked good as well. Skin tones had a natural appearance. I did not notice any problems with the video on this DVD. 

SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 1.5 / 5 ]:

The Making of Tiger House (19:33) - This features interviews with members of the cast and crew including director Thomas Daley, writer Simon Lewis and stars Dougray Scott, Ed Skrein and Kaya Scodelario. Most of the discussion focuses on the characters, cast and the shooting location. 

Trailer (1:42)

Also from Magnolia Home Entertainment - Trailers for "The Last Shift," "The Blood Lands," "Skin Trade" and "The Deadlands." Commercials for Chideo and AXStv follow after the trailers.


IN CONCLUSION:

An entertaining thriller with a good cast. The DVD from Magnolia Pictures was done quite well also. If you enjoy thrillers I think you will enjoy "Tiger House." 

There is a link below for our UK readers to order the DVD from Amazon UK, that is already out. I don't know what the extras are on that release though. Sorry, no word at this time on a UK Blu-ray.


OVERALL RATING [ 3.5 / 5 ]


   

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Get Ready to Work Your 'Last Shift' in the Upcoming Horror Film From Magnet Releasing

ALL HAIL THE KING OF HELL

Magnet Releasing will be bringing director Anthony DiBlasi's horror film, "Last Shift" to Blu-ray, DVD, VOD and Digital Download on October 6, 2015. The film was produced by Scott and Mary Poiley. 

Rookie police officer Jessica Loren (Juliana Harkavy - “The Walking Dead”) has been assigned the last shift at a closing police station and must wait for a hazmat crew to collect biomedical evidence. Ordered not to leave the station under any circumstance, Jessica comes to learn that it’s more than just an outdated station, its home to the ultimate embodiment of evil and his devoted blood thirsty followers. Jessica is left to fend for herself in the Devil’s playground.


SPECIAL FEATURES:

• A Journey into Hell: The Making of "Last Shift"
• The Ballad of a Green Screen Guy
• The Sound of Evil: Behind the Foley/Sound Design
• Paymon Interrogation Viral Video
• Behind the Scene Photo Gallery
• Poster Gallery

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The Blood Lands - Blu-ray Review - Magnolia Pictures

THEY'RE COMING FOR YOU

Released by: Magnolia Pictures
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Production Year: 2015
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:23:02
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

THE FILM - [2.5 / 5]:

It’s Ed (Lee Williams) and Sarah’s (Pollyanna McIntosh, "The Woman," "Let us Prey") first night at their new home – an isolated farmhouse on the Scottish borders. This should be a new beginning away from their stressful London lives. And at first it is; come sunset they fall in love all over again on a wander in the woods. But as darkness falls, Sarah suspects they’re not alone, Ed goes to investigate and quickly, the evening becomes a nightmare. It suddenly dawns on them; they do not belong here. And they certainly aren’t welcome either.
"The Blood Lands" starts off leading you to believe that it is going to be similar to the horror films, "The Strangers" and "Ils" which it is, but unfortunately, it is inferior to both. It is still an enjoyable film with Pollyanna McIntosh giving a great performance as the terrorized, Sarah. Lee Williams does a fine job as well in the role of Ed. The viewer does get the idea why things are happening. But it just seems like its reaching a bit too far or maybe I was expecting too much. While the plot may not be the best, director Simeon Halligan did an excellent job of creating tension. Once the action starts to roll, it is a roller coaster ride until toward the end when the film does not quite end as I was expecting. Even though a clue is given earlier on in the film by one of the antagonists, I still expected a different ending. 

The film is not heavy on blood and gore, nor does it have a high body count, but there is a very good scene depicting a heavy dose of violence and blood. With that said, the effects used did have a great look to them. If you watch the film with low expectations, you should be satisfied. Like I said earlier, despite its flaws, I still enjoyed watching "The Blood Lands."

AUDIO - [4 / 5]:

"The Blood Lands" comes with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track. The quality of the audio was terrific. The DTS-HD track does a great job of helping to set the right ambiance in the film. At times you feel like you are right out there in the woods with all the surrounding noises and people lurking about. I thought the audio had a great balance with the dialogue never being drowned out by the score or sound effects. I did not encounter any problems with the sound as far as hissing, drop outs and so forth. A pretty solid track. The Blu-ray also includes English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles.


VIDEO - [4 / 5]:

"The Blood Lands" stalks its way on to Blu-ray thanks to Magnolia Pictures. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio. The film looks excellent. There almost seems to be two distinct aspects to the film in terms of color. In the daytime scenes, the countryside looks amazing with rich, lustrous colors. The house and all of its surroundings make you want to immediately book a trip. Although you would think twice about that after watching the film. In the scenes that take place at night, of which there are many, the colors are mostly dark, drab and cold, which in essence, matches the mood and outlook of our main characters. The brighter scenes reveal a significant amount of fine detail which just adds to the beauty of the scenery. Black levels looks good throughout the film. I thought the actors skin tones looked natural in appearance. 

SPECIAL FEATURES - [1 / 5]:

Making of The Blood Lands (16:21) - This extra features brief interviews with several members of the cast and crew including director Simeon Halligan, writer Iam Fenton and stars Pollyanna McIntosh and Lee Williams. They discuss their jobs in the film as well as the films production, from its inception, to filming.

More from Magnolia Home Entertainment - Trailers for "Skin Trade," "The Dead Lands," "Kill Me Three Times," "Chideo," and "AXS TV."


IN CONCLUSION:

A great looking and sounding Blu-ray from Magnolia Pictures. Even though I thought the film didn't quite fire on all cylinders, I could think of worse ways to spend 83 minutes. I would suggest tracking the film down on VOD or online rental service for most people. However, nobody knows better, what you like, than you do. The red band trailer is below and perhaps that will give you a good idea as to whether you would enjoy this horror film or not. 


OVERALL: [2.5 / 5]


   

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