Friday, October 16, 2015

Flowers - DVD Review - Unearthed Films

Where do murder victims go when they have the chance to choose?


Flowers DVD cover


Released by: MVD Entertainment
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Production Year: 2014
Region Code: 1
Running Time: 1:18:38
Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0
Video: NTSC (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None


THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:

Some don't understand when the roller-coaster of life stops and their life ends. Some go up and others... find themselves in Purgatory to either find redemption or to choose damnation. Where do the murder victims go when they have a chance to choose' A mind-bending, artistic ride down the road to hell. Are you willing to damn yourself or accept salvation.

The film was written and directed by Phil Stevens and stars Colette Kenny Mckenna, Krystle Fitch, Anastasia Blue,Tanya Erin Paoli, Kara A. Christiansen, Makaria Tsapatoris, Bryant W. Lohr Sr. and Raychelle Keeling.


"Flowers" features no dialogue, though it is not silent in that it does contain sound effects and a score. The film focuses on several women who find themselves in an unexpected place, unsure what has happened to them. The actresses in the film are real troopers as you can see if you watch the film. They and the sets are covered in a myriad of muck. It is so filthy it nearly makes you feel like you need a shower after watching the movie. The actresses did a nice job at conveying emotions, which are mostly dread, anguish, pain and disgust. 

The film has a very surreal look and feel to it with the characters wandering around, lost in their own confusion. We get flashbacks that reveal how the ladies met their unfortunate demise. "Flowers" is an artfully done, yet disgusting film. The practical effects used in the film were done very well and look quite good for a micro budget movie. 


still from Flowers - Unearthed Films


AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

The "Flowers" DVD comes with a Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. I thought the audio sounded very good. With no dialogue, it gives the viewer more time to focus on what they are seeing and makes the score and sound effects stand out even more. The film features some haunting music as well as a number of unnerving sound effects. 


still from Flowers - Unearthed Films


VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

"Flowers" crawls its way on to DVD thanks to Unearthed Films and MVD Entertainment Group. The film is presented in widescreen with a 1.:85 Aspect Ratio. "Flowers" is very drab in appearance with the colors being very subdued which I think adds to the overall feel of the film. It would look like a very different film had the colors been bright and robust. There is a fair amount of detail present and close ups look great. 


still from Flowers - Unearthed Films


SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:

"Flowers" is available in a single disc version and a 3-disc set which includes a CD soundtrack of the film. For this review, the single disc version is being covered.

Audio Commentary with Phil Stevens - Writer/Director Phil Stevens does a terrific job covering the many aspects of the films production. He talks about the actresses, the set, make up, effects and more to great length. Mr. Stevens shares several stories from the set. Highly recommended if you enjoyed the film. 

Audio Commentary with Ronnie Sortor - Editor Ronnie Sortor discusses his work on the film. It is interesting to note that he mentions that originally the film was going to look much better as far as video quality is concerned but director Phil Stevens said that the film looked too sharp and clean and the film takes place in the ghost world so it can't look that good. Mr. Sortor talks about various sound effects he used throughout the film. This was a very technical and informative commentary.

Interview with Bryant W. Lohr Sr.  (10:00) - An entertaining and lighthearted interview. The fate of one of the ladies in the film is discussed as well as his role in the film and how well he got along with the cast. 

Audition Tape with Makaria Tsapatoris (14:57) - For this tape, she is performing the scene in front of a mirror with the make up and stitching.

Behind the Scene Stills (14:42)

Isolated FX Track - Another way to make the film creepy. At times I had a feeling of anticipation as if there was going to be a loud jump scare moment due to all the silence or limited sounds of the effects.

Unearthed Trailer Reel - 10 trailers for you to watch.


IN CONCLUSION:

"Flowers" is an interesting film, to say the least. The DVD sports very good audio and video quality. If the movie looks or sounds good to you, odds are you will enjoy it. Plus it has some pretty nice extras included. There is also a 3-disc option for this release for those interested.


OVERALL RATING - [ 4 / 5 ]