BLU-RAY REVIEW

Apparition, The

Featured In Issue 180, October 2013

Picture4
Sound5
WSR Score3.5
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Warner Home Video
(Catalog Number):
3000046783
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
Terror/frightening images and some sensuality
(Retail Price):
$29.98
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
No
(Running Time In Minutes):
82
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
Not Indicated
(Theatrical Year):
2012
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
11/27/12
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
No
(Director):
Todd Lincoln
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
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(Supervising Sound Editors):
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(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(French Language):
(Spanish Language):
(Chinese Language):
(Subtitles):
(Cantonese Language):
(Mandarin Language):
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(Italian Language):
(German Language):
(Portuguese Language):

In The Apparition, when frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Greene) and Ben (Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence that was accidentally conjured during a university parapsychology experiment. The horrifying apparition feeds on their fear and torments them no matter where they try to run. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural, Patrick (Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force. (Gary Reber)

Special features include four featurettes: The Dark Realm Of Paranormal (HD 05:10), Haunted Asheville (HD 07:36), The Experiment Of the Apparition (HD 08:46), and The Apparition: A Cinematic Specter (HD 04:20); upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture is cinematic, in that noticeable grain structure permeates the imagery and somewhat obscures nuanced detail. Focus is thus soft. Contrast is generally balanced with deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. The color palette exhibits natural hues, and fleshtones appear accurately rendered, This is an effective visual experience that elicits mounting tension and the unknown. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is an intense sonic assault, with extremely aggressive directionalized surround envelopment. Dynamics and fidelity are excellent, and the intensity of atmospherics and sound effects effectively enhance the mounting energy of the manifestation. Deep, solid sub-25 Hz .1 LFE bass accentuates the dramatic segments. The orchestral/synthesizer score is a constant presence that effectively drives the emotional fear. Dialogue sounds natural, though, at times is wanting in spatial integration. This is an exceptionally engaging holosonic® experience that will have you riveted to your seat. (Gary Reber)