Blu-ray review: Event Horizon

Despite a level of notoriety gained from his work on the Resident Evil and Alien vs. Predator franchises, English director Paul WS Anderson’s third feature (coming to Blu-ray to coincide with his recent film Death Race) is arguably still his most satisfying. In 2047, Captain Miller (Fishburne) and his crew are tasked with discovering what happened to the Event Horizon – an experimental faster-than-light spaceship that has resurfaced near Neptune following a seven-year absence. Needless to say that once they reach it, the film folds psychological horror into the genre mish-mash, enabling Anderson to really go to town with the visuals; despite being released just as CG effects were going mainstream, the impressive set design, make-up and effects combine to create a genuinely unsettling second half, as the film races to conclude within it’s lean hour and a half runtime. The imaginative imagery is given a boost on Blu-ray, despite Paramount’s strange decision to present Event Horizon at an ever-so-slightly stretched aspect ratio. While the transfer isn’t reference quality, the frequent dark scenes are well handled – detail levels suggest a faithful representation of the film, and a marked improvement on previous DVD releases. The lossless 5.1 audio does likewise, upping the tension with dynamic use of all channels, while the LFE is consistent, adding weight to the score and effects. Extras are above average for a catalogue release (although presented in standard definition), with Anderson and producer Jeremy Bolt providing a sincere commentary track, while the ‘Making of’ featurette lasts longer than the film itself. You’ll also find the usual selection of deleted scenes, trailers and concept art, but with it’s cult following it’ll probably be the feature you buy this for, and the Blu-ray doesn’t disappoint.

Feature: Extras: Picture: Audio:

Price: £19.99
Classification: 18
Discs: 1
Distributor: Paramount
Director: Paul WS Anderson
Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill
Released: Out Now