The dead are coming back to life outside. But in the isolated Mi’gmaq reserve of Red Crow, the indigenous inhabitants are immune to the zombie plague. Traylor, the tribal sheriff, must protect his son’s pregnant girlfriend, apocalyptic refugees and reserve riffraff from the hordes of walking white corpses.
For thoughts on Blood Quantum, please check out our review from its original Blu-Ray release here.
Video Quality
Blood Quantum returns to Blu-Ray via Shudder with a formidable AVC encoded 1080p transfer that really brings this film to life in a great way. The film was previously released on Blu-Ray in 2020 courtesy of RLJ Entertainment, and this new Blu-Ray does not appear to differ in any significant way outside of the supplements. The cinematography has a slightly desaturated aesthetic with everything appearing a bit drained of color to go with the overall helpless tone. There may not be big, bright colors throughout, but there is a depth to certain hues that this transfer honors.
The picture is primarily clear with only brief instances of murkiness during a few of the darkest settings. The transfer maintains an impressive level of detail both in the dimly lit interior sequences and more stark environmental shots. Everything from the smallest facial details to the texture in the production design is quite impressive. Skin tones are natural throughout with some strong details present in certain shots. This is a transfer that delivers a great presentation all around.
Audio Quality
The film comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that effectively executes the reserved soundscape. There are certainly moments when the infected bring some intensity to the track, but this narrative takes a much more character-based approach which distinguishes it a bit. Activity in the low end delivers some nice texture during the appropriate moments. Environmental effects play a significant role in the film, and this track brings these elements to life quite capably. The rear channels help the sound design feel more three-dimensional. Directionality is quite precise so sounds always present as natural when coming from their respective points. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overwhelmed by any of the other sounds. Shudder has kept up its good work in the sound department. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for those who desire them.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Film critic Scout Tafoya provides a commentary track in which he discusses the production of the film, tidbits about various performers, the groundbreaking nature of the feature, and more that is worth a listen.
- Behind The Scenes Featurette: A 13-minute piece featuring interviews with the cast and creative team that explores the creation of the script, crafting the world, and much more.
- File Under Miscellaneous – A Short Film by Jeff Barnaby: A seven-minute dystopian short film about genetic modification.
- Photo Gallery
- Green Band Trailer (1:44)
- Red Band Trailer (1:44)
- Booklet: A multi-page booklet featuring an essay from film critic Mo Moshaty is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Blood Quantum is one of the better zombie-adjacent films to come out in recent years. While the refreshing point of view is a big reason why, an even larger reason is the care put into the storytelling to give the audience something to care about. The loss of director Jeff Barnaby is a huge blow for cinema as a whole, but we do have terrific movies such as this one that we can appreciate as a part of his legacy. Shudder has released a Blu-Ray with an excellent A/V presentation and some terrific new special features. There is so much working in favor of this film that it would be misguided to pass this one up. Recommended
Blood Quantum is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Shudder and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
