|
|
 |
Hybrid
R1 - America - Genius Products Review written by and copyright: Rob Fields (28th June 2008). |
|
The Film
 When I got home from work and found the UPS envelop waiting for me, I knew that I had another review to work on. So, I tore open the envelope and found this title up for review. I saw that it was another Maneater Series title from Genius Entertainment and then looked at the rest of the cover. So far it has appeal and perhaps the promise of a good story. So, the question that is to be answered here is...will it BE a good story? Read on and you will find out. “Hybrid” (1:30:03) – Synopsis: When a partially blind man receives the eyes of a wolf in the first human cross-species transplant, his eyesight grows better than ever. Unfortunately, he also starts seeing other humans as prey. Ordered to be hunted down and destroyed, he seeks shelter with a pack of ferocious companions and a sultry woman who has driving animal instincts of her own. The only positive that I have about this movie is the idea that Lydia Armstrong (Tinsel Korey) is able to help Aaron Scates (Cory Monteith) deal with the changes that he is undergoing. The presence of a patient, gentle teacher is always helpful when the afflicted is having issues adapting to becoming a monster. The downsides? I’m trying to follow the story and understand where the visions of other wolves come into play. I also have a hard time following how Aaron was able to become more wolf-like by just eye implants alone. Okay, I know that the wolves presented are sacred to the Native Americans in this story, but still...now, if it were the eyes of a werewolf, it would be easier to understand, not to mention how much more sense this story would be. Also, I can definitely report to you gorehounds that are reading this review, that you will see very little in this movie. Why? Because it was a made-for-TV production, possibly for Sci-Fi Channel. But then, pretty much every Maneater Series title that I’ve reviewed to date has been on Sci-Fi. If I have to say one thing to Genius Products in regard to this line of titles, people who love horror movies – myself included – expect more than just Sci-Fi Channel rejects. So, please, stop wasting our time with these and release future Maneater Series titles with some REAL horror films. My final word: You want to watch a good B-movie? That’s what Troma, Tempe, and Full Moon features are for. When it comes to the Maneater Series – this one included – SKIP IT!! You can certainly do better.
Video
The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen format (1.85:1 ratio). There is DVD grain during some of the dark scenes. There is also some grain presented in the animal stock footage that is used. I think this particular grain was probably intentional. I also noticed some pixels in some of the areas where deep reds are present, or related colors. You really have to be focusing hard on those areas in order to really notice it. It’s not hard for me, ’cause I’ve reviewed enough DVD's to where it kind of sticks out. Still, these minor inconveniences shouldn’t take away from your viewing enjoyment. There is a chapter selection menu, the second of two options on the Main Menu (the ‘Play’ option is the first).
Audio
The film features an English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo soundtrack. There are no optional subtitles available. The mix sounds like it could be a 2.0 surround. No complaints about the audio here. You can hear the vocals nice and clear. The musical score in the background feels like it’s being pumped through the speakers. I sometimes can feel the beat when it plays loud enough. Not necessarily a bad thing here. The audio is definitely one of the things going for this title. Imagine how this would sound in 5.1 Dolby surround.
Extras
The only extra presented here is a bonus trailer for "The Maneater Series" from Genius Products, which runs 1 minute and 27 seconds.
Packaging
It’s a DVD packed in an Amaray keep case, with a cardboard cover.
Overall
|
|||||
|