Womb Ghosts Blu-ray Review

'Womb Ghosts' comes packed with a 5.1 dts HD Master Audio surround track.

This is one aspect of the presentation that I actually really enjoyed. Whilst this is not the most bombastic or engaging tracks that I have heard it very cleverly uses the mix for shock tactics. Every time the ghost pops into view (usually at unexpected moments), there's an accompanying sonic onslaught that overwhelms the listening position with an immense jarring effect. All of the speakers spring to life for a split second, as the creature screams, and then suddenly drop the listening position into complete silence again. Stereo reproduction is spot on, with various scratching and other noises of terror moving from left to right channels with ease. The all important vocals are also rock solid for the duration and never difficult to follow.

Surround intervention can at times be very impressive indeed and these channels are most certainly not under mixed. The damned can be heard slithering around the listening position and echoing laughter, as the viewer wonders from which channel the horror will leap from next. There are some more subdued moments but there are plenty of instances of worthwhile surround activity for the duration. Subwoofer presence was a little disappointing and this channel only really came to life during the shocking moments, accompanying the surround and other channels rather than taking centre stage itself.

The score was surprisingly enjoyable and really served to build tension during some of the scenes. However, as the movie progressed, the cheesy and clichéd nature of some of the themes meant that it became possible to predict when the ghost was going to appear purely through the blatantly obvious change in the score; beware the pan pipes! The track is well mixed and has more than adequate surround bleed and stereo reproduction. I did find the score a little lacking in the bass department though.

Overall this is the best aspect of this Blu-ray release, doing its utmost to use every available channel at every possible opportunity and is very well mixed. Even though this track suffers from poor sub intervention and slightly repetitive effects (including the score), it still scores a seven but it's by no means perfect.

'Womb Ghosts' comes packed with a 5.1 dts HD Master Audio surround track.

This is one aspect of the presentation that I actually really enjoyed. Whilst this is not the most bombastic or engaging tracks that I have heard it very cleverly uses the mix for shock tactics. Every time the ghost pops into view (usually at unexpected moments), there's an accompanying sonic onslaught that overwhelms the listening position with an immense jarring effect. All of the speakers spring to life for a split second, as the creature screams, and then suddenly drop the listening position into complete silence again. Stereo reproduction is spot on, with various scratching and other noises of terror moving from left to right channels with ease. The all important vocals are also rock solid for the duration and never difficult to follow.

Surround intervention can at times be very impressive indeed and these channels are most certainly not under mixed. The damned can be heard slithering around the listening position and echoing laughter, as the viewer wonders from which channel the horror will leap from next. There are some more subdued moments but there are plenty of instances of worthwhile surround activity for the duration. Subwoofer presence was a little disappointing and this channel only really came to life during the shocking moments, accompanying the surround and other channels rather than taking centre stage itself.

The score was surprisingly enjoyable and really served to build tension during some of the scenes. However, as the movie progressed, the cheesy and clichéd nature of some of the themes meant that it became possible to predict when the ghost was going to appear purely through the blatantly obvious change in the score; beware the pan pipes! The track is well mixed and has more than adequate surround bleed and stereo reproduction. I did find the score a little lacking in the bass department though.

Overall this is the best aspect of this Blu-ray release, doing its utmost to use every available channel at every possible opportunity and is very well mixed. Even though this track suffers from poor sub intervention and slightly repetitive effects (including the score), it still scores a seven but it's by no means perfect.

The extras portion most definitely lacks substance, with a single “making of” feature standing as the only real additional supplement on the disc. At least English subtitles are provided, even if these are hard coded with Cantonese subtitles, but points are lost for no high definition content.

Making Of 'Womb Ghosts' (SD 12mins) - This feature takes a look behind the scenes from the set of 'Womb Ghosts'. There are plenty of interviews with the director and cast, with b-roll and test footage included. Although the premise for this movie seems completely sick and twisted, all the cast appear to be on board. They speak about their characters, as well as other aspects of the plot. Be warned though, this feature does give away many of the more shocking aspects of 'Womb Ghosts' and I would consider it somewhat of a spoiler.

Trailers (SD) - Included here, for you viewing pleasure, are trailers for 'Womb Ghosts', 'Bad Blood', 'A Very Short Life', 'Fatal Move', 'Gong Tau Oriental Black Magic', 'Fatal Contact' and 'Love@First Note'.

'Womb Ghosts' was released this year (2010) and was directed by Denis Law. Obviously very passionate about his work, Law also penned the script and had a hand in the production of his latest offering. The plot centres around two beautiful young women, who are tormented by the ghost of a young boy. I have to say that I was about as impressed with this offering from Law as I was with 'Bad Blood', which I reviewed a couple of months ago. The plot is highly convoluted, nonsensical and clichéd. The cast are collectively appalling and while Law does attempt to inject some excitement by way of cheap scares and novel directorial trickery, the overall presentation is poor. With so many superior horrors out there, there's no way that I could recommend this movie to anyone.

The transfer, while lacking fine detail, is very well defined with some impressive depth. The surround mix is the best aspect of this disc and is very well mixed, with excellent surround intervention. The extras portion is very weak, with absolutely nothing in there worth mentioning. Overall, the video and audio presentations are up to the standard of BD but unfortunately the atrocious feature presentation does not even warrant a rental, never mind a purchase.