In BLOOD QUANTUM, the indigenous people in the isolated reserve of Red Crow are immune to the zombie plague that has taken over the nation, but that doesn’t mean their lives aren’t at risk. It’s up to Traylor (Michael Greyeyes, “Fear the Walking Dead”), the tribal sheriff, to protect the families residing on the reserve and a flood of desperate refugees from the hordes of bloodthirsty, walking white corpses that are closing in.
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Video Quality
Blood Quantum comes to Blu-Ray with a formidable AVC encoded 1080p transfer that really brings this film to life in a great way. 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 which 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. RLJE Films has kept up their good work in the sound department. There are English SDH subtitles for those who desire them.
Special Features
There are no special features provided on this release.
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 recent loss of director Jeff Barnaby is a huge blow for cinema as a whole, but we do have terrific movies such as this one we can appreciate as a part of his legacy. RLJE Films has released a Blu-Ray with an excellent A/V presentation but nothing in the way of 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 Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: RLJE Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
