While logging tapes of decades-old TV broadcasts, video archivist James (Harry Shum Jr.) discovers a surreal and disturbing clip that James believes is the product of a mysterious broadcast signal hacking. His discovery takes a sinister turn when he tracks down similar broadcast intrusions that send him on an obsessive mission. Now James must confront two very real possibilities: that the videos may be clues to a crime beyond all comprehension; and that whoever was behind them may be very aware that James is coming uncomfortably close to the truth.
For thoughts on Broadcast Signal Intrusion, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/geM1OV4bJ3I?t=63]
Video Quality
The film debuts on Blu-Ray with a 1080p presentation in its original aspect ratio that delivers a really stable viewing experience. The movie has a subdued palette that doesn’t quite radiate off the screen, but all locations offer a decent amount of detail and clarity. Detail is understandably less crisp in some of the darkest moments, but this is never a major issue throughout. The movie uses darkness to conjure up tension, and the transfer complements this by providing deep black levels that do not exhibit much crush. Elements of the vintage production design hold up well in the shadows and retain their depth with only slight banding. There is no damage or digital noise that causes substantial issues in this transfer. MPI Media Group has provided a reasonably strong visual presentation for this one.
Audio Quality
Broadcast Signal Intrusion comes to Blu-Ray with an exceptional DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track. The soundscape is quite effective in its precision, even if thrills are more deliberately paced throughout compared to some films from the horror landscape. Surround channels get some effective activity when tracking down any lead, and especially when you are watching one of the intrusions. Dialogue and sound effects are balanced with the music where nothing gets overshadowed in the track. The movie knows when to come alive, and environmental sounds provide a very unsettling atmosphere for the story. The low end of the track provides some welcome texture when it makes sense. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director Jacob Gentry and actor Harry Shum Jr. provide a pretty decent commentary track in which they begin by saying they will not be explaining or exploring any of the thematic material, but instead they reveal what it was like to make the film with tons of great anecdotes about the creative process.
- Trailer: The two-minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Broadcast Signal Intrusion is almost a really great movie, but it does not quite come together in the end. Harry Shum Jr. is excellent in the lead role, and the Hitchcockian labyrinth of thrills delivers what you want throughout much of the runtime. The ending feels a bit rushed and unfulfilling, but that does not eradicate the value of the rest of the film. MPI Media Group has released a Blu-Ray featuring a really good A/V presentation and a useful commentary track. While not perfect, this one is worthy of a viewing if you like things a bit creepy. Recommended
Broadcast Signal Intrusion 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: MPI Media Group 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.
