‘She’s Allergic To Cats’ Blu-Ray Review – Lo-Fi Nightmare Romance Is A Bizarre Challenge

A lonely dog groomer searches for love but his true passion is making weird video art that nobody understands.

For thoughts on She’s Allergic To Cats, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: 

Video Quality

She’s Allergic To Cats comes to Blu-Ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and this is one film that is NOT going to stand out on the Blu-Ray format. Due to the creative aesthetic of the film, it appears the HD footage caught on a Red Epic camera has been processed to look like the unsightly VHS quality of yore. The picture replicates the hallmarks of video footage with an undefined frame limp with little in the way of detail. This is nearly nonexistent with very little in the way of depth to the image. 

The frame presents a blob of undefined murkiness during the shadowy moments. The cinematography of the film is very intentional, and, while it may not be the most fetching presentation, this disc captures it as well as you could hope. The colors in the film are relatively lifeless with barely any hues in the production design or landscapes making a grand impression. This is an accurate transfer that allows this film to look like the best version of itself. 

Audio Quality

Yellow Veil Pictures gives this Blu-Ray a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that faithfully captures all of the sonic details. The audio is not as lo-fi as the video aesthetic, but it has a bit of grit to it that feels in line with the artistry of the film. The disquieting sound design accentuates the surreal quality of the mounting narrative. When our protagonist is in a new space, various unique ambient details flesh out the setting. 

Dialogue consistently comes through as clearly as intended without being stepped on by any competing sounds. Kinetic moments are not really in the DNA of this track, but a few moments deliver a semblance of texture to the proceedings. Environmental sounds of the space engage the speakers in key ways. The bits of music are effective and well-balanced while maintaining capable fidelity. The audio track provides a natural experience full of sonic peccadillos that bring this narrative to life exactly how it needs to be. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. 

Special Features

• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Reich and actor Mike Pinkney provide an informative commentary track in which they discuss the movie and production in depth. The duo discusses shooting in their real-life domiciles, the nuances of the production design, how they have grown since filming, inspirations from real-life events, fun tidbits about various moments, and more. 

• Interview with Michael Reich and Mike Pinkney: A 14-minute interview with the filmmaker and star which feels as appropriately bizarre as the feature film with stilted conversations about their friendship, their influences, discovering some of the cast members, and more. 

• Interview with Michael Reich and Sonja Kinski at the Oldenburg Film Festival: A seven-minute interview that does not feel like a joke like the last one. The director and performer discuss their experiences at the festival, the meaning behind bananas, influences from real life, and more. 

• The Kickstarter Promo: A three-minute promo video is provided with Michael Reich and the landlord Honey who is an entertaining character. 

• Festival Promos: A ten-minute collection of promo videos created for some of the festivals that played the film.

• Music Videos

• • Honey Davis – She’s Allergic To Cats (3:24)

• • Crystal Antlers – Licorice Pizza (2:43)

• • Hebronix – Viral (5:13)

• • Honey Davis – I Might Run Away (3:47)

• Short Films: An array of brief short films are provided that show off the bizarre and creative attitude of our filmmaker. If you like the main feature, you will find something in these efforts. 

• • Cats (3:45)

• • Hollywood Signs (4:28)

• • Picnic (5:14)

• • Quarantine Dog Good Boy (3:11)

• • VHS Tape Lists Favorite Mark Wahlberg Movies (1:31)

• • Video Town Part One (13:28)

• • Video Town Part Two (14:03)

• Community Theater Film Spoof Videos: An array of creative videos are provided that tickle us a good bit.

• • A Special Gremlins Christmas Special (3:44)

• • A Very Special Home Alone 2 Christmas Special Lost In New York (4:16)

• • Bachelor Party (5:30)

• • Die Hard (3:50)

• • Gravity (3:06)

• • Her (2:56)

• • Les Miserables – Scene: The Confrontation (3:09)

• Behind The Scenes and Deleted Scenes Bonanza: An 18-minute behind-the-scenes featurette that also provides some unused footage from the film. 

• Trailer: This disc provides the Teaser Trailer (1:22) and the Trailer (1:34)

• Booklet: A multi-page booklet featuring the essay “Your Imperfections Benefit No One: The Dadaesque Anxiety Attack of She’s Allergic To Cats” from writer Andrew Todd is provided here. This piece gives a well-rounded analysis of the stylistic flourishes, themes, and plot developments of the film which strengthens your appreciation overall.  

Final Thoughts

She’s Allergic To Cats is a lo-fi effort filled with bold stylistic choices and very unique comedic sensibilities. We appreciate some of the awkward and bizarre developments during the dating portions of the film, but we could not completely get on the right wavelength to love this one. We have a bit of an aversion to video art, so a narrative based on that ethos was always going to have an uphill climb. There are some funny and intriguing moments, but this is better suited for a different audience. Yellow Veil Pictures has released a Blu-Ray featuring a creatively accurate A/V presentation and an excellent assortment of special features. 

She’s Allergic To Cats 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: Yellow Veil Pictures 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.