This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
White Noise (2005) – A thriller that explores the unsettling possibility that the dead can contact us… all we have to do is listen. When architect Jonathan Rivers (Michael Keaton) loses his wife in a tragic accident, he turns to the shadowy, unnerving world of Electronic Voice Phenomenon – communication from beyond the grave. But as he begins to penetrate the mysteries of EVP, Jonathan makes a shocking discovery: once a portal to the other world is opened, there’s no telling what will come through it.
White Noise 2 (2007) – Enter a terrifying new dimension in communication with the dead: The Near-Death Experience. What would you do if you could tell who was about to die? Would you try to save innocent lives? After barely escaping a near-death experience, Abe Dale (Nathan Fillion) discovers that he has been granted a mysterious ability. But using this dark gift means interfering with the natural order of life and death, a choice that comes with a heavy price. Also starring Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, The Mandolorian), White Noise 2 explores an unthinkable and evil dimension in communication with the dead.
For thoughts on White Noise and White Noise 2, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
White Noise and White Noise 2 get a decent Blu-Ray courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment that mostly represents these films well, but it showcases some of the weaknesses occasionally found with the encodes this particular label delivers. The first film was previously released by Universal on a standalone Blu-Ray disc, while White Noise 2 was previously released as a part of a different 2-pack from Mill Creek.
The White Noise transfer is sourced from a solid older master provided by Universal Pictures that appears nearly identical to the preexisting Universal release. The thing is, the previous Universal release uses a dated VC-1 codec, while the new Mill Creek releases offers up the preferred AVC codec. That would lead you to believe that Mill Creek would be a slight improvement, but their weakness with encoding makes this release a bit of a wash. We do not have the previous White Noise 2 release, but we would be shocked if there were anything but the most minor differences in the releases.
The transfers hold up passably in terms of avoiding any digital damage or presenting an overly processed aesthetic that would eliminate some of the potential detail. The first White Noise is slightly worse off with some signs of processing. The sequel especially provides some appreciably textural detail with the various interiors and within the special effects. There is not a lot of room for rich colors in either film, but the hues on display are saturated to their intended effect. Skin tones look mostly natural, but the black levels leave something to be desired. The disc allows some banding and black crush in the darkest moments which keeps it from being an improvement over the Universal release. That being said, Mill Creek Entertainment has provided a Blu-Ray disc that is not an embarrassment for those who want these films in a cost-effective manner.
Audio Quality
Mill Creek Entertainment brings us this new Blu-Ray with a lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix for both films that are quite effective and unsettling. The sounds of the spirits trying to come in from the other side and other various terrors, along with some non-paranormal effects such as weather, bring robust life to the rear speakers. Ambient details are distinguished nicely and given a welcoming placement throughout the speakers. The movies feature a paranoid score which sounds great within the mix. The dialogue comes through clearly without being overshadowed by the score or sound effects. Important information stays primarily in the center channels with some stretch into the side speakers. These tracks suit the material quite well for a truly pleasing experience. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.
Special Features
White Noise
- Audio Commentary: Director Geoffrey Sax and Michael Keaton provide a commentary track that is very information driven with not much in the way of levity as they discuss the development of the script, the location shooting and other elements of the production.
- Deleted Scenes: There is ten minutes of unused material provided here in standard definition which was mostly cut for pacing reasons or to secure a PG-13 rating. This is provided with optional audio commentary from Director Geoffrey Sax.
- Heart Is Believing – Actual EVP Session: A 15-minute featurette which follows Tom and Lisa Butler, co-founders of the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena, as they explore a real-life paranormal event.
- Making Contact – EVP Experts: A nine-minute piece with this couple and others who believe in EVPs.
- Recording The Afterlife At Home: A nearly five-minute featurette in which the couple discuss how to explore the afterlife yourself.
White Noise 2
- Deleted Scenes: There is 34 minutes of unused material provided in standard definition.
- Exploring Near-Death Experience: A 15-minute featurette on real-life encounters with near-death experiences.
- The Making Of White Noise 2: A nearly nine-minute piece which explores the evolution from the first film, how this story differs, the use of religious historical iconography, the makeup effects, the ensemble and more.
- Journey Into Madness: A six-minute look at the experience of shooting in a “haunted” mental asylum.
Final Thoughts
White Noise and White Noise 2 deliver the opposite of what you expect from an unexpected horror box office success and its nearly DTV sequel. The original movie survives on the charm of Michael Keaton, but as a horror film it becomes pretty dull pretty quickly as you ramp up to a finale that does not feel completely earned. The sequel likewise goes a bit off the rails near the end, but it has a much more satisfying narrative which weaves in more interesting thematic strands that get you invested in the journey. The forgotten sequel is the superior film in nearly every way, and it deserves to at least be on the same level as the original in terms of public awareness. Mill Creek Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray featuring an okay A/V presentation and some cool legacy special features. These could use a fresh master, but those who do not own either will find this an economical solution.
White Noise and White Noise 2 Double Feature is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Mill Creek Entertainment 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.