HD DVD Review: Seed of Chucky

THE MOVIE: 2 1/2 stars out of 5

As the PR release that accompanied this release states, Seed of Chucky on HD-DVD is presented in an unrated and fully extended version. Chucky, everyone’s favorite killer doll returns-and he is bringing the whole family. This time around, Chucky and his homicidal honey, Tiffany, are brought back to life by their orphan offspring, Glen. They all go Hollywood, as Chucky unleashes his own brand of murderous mayhem. The film features Jennifer Tilly playing herself as well as the voice of Tiffany and hip-hop star Redman. What can I say about this film? The violence is over the top in a cartoonish sort of way and presented with more than a dash of humor(or attempts to). The level of violence therefore does not approach the level or gore or disgust seen in a film like Hostel Part II reviewed previously. I guess the thought of a murderous doll is harmless, but I can’t help but think that the first Chucky film was quite enough.

THE VIDEO: 4 1/2 stars out of 5

This is another very good transfer from Universal. Encoded with VC-1 and presented in its original aspect ratio of 1:85:1, this transfer boasts bright bold colors and excellent fleshtones and deep blacks. Overall detail and shadow detail in particular is very good, rendering a nice three dimensional image. While it is a very good looking transfer, it lacks the clarity and pop of the best looking transfers but I must say, looks a lot better than I thought it would when I popped the disc in to view the film. It looks to me like the days of hit and miss transfers from Universal are over, knock on wood!

THE AUDIO: 4 1/2 stars out of 5

Presented in Dolby Digital True HD and Dolby Digital Plus, this encode boasts very good sound and is much better sounding than Carlito’s Way-Rise to Power. Dialogue was clear and distinct and well placed in the mix with the heft that one expects. The sound was smooth and open sounding with deep bass. The surrounds were also quite active during most of the film. The immersive effect of the sound field was quite good although nowhere near up to the level of a mix like Transformers or of the better audio encodes I have heard on either of the two high def formats. The best encodes place you in the center of the film’s soundfield with sound completely enveloping you at all times. This track fails to meet that standard but is very good nonetheless. This mix will not over power you but was quite appropriate for the type of film that it is, adding to one’s “enjoyment” of the visuals. Of the two, the Dolby True HD mix was the preferable mix. In fact, the True HD track was the default track as it should have been.

IN CONCLUSION

If you are a fan of the Chucky movies, you will be more than happy with this presentation. For those of you with that mindset, it is recommended as a buy. For the rest of us, I would only recommend it as a rental. If you can find it at your local video store or on line service, give it a look and let me know what you think.

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