BLU-RAY REVIEW

Vatican Tapes, The

Featured In Issue 202, December 2015

Picture4
Sound4
WSR Score3
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
47782
(MPAA Rating):
PG-13
(Rating Reason):
Disturbing violent content and some sexual references.
(Retail Price):
$19.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
91
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
A
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
(Disc Release Date):
10/20/2015
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
Mark Neveldine
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD High Resolution 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Spanish Language):
(Subtitles):

The Vatican Tapes chronicles a battle between good and evil, as in demonic possession. Angela Holmes (Dudley) is an ordinary 27-year-old until she begins to have a devastating effect on anyone close, causing serious injury and death. Holmes is examined and possession is suspected, but when the Vatican is called upon to exorcise the demon, the possession proves to be an ancient satanic force more powerful than ever imagined. It's all up to Father Lozano (Pena) to wage war for more than just Angela's soul, but for the world as we know it. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director Mark Neveldine, Cinematographer Gerardo Madrazo and Actress Olivia Taylor Dudley; the featurette Tale Of The Tapes (HD 29:19); 10 deleted scenes (HD 13:24); five extended scenes (HD 14:38); upfront previews; and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 1.78:1 1080p AVC picture is a mixture of taped imagery and real time, depicting the steady progression of demonic possession. The taped imagery is documentary quality, while the real time exhibits good image quality. The color palette is naturally hued, Fleshtones are naturally rendered as well. Contrast is decent, with deep blacks and generally good shadow detail, though, at times shadows are wanting in definition due to the darkened imagery. Resolution is excellent, with fine detail exhibited in facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. Overall, this is a satisfying visual experience that conveys the horrific buildup to demonic outbursts and will enthrall fans of the genre. (Gary Reber)