Brahms: The Boy II

In "Brahms: The Boy II," unaware of the terrifying history of Heelshire Mansion, a young family moves into a guest house on the estate where their young son soon makes an unsettling new friend, an eerily life-like doll he calls Brahms. The mother (Holmes), increasingly becomes uneasy and is terrorized by her son's new supernatural "friend." (Gary Reber)

Special features include an alternate ending (HD 08:29), six deleted and alternate scenes (HD 09:54), upfront previews and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 2.39:1 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa XT Plus camera system and sourced from a 2K Digital Intermediate master. The picture exhibits a remarkably filmic appearance. The color palette is nicely saturated throughout and is warmly rendered with rich hues and strong primaries. This is especially evident in the brown and green earthy woods surrounding the mansion and guest house, and in the extensive wood architectural interiors of the mansion. Fleshtones are naturally hued throughout. The production design is gripping with excellent intricate object textures and resolution. There are numerous dark scenes, especially within the interior of the mansion, yet shadow delineation is revealing. Contrast is excellent with deep, solid blacks and revealing shadow delineation. Lighting is realistic with effective spot effects that enhance the sense of fright and drama. The Boy's attire is nicely defined as well as the intricate woodwork, furniture, upholstery, and other object textures. Facial features, hair, and clothing also are nicely detailed. This is a very pleasing visual experience that sets the perfect mood for the haunting storytelling. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding, with creepy nuanced sound effects and natural atmospherics, often startling, to enhance the sense of pending terror. Surround energy can be quite aggressive and effective, creating a sense of dimensional authenticity. Deep bass is extended during heightened suspense sequences to sub-25 Hz frequencies, which really enhances the eeriness of the proceedings. The orchestral music score is emotionally charged and sweeping in terms of soundstage width and depth, and aggressive surround envelopment. Fidelity and soundfield dimension is impressive. Dialogue is intelligible throughout, with good spatial integration. This is a terrific reference holosonic® soundtrack that will energize a home theatre system and perfectly stir and excite emotions. (Gary Reber)