Shadow People

They are known by many names in many cultures. In Persia they are called "Bakhtak." In Japan, they are the "Kanashibari." In Mexico they're called the "Subirse el Muerto," and the "Suk Ninmyo" in New Guinea. In America, they are known as Shadow People. They are very real, yet no one who has seen them has lived to describe them. Are you willing to believe? Victims report waking from sleep to find themselves paralyzed, a noise buzzing in their head, while a shadowy figure stands watching them, or sometimes even climbs onto their bed. The sightings have been widespread around the globe for centuries, but many are afraid to talk about their encounters. According to experts, these appearances may be tied to a medical mystery of unexplained nocturnal deaths. The film is based on a true story about small town radio personality Charlie Crowe (Roberts), who unravels a conspiracy about encounters with mysterious beings. He encounters CDC Epidemic Intelligence Agent Sophie Lancombe (Eastwood), whose investigations entwine her with Charlie's own discoveries, leading hem both into a dark world and a decades-old cover-up. The film explores the actual historical evidence of SUNDS (Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome) and the real phenomenon of an inverse placebo effect, where the mind can actually kill the body through false belief. The film is backed up by real archival footage of a suspected outbreak of SUNDS, which occurred in rural Kentucky, and takes the found footage genre to a new level by intercutting the story with the actual interviews of the real-life participants, local news footage, and radio clips from the event. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the featurette Shadow People: More To The Story (HD 12:34).

The 2.40:1 1080p AVC picture exhibits a shadowy appearance with, at times, extreme subdued hues and deep blacks. The interview segments are rendered vividly with natural color. Resolution is decent during the actual filmed elements, with imagery that is sharp and clear. Black levels are solid, and the overall filmic look is pristine. This is a stylistic presentation that ties together dramatic experiential elements with interviews of personal experience and scientific study. The presentation is a cross between a documentary and a stylistic thriller, with effective dramatizations. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby® TrueHD 5.1-channel soundtrack is synthesized produced, with a strong soundstage and surround presence, effectively creating a mood of suspense. Atmospherics and sound effects are nicely supportive. Deep bass in the .1 LFE channel enhances the more dramatic moments with sub-25 Hz energy. Dialogue is intelligible and decently integrated. Overall, the sonics are effective and deliver a chilling experience. (Gary Reber)