Knock Knock

Knock Knock" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing the Canon EOS-1D C for filming, the technology presents a mix of impressive details against a backdrop of occasional but noticeable visual anomalies. The video quality fluctuates, showcasing vibrant and warm colors along with sharp detail in many scenes, which ought to be commendable. However, viewers might be taken aback by odd visual artifacts, including banding, macroblocking, and even pixellation that resembles a scrim overlaying the image. These issues are prominently noticeable in various scenes, such as on Keanu Reeves' forehead early on and particularly around Ana de Armas' legs, which detract from an otherwise excellent visual presentation.

Observations of the video quality reveal a dichotomy between the clarity and detailing in certain interiors and the failing grades given to nighttime exteriors and dark scenes where compression artifacts mar the visual experience. The sharpness and detail that initially impress in the home's interior settings rapidly decline, undermining the visual fidelity with bands and pixelation that are persistently intrusive. This inconsistency suggests that while the video demonstrates moments of high-quality imagery, it suffers from a pervasive low-resolution feel in darker scenes, evoking comparisons to footage from a consumer-grade camcorder.

Technical specifics highlight an AVC/MPEG-4 encoding at 1080p with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, where contrast levels appear overly boosted—potentially an attempt to compensate for natural lighting effects. However, this does little to alleviate the issues with color banding, problematic flesh tones, and overall noise present in various segments. Despite having moments where detail and color impress, especially in well-lit interior scenes, the Blu-ray presentation of "Knock Knock" is significantly hampered by these visual defects. The consistent recurrence of these flaws throughout the viewing experience makes it clear that this aspect of the Blu-ray underperforms, affecting one’s overall enjoyment and immersion in the film.

The audio presentation of "Knock Knock" on Blu-Ray boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, overall, impressively enriches the viewing experience sans a few minor quirks. While dialogue and music represent the backbone of the film's audio landscape, delivering generally clear and well-balanced audio reproduction, some instances see the dialogue sounding slightly muffled. However, these instances are brief and do not significantly detract from the overall auditory immersion. The film excellently showcases its dynamic range in scenes highlighting Evan's vast music collection, making use of his high-end phonograph system which results in an enveloping surround activity that is one of the audio presentation's highlights.

The mix truly shines in its detailed effects mixing and soundstage dynamics, particularly during sequences where environmental sound plays a crucial role. Notably, the precision in rendering rain effects adds a tangible layer of immersion; each raindrop seems to have its own distinct spatial origin, creating an audibly rich atmosphere. This articulate sound design is extended through to scenes involving thunder and the resonant patter of rain against the glass architecture of Evan's home, showcasing the mix's capacity to seamlessly integrate environmental sounds across the soundstage, enhancing the realism of these moments.

Despite being based on a dialogue-driven narrative, the subtleties in the mix's handling of background ambiance, from the discrete placement of off-screen effects to the meticulous attention to ambient sounds, contribute significantly to the film's tense atmosphere. The low-frequency extension is sparingly yet effectively employed to punctuate more intense scenes with appropriate depth. Overall, the audio mix provides a concrete example of how dedicated sound design and mixing can elevate the engaging experience of a psychological thriller, even if occasional flaws mildly hinder its potential excellence.

The Blu-ray extras for "Knock Knock" present an engaging suite of content for fans and curious viewers alike. Led by the audio commentary featuring Eli Roth alongside actors Lorenza Izzo, Colleen Camp, and Nicolas Lopez, it offers a deep dive into the creative process, laced with both personal anecdotes and rigorous technical details—though its segmented recording style can feel disjointed. The deleted scenes, including an extended house-trashing sequence and a bewildering alternate ending, benefit from Roth’s optional commentary, providing insight into the film's narrative decisions. "The Art of Destruction: The Making of Knock Knock" serves as a concise yet informative making-of featurette, starting off with Roth’s discussion on the film's thematic core and including interviews that outline character dynamics and on-set chemistry. A still gallery, boasting over 50 production photos, allows fans to peruse visual aspects of the film's creation. Despite some viewers' mixed feelings towards the film itself, these extras offer a well-rounded look at its production, appealing to both enthusiasts and critics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Eli Roth, Lorenza Izzo, Nicolas Lopez and Colleen Camp: Insightful commentary track with a mix of personal experiences and technical explanations.
• Deleted Scenes: Two scenes with optional director's commentary, showcasing an extended sequence and an alternate ending.
• The Art of Destruction: The Making of Knock Knock: A featurette that delves into the making of the film with interviews and director commentary.
• Still Gallery: A collection of over 50 high-definition production photos.

Eli Roth's "Knock Knock" attempts to blend psychological thriller elements with the director’s characteristic infusion of horror and black comedy, yet struggles to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The film stars Keanu Reeves as Evan Webber, a successful architect living in a modern, art-filled home who finds his ideal life upended after inviting two stranded young women into his house. Initially presenting a setup ripe for tension and drama, the film devolves into a series of unlikely events and decisions that challenge the viewer's suspension of disbelief.

The technical aspects of the movie, from the sprawling, glass-paneled architecture of Evan's home to the stormy backdrop of Los Angeles, are meticulously depicted, setting the stage for a claustrophobic nightmare as it becomes invaded by chaos. The stark contrast between Evan's polished, controlled environment and the ensuing disarray brought on by the two women is visually compelling, yet the script fails to leverage these aesthetics into genuine suspense or terror. Despite competent performances from Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, and Ana de Armas, their characters' actions often feel contrived, undercutting potential tension with implausibility.

"Knock Knock" presents an interesting premise that hints at deeper themes such as the fragility of domestic bliss and the dangers of temptation. However, Roth's execution falters in maintaining a steady pace or logical progression, opting instead for shock value and sensationalism over substantive horror or psychological depth. The film’s attempt to critique or invert genre conventions—potentially offering a fresh take on home invasion and moral comeuppance narratives—ultimately feels unoriginal and inconsistent. This inconsistency not only hampers the film's ability to engage but also underscores a missed opportunity to deliver a thriller that resonates on a more impactful level.

The Blu-ray release of "Knock Knock" arrives with a tangible sense of disappointment, both in terms of the film's content and the technical quality of the disc itself. Many had high hopes for this Eli Roth thriller, captivated by a promising premise and the casting of Keanu Reeves. Initially, the film does manage to engage with its intriguing setup, but it rapidly devolves into territory that could only be described as absurdly underwhelming. This is complemented by a video presentation that is marred by numerous anomalies, suggesting a lack of careful attention to the disc's production values. While the audio mixing presents some merit, particularly in its handling of effects, it stands as a lone highlight in an otherwise mediocre technical execution.

Further analysis reveals that even enthusiasts of Reeves's or Roth's previous works may find little to salvage from this release. Despite a couple of special features that could have offered some redemption, they too fall into the category of being uninspiringly self-congratulatory. This is especially disappointing given the film's initial promise, only to be let down by both narrative and technical missteps. The overall quality of the Blu-ray, from its flawed video to pedestrian special features, underlines a missed opportunity to deliver a thriller that could have been memorable.

In conclusion, "Knock Knock" on Blu-ray stands as a cautionary tale of how a compelling concept can falter both in execution and in its home release. From the film's rapid descent into implausibility to the disappointing quality of the Blu-ray disc, there is little to recommend. Potential viewers might better spend their time and resources elsewhere, perhaps holding out hope for future projects that can fully realize what "Knock Knock" initially promised but ultimately failed to deliver.