NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Weinstein gives us another two-disc'er for 'The Mist' but this time everything (even the extras as well as the B/W edition) are in 1080P resolution (one color dual-layered disc and one single-layered for the B/W.) It, expectantly shows improvement with some stunning scenes in the color Blu-ray - but the black and white version of the film (in the new format) seems to have the most improvement and looks just wonderful with layered contrast. I can't do more than refer you to the expandable high-definition captures below to identify how strong it is. Unfortunately the CGI-based scenes seem to show the least improvment in terms of detail on the Blu-ray color version - probably more because of the nature of those digital effects that never seem to produce pristinely tight imagery. It looks superior - especially in terms of color and detail - certainly the outdoor scenes are impressive. The 2nd disc looks vastly improved in contrast showing the SD-DVD to be overly greenish/blue impinging on the purity and crispiness of the 'nostalgically styled' visuals.

Audio has a TrueHD option now and Mark Isham's (Little Man Tate, Of Mice and Men, Crossing Over, In the Valley of Elah, A River Runs Through It) creepy score is that much more effective. I wouldn't say I noticed a immense improvement over the 5.1 (on the SD-DVD and as an option on the Blu-ray) but it seemed a bit more dynamic but with audio this engaging - a little can be a lot.

Extras seem the same as listed below on the SD (commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes etc.) but in this Blu-ray they are all in HD (1080P) and we do get one 'bonus' that isn't present on the original release; a 12 minute conversation between King and Darabont who seem genuine friends and it was a nice addition although doesn't impart too much more - information-wise.

I still love how critics attack this film for its shallow nature and invisible characterizations... HELLO! - it's meant to be a cheesy horror folks!  And it succeeds in that regard with top honors. I'd say for those keen on the black and white version (I raise my hand) you may see the most improvement in the new Blu-ray. Although everything is improved to varying degrees - the image is no contest - audio is a bump and there is a new extra - tack on to this that all the supplements, save one - the B/W introduction, are all on one disc now.

Hunker down for the evening and give this spirited runaway sci-fi/horror flic a spin - just don't expect perfection - it's meant to be flawed - resonating with weakness to essentially what it is playfully paying homage to.

Gary W. Tooze

*****

ON THE SD-DVD: Genius Products have brought us a stacked 2-disc standard definition package of Frank Darabont's The Mist (in the theatres as recent in November of last year!). The color theatrical version is on disc one and a black and white 'Director's Vision' complete version is on disc 2. It is the exact same film but we have compared some frames below to give you an idea of how the b+w image is represented. 

Image quality is strong but not pristine (I may be getting spoiled by Blu-ray). I have no obvious complaints but colors can be a shade dull yet detail is quite adept. I wouldn't expect any strong disappointment, from most, in how this transfer looks. The black and white might have showed a smidgeon more noise - but anyway it is minimal through the film. Not enough to deter viewing. Both discs are dual-layered, progressive and anamorphic in the film's original 1.85:1 ratio. Both discs are coded for region 1 in the NTSC standard. One difference between the two versions are that the black and white doesn't offer the same French 5.1 DUB found on the color theatrical. Both have optional English (SDH) or Spanish subtitles.  

Extras on disc one include a Darabont commentary for the theatrical color release. He has a relaxed tone but can talk fairly quickly - like a restrained enthusiasm. He describes what are many of the digital enhancements (things I would not have guessed - like parts of the crashed tree into the house). He pauses for both effect and to let important scenes run a bit - he pats the cast and crew on the back, shows his admiration etc. - typical stuff but enjoyable enough to be worth a listen in my opinion. There are 15 minutes of eight deleted scenes with optional commentary by Darabont, a featurette on a very interesting artist entitled Drew Struzan: An Appreciation of an Artist. It runs only 8 minutes but I enjoyed learning about this individual and his compositions and style. There are three Behind the Scenes Webisodes, with Darabont as kind of 'host', running about 10 minutes and a trailer gallery of three different adverts for The Mist.

Disc 2 has Darabont introduce the black and white version for about 3 minutes. There are also some featurettes - When Darkness Comes: The Making of The Mist goes into some good detail of production and development with input from many - and it runs almost 40 minutes. Taming the Beast - The Making of Scene 35 is interesting in that it dissects one pivotal scene from the film with focus on the incredible detail involved. Two more featurettes: Monsters Among Us: A Look at the Creature FX is exactly what you might expect and runs 12 minutes while The Horror of it All: The Visual FX of The Mist is 15 minutes more on the extensive FX. Whewww. You have to appreciate the director getting involved in so many of the supplements - he is all over the place giving, commentaries (feature and deleted scenes), explanations and generally being a part what's going on.

The film? I am usually not overly partial to the modern Horror genre, but this has so much of the cheesy 50's intent (that I love!) I'll admit I was quite thrilled with my two viewings (theatrical and BW). I *think* I may have enjoyed the black and white version more (I actually watched that first - them did the color with the commentary running) but it's more an aura transposition than effecting the guts of the film. Scary?... D-uh, yeah! I suspect many who approach this with a shade of playfulness, disregarding any strokes of attempted depth, may get the most out of the movie. I'd love to watch something just like this again - Darabont positively knows how to make films (great pace, extracts excellent performances etc.) but don't get your hopes up for more than a simple thrill and adrenaline ride - which I believe was the main intent. It's extreme (definitely NOT for family viewing - R-rated!) and dives right into the horror element quickly with dynamic energy. Best Horror film in while? - yep. If this sounds like your cup-of-tea I don't anticipate you will be disappointed. The single-disc edition is only $3 cheaper so, it's my opinion to go for this one and reap the benefits.

Gary W. Tooze