The Row appears in an aspect ratio of approximately 1.85:1 on this Blu-ray Disc. The movie came with a decent but unexceptional image.
For the most part, sharpness seemed good. The image could be a little soft at times, usually due to the combination of digital video cameras and darkness. Those were the elements that could seem a bit tentative.
Overall clarity remained fairly positive, though, and the image lacked problems like jaggies, shimmering and haloes. No print flaws marred the presentation.
Like virtually all modern horror flicks, Row went with a stylized palette. We got a lot of teal most of the time, so don’t expect anything dynamic. These tones suited the movie.
Blacks were reasonably dark and dense, and shadows were acceptable, though low-light shots could be somewhat murky. This wasn’t a great image, but it was acceptable.
As for the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, it offered a fairly typical horror movie soundscape. This meant a lot of creepy atmosphere and occasional “jolt moments”.
Along with good stereo music, the soundfield was able to open things up in a satisfying manner that embellished the story. This meant the mix didn’t dazzle, but it worked fine.
Audio quality was always good. Music appeared full and rich, while effects demonstrated nice clarity and accuracy.
Speech was natural and distinctive throughout the film. Again, this wasn’t a heavily active track, but it made sense for the story.
A few extras appear, and we launch with an audio commentary from director Matty Beckerman. He offers a running, screen-specific take on story/characters, cast and performances, sets and locations, music, stunts and related topics.
Expect a wholly mediocre chat here. Beckerman gives us just enough info to ensure the track doesn’t become a waste of space, but he also fails to provide any real insight. Though not an awful commentary, this one isn’t particularly good either.
Making The Row goes for six minutes, nine seconds and features notes from Beckerman, director of photography Jamie Barber, and actors Mia Frampton, Shea Buckner, Randy Couture, Natali Yura, Dylan Sprayberry, Colin Egglesfield, Tyler Olson, Lala Kent, and Lexi Atkins.
“Making” discusses story and characters, cast and performances, photography, and Beckerman’s impact on the shoot. Don’t expect much substance from this short puff piece.
The disc opens with ads for Spinning Man, Bent, Future World, The Crucifixion and The Show. We also get the trailer for The Row.
Even by the low standards of the genre, The Row brings us a terrible horror flick. Stupid, incompetent and incoherent, the movie does virtually nothing right. The Blu-ray comes with fairly good picture and audio as well as mediocre supplements. Even horror diehards should avoid this awful excuse for a movie.