Cloverfield at its root is a horror film, but it is one of those movies that are ruled by the conceptual style. The film just like the Blair Witch Projects, shines by using the style to tell a story and it is sometimes the things that we don’t see or the way they let us see them, which keep the suspense and the fun going.
Although the film is an exercise in style, that doesn’t mean there’s not a story here as well. The genius of the film is how they have found a way to tell the back story of a blossoming romance between two of our main characters. Through the course of the film, every time the camera is stopped and restarted, the tape jumps a bit to reveal to us what was is being taped over. This footage shows glimpses of a day at Coney Island with Rob and his longtime friend, Beth. It’s a nice unique modern way of doing a flashback. It’s these little things that make Cloverfield a clever and enjoyable film.
Cloverfield was released earlier this year on standard DVD and was one of the many movies that were originally only going to be released on the now defunct HD. That has all changed and it is finally being offered on Blu-ray. I know what you are thinking, the film is suppose to be shot on a hand-held videocam so what’s the point of seeing it in high quality? Well, why not? Everything looks better on Blu-ray and the quality is now closer to what you would have seen if you saw it originally in the theater. The movie looks and along with the film, the Blu-ray comes with all the bonus material from the standard release now and a one thing exclusive to Blu-ray.
First up with the bonus material is the commentary track by director Matt Reeves. As I always have said, I love commentary tracks and this is a good one to have on when watching the film a second time. I need to also add that all of the previous bonus material is now available and upgraded in HD. Everything from the featurettes to the deleted scenes. However, the big upgrade is the option to view the film in the “Special Investigation Mode” that is exclusive to Blu-ray. It allows you to watch the movie in a military style map grip. On this viewing mode, it includes a GPS tracking device to show where the creature, our human subjects with the camera are, and the military activity are at all times. It also constantly provides the viewer with text notes by the military to help explain what we are viewing (remember we are watching a tape that the military found). This is only worth watching if you have a nice size TV, since the movie has been shrunk into a small viewing screen to allow for all of the map and other material. Still this is a unique and fun way to watch the film a second time.
So if you haven’t seen Cloverfield or have been considering buying the movie then think no further, Blu-ray is the only way to go. Paramount has done the movie justice and utilized the advancement with the technology of Blu-ray the right way. I am a fan of the film and it’s never looked better and the “Special Investigation Mode” is a blast
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