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Hazard
R0 - United Kingdom - 101 Films Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (8th July 2015). |
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The Film
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Revenge has a new face. The television crew of the Scary Antics hidden camera show sets up innocent victims for scary practical jokes on national television. For a special behind-the-scenes episode, a group of friends wants to set up Jacob, a disturbed young man who is having problems adjusting after his father’s death, at a chemical factory. Jacob is convinced that the factory is haunted, and now Scary Antics is going to prove him right. Friends and crew are having a good laugh at Jacob’s expense when something goes horribly wrong, the tables are turned and now they’re the ones that are running for their lives. Trapped inside the boarded-up building with an ax-wielding maniac, this is definitely no laughing matter.
Video
Independent British distributor 101 Films have released a number of low budget horrors over the last few years, and have now decided to bring us "Hazard" from upcoming talent Lou Simon. They present the film in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and the transfer is anamorphic. It is far from reference material, but looks good for a low budget indie horror. Filmed using a Red Scarlet X camera, "Hazard" can surprise in some elements. As typical for the horror genre, the feature takes place in a lot of darkened locations, and in comparison to many similar movies I have seen, it handles the shadows rather well. There is barely any crush in the blacks, and details in the shadows of the 'abandoned' building, such as construction materials and rubbish all over the floor, are distinct and show good levels of clarity. Skin tones cause no issue, and when we look at the production room and get away from the sea of blacks, greys, and blues, the white t-shirts and their logo pop well. Facial close-ups are average. Although in most scenes, contours in the skin and details in hair are fine, in other scenes they feel slightly clunky and not particularly sharp. There are no major issues to speak of by way of damage to the transfer (as to be expected for such a new title), though I did spot some occasional light aliasing and barely noticeable banding. "Hazard" may look low budget, but that is because it is low budget. This transfer is perfectly serviceable. The feature is uncut and runs 77:05.
Audio
101 Films have provided us with a single English Dolby Digital 5.1 track for this release which is okay, but not great. The surrounds are generally used for the score only, though a few environmental effects do appear on occasion, such as when the guy appears outside of the building to collect the camera equipment at 44:30. The LFE gets utilised for the kill scenes, with big thuds when our killer nails any of his victims with his axe. Dialogue is clear at all times, but does feel a little flat, and doesn't really utilise the sound stage. Channel separation as a whole is about as basic it gets, with no stand out moments, good or bad. Like the transfer, this is as expected for a low budget horror, and is altogether practical. There aren't any problems with drop outs, scratches, pops, or background hiss. No subtitles are included.
Extras
No extras unfortunately. I would have liked to have had a commentary or some interviews, as usually those involved with low budget films are more open and honest about their experiences.
Overall
This is a pretty average low budget slasher that genre fans should enjoy enough to pick up. Cuban director Lou Simon is already making a good name for herself within the horror community, so it'll be interesting to see which direction her career goes. Hopefully 101 Films will release some of her other titles in the near future.
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