The Wicker Tree

The 1080p high definition presentation of "The Wicker Tree" on Blu-ray exhibits a degree of inconsistency that might distract the discerning viewer. While it primarily impresses with its clarity and the vibrancy of its color palette, issues such as soft shots, noticeable noise, and persistent banding detract from an otherwise solid video quality. These less refined elements appear more a consequence of the original shoot's limitations, notably the use of lower-grade photographic equipment in certain scenes, rather than the transfer process itself. Noteworthy is the early Dallas skyline scene, which lacks the expected sharpness and definition, giving it an almost ethereal quality not in keeping with the realistic texture seen elsewhere in the film.

Detail in many respects remains a strong suit of this presentation. In scenes where the camera focuses closely on characters and environments, textures such as Scottish gravel, smooth marble, and rough stonework are rendered with impressive precision. Clothing and facial textures are particularly well captured, showcasing fine details like the fabric weave of Steve's blue denim jacket with clarity. Color reproduction stands out for its balance and brilliance across a variety of elements—from the red, white, and blue of an American flag to lush green grasses and vividly colored attire—contributing to a generally pleasing visual experience despite the noted flaws.

However, it cannot be overlooked that much of "The Wicker Tree" suffers from an overall softness that impacts the viewing experience. The digital photography, while avoiding the pitfalls of appearing overly flat or excessively glossy, tends to present textures in a somewhat washed-out manner, resulting in edges that lack crispness. This inconsistency lends the film a flat and digital feel which, combined with the recurrent soft shots and banding issues, leads to a presentation that falls short of the high standards often expected by Blu-ray enthusiasts. While certain moments exhibit commendable detail and depth, the overall impression is one of a missed opportunity to fully showcase the film's visual potential on the Blu-ray format.

The Wicker Tree" audio presentation, spanning across the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks, offers a journey through sound that, while not groundbreaking, delivers a sufficiently solid experience. The score and Bluegrass Gospel music at the outset are treated with care, presenting clarity and a pleasing spread of sound that allows instruments and vocals to shine in a natural harmony. This clear treatment is consistent for most of the soundtrack, providing a balanced soundscape. However, certain elements such as the chase scene music and the caws of a raven tend to undermine the overall quality with their lackluster energy and disproportionately high volume, respectively.

Dialogue delivers an uneven experience; it ranges from being generally well-placed and balanced to moments of softness that can detract from the immersion. Moreover, Beth’s signing performance stands out for its lack of vibrancy, falling flat and failing to impress, further detracted by instances of tonelessness that might lead to some disconnect with the character's perceived talent. Environmental sounds and natural ambience are amongst the more consistent aspects, with particular sounds, like birdsong, being effectively distributed across the soundscape to enhance the setting without overwhelming the primary audio elements.

Ultimately, while neither the Dolby TrueHD nor the DTS-HD tracks will be remembered as remarkable achievements in audio engineering, they provide an adequately enveloping experience that serves "The Wicker Tree" without offering much in the way of sonic depth or excitement. The overall audio presentation manages to support the film adequately but struggles to significantly elevate the viewing experience, landing somewhere around average due to a mixture of competent handling of music and environmental sounds pitted against underwhelming effects and variable dialogue quality.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Wicker Tree" add a modest layer of depth for enthusiasts and the curious alike. The centerpiece, "The Making of The Wicker Tree," combines red carpet snippets and in-depth discussions by the cast and crew on various elements such as storytelling, thematic essence, music, and critical scene executions. Despite its brevity, this feature sheds light on the cohesion and vision behind the film, offering insights that may surpass the film's received clarity. Accompanied by a set of deleted scenes, these cuts offer a tantalizing glimpse at what didn't make the final edit, perhaps clarifying or muddying the waters depending on your view. Rounding off with the trailer in high definition, these extras provide a rounded, albeit succinct, view into the film's production, aspirations, and the stark reality of filmmaking, all while maintaining a tone that is equally analytical and slightly bemused by the movie's existence.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of The Wicker Tree: Cast and crew dive into the movie's story, themes, and production details.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes cut from the final film.
• The Wicker Tree Trailer: Official trailer in high definition.

Robin Hardy revisits his thematic roots with "The Wicker Tree," which, while not directly a sequel or remake of his classic "The Wicker Man," serves as a reimagining that lingers in the same eerie narrative forest. This installment distinguishes itself significantly from the ill-fated Nicolas Cage remake of "The Wicker Man," promising a revival of the concept in more adept hands. Despite not reaching the iconic status of its predecessor, "The Wicker Tree" engrosses with its peculiar charm and deviation from conventional Hollywood narratives, offering an eclectic mix that defies easy categorization and, as such, breathes a somewhat refreshing air into a stagnated cinematic landscape.

Centering around the naïve duo, Beth Boothby, a converted Texas Bluegrass Gospel singer, and her cowboy fiancé Steve, the film dives into their chastity-promised pilgrimage to a Scottish town that eschews angelic beliefs. Their journey spirals into an unforeseen participation in an ominous ritual draped in the vestiges of a May Day celebration. With its quirkiness, sporadic laughter-triggering sequences, and intermittent edge-of-the-seat moments, "The Wicker Tree" encapsulates an undefinable genre-blending experience. It's an anomaly in film-making that wraps sexuality, spirituality, and satire into one indistinct package, aimed at viewers open to an unconventional narrative expedition.

However, its divergent plot arc and loose handling of spiritual themes might polarize audiences, particularly due to the portrayal of its central characters’ easily misled faith and eventual seduction into an ancient pagan rite. The film’s technical execution stands firm with Robin Hardy’s direction keeping the pace brisk, though leaving desires for a more polished acting ensemble. “The Wicker Tree” is both an oddity and a spectacle in cinematic circles, bespeaking the rare peculiar blend of genres that it represents - punctuating this amalgamation with fits of artistic flair and structural weaknesses alike.

The Wicker Tree," a follow-up or re-imagining of sorts by Director Robin Hardy, carries an esoteric charm that stands in stark contrast to the formulaic offerings of modern multiplex cinemas. Its unclassifiable nature, combining a plethora of elements, may not cater to all tastes—particularly Christians who might find the content unsettling or outright offensive. However, for those with a penchant for cinema that ventures off the beaten path, this film presents a curious, if not wholly coherent, exploration of themes wrapped in a mix of peculiar and mainstream cultural references. The ensemble's performance may not hit every note accurately, yet there's an undeniable intrigue in the film's ambition. On the technical front, Anchor Bay's Blu-ray edition offers commendable video and audio quality, though it falls short in the supplemental features department, suggesting potential buyers might wish to stream before purchasing, despite the satisfactory presentation for collectors and fans likely to revisit.

Critically, the film's narrative and logical coherence are cast adrift amidst a sea of bewildering characters and scenarios—an amalgamation of strange, whether they be hillbillies or an unprecedented British variant, contributing to a peculiarly disjointed viewing experience. The sheer eccentricity and what could be perceived as a lackadaisical approach to its serious undertones render certain segments bafflingly comedic rather than intentionally satirical or profound. This tonal dissonance may alienate viewers seeking conventional storytelling or those unable to embrace its dark humor.

In conclusion, "The Wicker Tree" is a cinematic oddity that might appeal to viewers looking for something out of the ordinary, albeit with reservations. Its divergence from mainstream sensibilities, coupled with a presentation that oscillates between intriguing and incomprehensible, makes it a divisive piece. The Blu-ray release offers a technically solid experience, though it's marred by a sparse selection of extras. This film represents a niche interest—one best approached with adjusted expectations and perhaps a willingness to find amusement in its idiosyncrasies. As such, it seems destined to occupy a peculiar niche within the annals of cult cinema.