4K ULTRA HD Review: THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND (2020)

THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND
Written & Directed by:  Kevin McManus & Matthew McManus

Distributed by:  Synapse Films / MVD Entertainment

 I am always surprised when I get a screener in the mail to review, and I have never heard of the film.  Especially with newer films.   Such was the case when THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND showed up in my mailbox.   This film is one I had somehow missed.   I have never even heard a mention of it!   I was surprised to see that Synapse Films is who put this one out, as I associate them re-issues of older titles.  

 Before I get into the review, here is a brief synopsis of the film from the Synapse Films website:

  Something terrifying is happening off the coast of Block Island. A strange force is thriving, influencing residents and wildlife alike. Birds are dropping out of the sky and fish are mysteriously washing up on shore. As some residents are suffering from inexplicable emotional collapse, Harry Lynch (Chris Sheffield, The Stanford Prison Experiment) watches with dread as his father grows increasingly forgetful, confused and angry. Very, very angry! His sister Audry (Michaela McManus, Into the Grizzly Maze, TV’s The Orville), whose work in marine biology will soon prove invaluable, returns to town with her daughter and leads them all towards chilling revelations that will affect her family in unimaginable ways.

 Let me start off by saying this film will not be for everyone.   It is a bit of a slow burn, but it definitely kept me entertained the entire running time.  This was mainly because I could not figure out what was going on and wanted to find out!    I actually would not classify this as a horror film.  It's more of a dark mystery, suspense sort of film with a bit of a Sci-Fi element to it. 

 The film is about Harry, who is trying to figure out exactly what happened to his father, Tom.  A mysterious sound is causing some very strange things around the island, including mass fish kills and missing people.   Harry keeps seeing his deceased Dad throughout the film, and he seems to be trying to hint to Harry what is going on.   These scenes are very creepy, and it's hard to tell what is real and  what in in Harry's mind.  As the film goes on, we see Harry spiral down a road of madness, causing some major issues with his siblings who have all gathered to find out what happened to their Dad. 

 I'm still not sure I 100% understand this film, and I feel like what is happening and the sound the islanders are hearing is never fully explained.   That was my main issue with this film, as I wanted more of an explanation.  I understand though, that sometimes it's the fact that there is no explanation that makes it more terrifying.   

 The film only has a few scenes involving special effects, but they are very well done.  There is even a special feature on the disc that discusses making the effects on the small budget this film had. 

 The acting in this film is excellent and the cinematography is outstanding.  I love seeing the views of the open water, especially in this 4K Ultra HD edition.  The picture is crystal clear and looks amazing.  

  THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND is available now on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD, and contains the following Special Features:

• *  The 4K UHD release features a special limited edition slipcover featuring new art from Joel Robinson, while supplies last
• *  Original Trailer
• *  A Practical Apocalypse
• *  Finding the Cast
• *  Filming on the Water
• *  Special Effects on a Shoestring
• *  Los Angeles Behind-the-Scenes (Super 8mm)
• *  McManus Family Home Movies

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K Ultra HD

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray