Plot: What’s it about?
Jennifer Hills (Sarah Butler) has just published another hit novel, so she decides to take a break from the hustle & bustle of it all . She makes arrangements to rent a small cabin in an isolated location. The secluded locale is sure to afford her the kind of rest and relaxation she deserves, not to mention perhaps some inspiration for her next book. The trip starts off a little rough, as she finds herself lost and stops at a gas station for directions. But the attendant and his friends seem more interested in flirting than helping, though Jennifer turns down their various propositions. After she leaves, the group feels slighted and makes plans to settle the score with the out of town woman. As she settles in at the cabin, Jennifer discovers some plumbing issues and makes a call for repairs, only to reach the friend of the gas station buddies. As her night takes a turn toward the unthinkable, Jennifer battles for not only her body, but her life.
I have no idea why a remake of I Spit on Your Grave was produced, but it was and as expected, it disappoints. The original was raw and controversial, while this remake is slick and focus group approved. There is more blood and violence, all of which looks more realistic, but it never packs much impact. The original’s reputation might have been unwarranted, but it delivered brutality where it was required, which this version fails to do. The rapists are ineffective, the rape scene is not as brutal, and most important of all, our heroine is a mere shell of Camille Keaton’s Jennifer Hills. As such, the revenge aspect fails to be as electric as it should be and as a result, the entire film comes off as flat and uninspired. There is ample room to be effective in the woman scorned genre, but this movie has no heart and as such, runs off the rails. While the original is no masterpiece, it looks like one compared to this and those interested should refer to the 1978 edition instead.
Video: How does it look?
I Spit on Your Grave is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen. The visuals here look excellent, as the image has superb detail and depth. You’ll be able to pick up on all kinds of fine detail, which just brings the movie to life wonderfully. I wouldn’t rank this with the best transfers I’ve seen, but it looks damn good. The colors and contrast are on the mark, with no issues to mention, while errors are nonexistent. A terrific visual presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
This Dolby TrueHD 5.1 option sounds great, one of the better recent horror soundtracks I’ve heard. The soundtrack provides plenty of atmosphere, which means subtle touches like the isolated mood in the woods, as well as more kinetic presence, whenever the tension ramps up. The mix also sounds natural, which is crucial to top level soundtracks. The vocals never suffer however, always clear and clean, while the music also sounds terrific. This disc also includes English and Spanish subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
An informative audio commentary with the director and a producer starts us off, while we also have a promotional featurette, deleted scenes, radio spots, and several of the film’s theatrical trailers.
