Plot: What’s it about?
Tom (Richard Tillman) has just returned home over a military tour of duty, but relaxation is the last thing on his mind. While he was overseas, his younger brother Jesse disappeared, along with his girlfriend Nicole. Tom feels immense guilt for this, as he knows if he were around, his brother wouldn’t have vanished. Now that he is back, he plans to track down his brother and as such, he heads off down the same path taken by Jesse. Tom is joined by his girlfriend and another friend, but the three have no idea what kind of dark road lies ahead. As Tom explores Jesse’s path, he learns that his brother wasn’t the only who disappeared in the area, so someone has to be stalking this isolated rest stop. But can Tom and the others survive the assault and put an end to the terror, or will they simply be the latest victims?
The first Rest Stop was a passable movie, one that had some decent moments, but wasn’t a good movie. This sequel is a direct follow up and while I have no clue why a sequel was needed, this one is even worse than the original. I do have to compliment the gore on showcase, as the bloodshed is well done. The special effects are quite polished, so when the twisted torture begins, it all looks pretty believable. As much as I love gore, I want some kind of plot (or at least wild chain of events) as well, which Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back fails to deliver. I didn’t pick up on much continuation of the original’s storyline, aside from some incoherent touches at times, so this is a sequel, but plays like a remake of sorts. So for you gorehounds out there, Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back offers some well crafted bloodshed, but little else. So unless you’re anxious to see how gruesome the torture scenes are, this is one movie you can leave on the shelf.
Video: How does it look?
Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back is presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen. The movie sucks, but this transfer is just great and really shines. The image is crisp and clear throughout, the film’s visual design pulls out some tricks of course, but for the most part, detail is excellent. The colors depend on the visual design, but they look natural and bright when needed, then skew to whatever the design demands, solid stuff. No issues with contrast either, as black levels perform even in the darkest instances. All in all, a terrific transfer and fans should be thrilled.
Audio: How does it sound?
A solid Dolby TrueHD 5.1 option is included, one which enhances the tense atmosphere quite well. The surrounds get some power moments too, such as the ample cheap scare moments, but the atmosphere is what drives the audio. The surrounds creep in to make you feel like you should be looking over your shoulder, which is great for this kind of movie. The musical cues sound good too, while dialogue is clear and crisp. This disc also includes a Dolby Digital 5.1 option, Spanish and Portuguese language tracks, and subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes no bonus materials.
