DVD Released: September 27th, 2005
Approximate Running Time: 82 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85.1 non-anamorphic widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
DVD Release: Heretic Films
Region Coding: Region 1 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.95

J.M. (Barnes Walker III) walks in on his wife and her lover having an affair. In a fit of rage J.M. strikes his wife in the head with a baseball bat instantly killing. After he kills his wife J.M. then cleans her and the mess he made up before he takes his dead wife with him to his sisters farm house in the country. The first night at the farm house J.M. doses off and when he comes too he realizes that he is not alone. Has unexpected guests stop by for a visit or is his recently departed wife haunting him?

To its advantage Cold Blood jumps begins the moment J.M. kills his wife. While most films would introduce you to the main characters this film takes the alternative route by relying heavily advancing the narrative without little or no character development at all. In most cases lack of character development would hamper the story and in many cases detach the viewer from caring about any of the characters it is the exact opposite in Cold Blood. Brian Avenet-Bradley’s direction is solid as he keeps things moving at a break neck pace.

The films lead actor Barnes Walker III at times is too mechanical in his facial expressions and body movements. The acting in general in this film is average at best with the only real standout performance being that actor who played the redneck character John. The films scores is one of its strongest assets as it oozes with atmosphere. Overall Cold Blood could have been improved if it had more time and money; still the final as it currently stands is an entertaining film that will keep you on the end of your seat wondering what will happen next.

The DVD:

Heretic Films presents Cold Blood in a letterboxed 1.85:1 that preserves the films original aspect ratio. The colors look good except for a few scenes which look muted and print damage is virtually non existent. There is some noticeable artifacts present, still nothing that ever becomes to distracting or excessive. Grain is and some mild edge enhancement is noticeable through out.

This release comes with only one audio option a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix in English. There are no problems with hiss, distortion or any other sound defects. The dialog, music and effects sound evenly mixed as they never overpower the other. Overall this sound mix is pretty good and compliments the film real well. English and French subtitles have been include that are easy to read and follow.

Extras include a trailer for the film, cast &crew bios (text based), and two deleted scenes. There is also a behind the scenes documentary that shows how the cast and crew at work. Other extras include a section titled “The Music behind the Story” which includes six songs in demo and finished form that were originally going to be used in the movie. Rounding out the extras is an audio commentary with director Brian Avenet-Bradley and stars Barnes Walker III and Laurence Avenet-Bradley. They discuss how the project came about and how each cast & crew member came to this project. They also talk extensively about technical aspects of the product. Overall this is an informative and thorough audio commentary. Also included with this release is 6 Easter eggs with one of the hidden extras being an isolated music audio track.

Cold Blooded is a tense thriller that has one of the more original plots that I have come across in many years.

For more information about Cold Blood and other titles released by Heretic films visit their website.