10 Cloverfield Lane + BD Screen Caps

THE MOVIE — 4.0/5

10 Cloverfield Lane is what has been described as a “spiritual” successor to the popular 2008 found footage monster disaster, Cloverfield and developed from a script originally entitled The Cellar. In some ways, it’s better than the first movie if only it’s more in a traditional style combined with more compelling, not to mention likeable, characters. It does equal in the intensity including a great finale.

Plot Synopsis: The story focuses on a young woman named Michelle (MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD) who has just broken up with her boyfriend (voiced on the phone by BRADLEY COOPER). On her way out of town, she’s involved in a traffic accident. When she awakens, she finds herself in a baron room, knee in a brace that is chained to the wall. She soon meets her captor: Howard (JOHN GOODMAN), a doomsday prepper type who reveals some kind of bomb went off polluting the air. He has set up a comfortable lifestyle in the basement with all the necessities from a shower, full kitchen set-up and a television with a variety of VHS and DVD entertainment to choose from. Also inside is Emmett (JOHN GALLAGHER JR.), a worker who helped Howard build the shelter.

After some initial tension, and skepticism, Michelle begins to fall in line and the three become an odd family unit. But when Michelle finds evidence that Howard is dangerous, with the help of Emmett, the two strategize their escape, but of course not everything goes according to plan.

Quick Hit Review: 10 Cloverfield Lane is a fairly simple enough movie and given it was helmed by first-time director Dan Trachtenberg, I was rather impressed. It kept the suspension throughout the 95-minute running time (sans credits) and the performances by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who is more than serviceable as the lead heroine, and John Goodman who gives such a creepy vibe but when necessary turns on the charm, are so well done and unlike the ensemble in Cloverfield, I found these characters to be well developed for such limited screen time.

As with its predecessor, 10 Cloverfield Lane has some remarkable visual effects that often looks better than some of the bigger budgeted affairs. It’s a testament to the vfx crew and Trachtenberg, along with screenwriters Josh Campbell & Matt Stuecken and Damien Chazelle, the entirety of the production put together a thrilling sci-fi adventure flick.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5

This release comes with a glossy slip cover and inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy.

Audio Commentary – Director Dan Trachtenberg and Producer J.J. Abrams offer an informative yet still entertaining track exploring into the process of making the film.

There are 7 Featurettes (34:42; HD) that delve into the making of 10 Cloverfield Lane from its origins, connection with the original movie, set design and includes interviews with the cast and crew. These are pretty basic stuff but I suppose for a smaller production, there is some decent info presented.

VIDEO – 5.0/5

AUDIO – 5.0/5

OVERALL – 4.25/5

Overall, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a strong sci-fi thriller that, even though it’s been many years since I last saw it, equals the original and had the added bonus of not being in the found footage style and features better characters. I’m not sure how well this will hold up in the long run however but at the moment I found it to be thoroughly entertaining. The 4K UHD offers excellent video/audio transfers and a decent selection of bonus material.