Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Universal Movie •••½ Picture/Sound •••½ Extras •••

A young Louisiana-based hospice attendant (Kate Hudson) gets more than she bargained for in this gripping modern-gothic horror tale that chooses atmosphere over gore. The clear, candle-lit images are infused with creepy, supernatural greens and blues. Even better is the jolting, often heart-stopping surround sound, crammed with thunderclaps, pouring rain, and creaky doors amidst an infectious, bluesy Cajun score. Deleted scenes and Iain Softley's commentary take a backseat to five featurettes (including one on voodoo and hoodoo), Hudson's recounting of a ghost story, co-star Gena Rowlands' sharing of a love spell, and a cooking demonstration of a gumbo recipe. [PG-13] English, French, and Spanish, Dolby Digital 5.1; letterboxed (2.35:1) and anamorphic widescreen; dual layer.