Review: Backcountry - Scream Factory Blu-ray

Check out the review of Backcountry, a recent Scream Factory Blu-ray release, below:

Backcountry is an interesting film to be put out from Scream Factory. It is not a horror film in the traditional sense and only has minor elements of a thriller. Rather it is a pretty straightforward story of survival that focus mostly on character development and depending on the audience, the film can evoke horror and thrills. It should be stated now for those that got the impression that this is a film filled with bear attacks you might be in for some disappointment as the bear featured prominently on the artwork actually has little (but important) screen time in the film. As such, this film will likely be enjoyed most after and adjusted expectation to the film because the film itself is a pretty solid and worthwhile film.

The films follows a couple as they go into the woods for a special camping trip. The man is an experienced camper, or at least he says, and the woman is not much of a fan of the outdoors. The mans hope is to take the woman to a special lake that he holds fond memories of. Once they get into the woods everything bad that could happen pretty much does. Eventually they become lost, have no map, phone, food, or water and on top of that a bear is closing in on them.

Backcountry is a pretty decent survivor in the woods/thriller type film that for the most part goes as expected. The main aspect that sets this film a part from similar type films is the solid acting job by the two main characters. As well, the two actually seem believable as a couple, something that is a little harder to find in movies. Another aspect of the film that sets it apart from similar films is that the animals feature in the film are real not CGI. The bear and dear featured in the film were real and were on the same location as the actors. This definitely adds to the authenticity of the film and makes the few scenes feature the bear all the more worthwhile.

In the end the film is far less fitting in the Scream Factory line that the cover art suggests. As such, fans of Scream Factory should know that the film is worth watching as long as there are proper expectations and understanding of the film. Expecting a bunch of blood and gore along with a bunch of bear attacks would set the viewer up for disappointment. However going in with no expectations or with the expectations of a character driven survivor story will likely enhance the viewers appreciation of the film. Overall worth checking out because of solid acting and direction that like elevate a story with little action or tension into something worth watching.

Special Features:
Audio Commentary with director Adam MacDonald and actors Jeff Roop and Missy Peregrym: A very entertaining commentary that gives all the standard behind the scenes information but the most enjoyable parts were the funny stories involved with the shoot. It's also interesting to hear that the group seemed to have become pretty good friends if this commentary is anything to go by. Worth listening to as it gives a greater appreciation for the films and its actors.
Behind The Scenes (17 mins): A decent behind the scenes feature that gives some addition information about the process of making the film. Pretty standard stuff overall.
Bear Shots (2 mins): A unique little feature that you will either hate or find cute.
Still Gallery
Trailer