Official Synopsis:
“James Marsden (the X-Men films), Katie Holmes (Batman Begins) and Nick Stahl (Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines) star in this pulse-pounding sci-fi chiller from director David Nutter (Game Of Thrones, The X-Files).
In the halls of Cradle Bay High School, something sinister is happening… something dark… something disturbing. Sure, the “Blue Ribbons” – the clique that’s at the top of the food chain at Cradle Bay – appear perfect in every way. But underneath their clean-cut, well-mannered facades lurks a shocking secret – one that a group of Cradle Bay High’s outsiders and rebels must uncover in order to save their school, their town… and their own lives.”
After the tragic suicide of his brother, Steve (James Marsden) and his family relocate to Cradle Bay, a small town that promises new beginnings. Things aren’t what they seem, however. Steve meets Gavin (Nick Stahl) who introduces him to the cliques around the school. There is one clique that is unlike any other, the Blue Ribbons, filled with teens that pride themselves on academics and good behavior. Acting like robots more than teenagers, this group somehow changes troubled teens into becoming like them, losing all sense of their former self. With the help of Gavin and Rachel (Katie Holmes) they must find out what is going on in this small town before it happens to them.
We’ve seen this premise before– a teen moves to a small town where strange things are happening. People begin changing… losing their free will and becoming perfect, mindless automatons. Said teen is the only one who notices something going on and has to stop it. Fortunately, Disturbing Behavior has a combination of unexpected turns and great performances that elevate it above the rest.
Disturbing Behavior has all the elements of a great X-Files episode. In fact, fans of the show will recognize countless people involved in the show that appear in some form in this film. The director, David Nutter, has directed some of the more memorable episodes of the first three seasons. The music in the opening sequence is instantly recognizable as the work of Mark Snow, responsible for the X-Files theme song and the majority of the music composed throughout the series. Many of the extras in the film found roles on the series as well at some point in time during the run of the show. Because of all of this, there is a reminiscent creepiness to the film that adds to the enjoyment.
David Nutter has a very distinct style that compliments this film rather well. The underlying creepiness combined with his ability to get the best performances from his actors gives this film a lot of credibility. James Marsden and Katie Holmes have great chemistry, and both give amazing performances as leads. Nick Stahl is equally as impressive, having to act a very wide range as his character changes. William Saddler and Bruce Greenwood steal every scene they are in, and make this film much more enjoyable.
The biggest problems with the film have to do with a lack of character development and explanations that connect many of the scenes together. Unfortunately, there is a lot that was cut out of the film, all of it which would remedy these problems. As you will learn from the Special Features, the studio cut the film to pieces, leaving no substance of what David Nutter created. As it stands, Disturbing Behavior might have done better as an X-Files episode rather than a studio-driven film more interested in getting to the end than exploring character.
Video
Disturbing Behavior is presented in 1080p 1.85:1. The source print is in relatively good condition. There were a few scratches and blemishes noticed throughout the film. During some of the night scenes the noise increases a bit, but overall it is a solid transfer.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 is a strong track with good levels. Mark Snow’s score really shines, especially during the opening credit sequence. It has a pretty great soundtrack full of 90’s songs as well. Dialogue is clear through the center channel and there were no problems noticed.
Special Features
There are some great special features here with director David Nutter. On this set you’re going to see:
Audio Commentary By Director David Nutter
Deleted Scenes
Alternate Ending
Theatrical Trailer
The deleted scenes paint an entirely new picture of the intent of the film. Characters are more fleshed out, there are explanations for every single thing that might leave you scratching your head. The fact is, the studio in charge took this film and butchered it. I really wish Scream Factory would have been able to release a Director’s Cut of this film to show the film that way it was intended. If nothing else, these special features in a way redeem every inconsistency about the film.
Disturbing Behavior is a guide to show how a studio can take a film and run it into the ground. Hopefully, Disturbing Behavior will be redeemed with a proper Director’s Cut in the future. Until then, Scream Factory gives us the chance to piece it together ourselves with a respectable treatment of the theatrical version.
