Your favorite classic Resident Evil characters return in this original CG motion picture that will make you want to reach for your game controller!
“When a fearless enemy out for revenge unleashes a brutal and deadly new virus, BSAA Captain Chris Redfield enlists the help of Agent Leon S. Kennedy and Professor Rebecca Chambers to bring down the death merchant and save New York City.”
Resident Evil: Vendetta is set between the events of Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Those familiar with the series and two other CG Resident Evil films will know that this has nothing to do with the live action franchise. I must confess that I absolutely loathe the live action films and what they’ve become. Perhaps I am in the minority, but to me, there is absolutely nothing recognizable about the live action films from the games I grew up loving. I put the blame solely on Paul W.S. Anderson and his contrived over-use of slow motion, which if the films were run at regular speed would probably have a run-time of 45 minutes. In one of the films, I swear, there was a scene where there was so much slow motion the film just stopped for about five minutes. My point being, these CG films ARE what I remember about the games that I loved, and although I haven’t kept up with the large amount of titles that came out after Resident Evil 2, save for the latest, these familiar characters create a sense of nostalgia that heightens the enjoyment of the film.
For me, who hasn’t seen the other CG films, hearing the names Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers awakens the latent memories of that terrible live-action intro to the original Resident Evil which everyone couldn’t help loving at the time. I must have re-watched it hundreds of times. Needless to say, the continuation of such iconic characters that has roots to the original game over all this time with great side-stories will bring enjoyment to fans of the series, especially since no familiar characters were involved in the latest installment.
Glenn Arias, the antagonist of the film, is actually quite enjoyable for basically a video game villain. Although we only get a glimpse of his backstory and motivations, they are powerful enough to drive his motives which he believes to be his right of vengeance. Additionally, the voice acting overall is quite good; a far cry from some of the original dialogue from the original game I can still remember, but I would have been pleasantly satisfied if someone uttered: “I hope this is not Chris’ blood!”, which it would be infinitely greater if Barry himself eventually makes an appearance in these films.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, Resident Evil: Vendetta has brought back some very fond memories of the original games for me, which is one of its most appealing factors. Besides the nostalgia aspect, the film actually is very entertaining as a stand-alone film, containing all the ingredients to make a good zombie film: entertaining story, zombie action complete with lots of gore, and some great characters. For now and quite selfishly, this will the only Resident Evil film franchise that I will recognize, and hope to see more of the iconic original characters in the future!
Video
Resident Evil: Vendetta is presented in 4k 2160p Ultra High Definition 1.78:1. This is the first CG film I’ve watched in 4k, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the HDR and higher resolution. Although you may not see a marked improvement from Blu-Ray that you would in a live action film, there is still a noticeable difference that is quite impressive. The CG effects are done extremely well, and the 4k highlights the high quality.
The Blu-Ray version is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.78:1.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and is perhaps one of the best things on the set. It delivers a totally immersive sound, with no shortage of action intense sequences to flex those surrounds. Levels sound extremely good, with no problems of note.
Special Features
There are quite a few extras in this set, contained on the Blu-Ray disc and extra bonus disc that is included.
Blu-Ray Disc:
- Filmmaker Audio Commentary
- Stills Gallery
- CGI to Reality: The Creature
- CGI to Reality: Designing Vendetta
- Motion Capture Set Tour with Dante Carver
Bonus Blu-Ray:
- BSAA Mission Briefing: Combat Arias
- Designing the World of Vendetta
- Tokyo Game Show Footage
Resident Evil: Vendetta delivers a solid film that is a perfect continuation for some of the iconic characters from the franchise. You will find yourself almost reaching for your gaming controller, so immersed in the story you want to be a part of it.
