Shelby Oaks doesn't quite hit the notes that a lot of these groundbreaking and memorable films in the genre demand these days in order to stand out, but it delivers a solid, well-crafted story that's entertaining. This one is out now, and any fan of the horror genre should definitely check it out.
“A film crew uncovers a disturbing new lead in a woman’s obsessive search for her missing sister, which steers her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil. From Executive Producer Mike Flanagan and director Chris Stuckmann.”
Chris Stuckmann’s feature directorial debut Shelby Oaks arrives on Blu-ray and despite its low-budget origins, delivers some solid scares while never feeling low-budget. Stuckmann crafts a polished, confident supernatural horror mystery that leans heavily into found-footage and documentary styles, building a creepy atmosphere that effectively explores demonology in an interesting way, presenting possession, childhood fears manifesting as real entities, and occult rituals through a blend of archival-style footage and narrative continuation. The film’s tension simmers through shadowy carnivals, abandoned houses, and unsettling interviews, creating genuine unease without relying on over-the-top gore.
One of the most interesting technical choices is the use of aspect ratios: the documentary portions (framed as an investigation into the disappearance) shift to a more square 4:3 or 16:9 ratio reminiscent of old VHS or TV footage, while the main story continuation expands to a wider 2.39:1 cinematic frame. This contrast smartly separates the “real” archival material from the unfolding events, adding layers to the storytelling and enhancing the meta-found-footage feel without ever feeling gimmicky. It reminded me a lot of [Rec 3]: Genesis, with shifting styles of footage that gives it a unique feel.
That said, while Shelby Oaks is well-crafted and delivers solid scares, it doesn’t reinvent the genre or take huge risks. The demonology elements are intriguing but familiar, the pacing can drag in the middle, and despite strong atmosphere and execution, it doesn’t do much to make itself truly memorable in a crowded horror landscape. It’s a perfectly fine, atmospheric entry that entertains without leaving a lasting mark, and sometimes that’s okay, especially for the first film from a former YouTube content creator, demonstrating that talent doesn’t have to come from film school. Bonus points for Mike Flanagan’s involvement in producing, one of the best new voices in the horror scene, and although Shelby Oaks doesn’t reach the level of Flanagan’s work, Chris Stuckmann is a director to keep an eye on for the future of the genre.
Video
Neon’s Blu-ray release presents the film in 1080p High Definition 2.39:1 aspect ratio (with intentional shifts for the documentary segments). The transfer captures the film’s moody, desaturated palette beautifully: deep blacks, crisp details in shadowy interiors and outdoor night scenes. Colors in the “archival” footage look appropriately aged and textured, while the wider cinematic portions pop with enhanced contrast and fine facial/environmental textures. It’s a clean, atmospheric presentation that suits the horror vibe perfectly.
Audio
The disc features DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, delivering immersive surrounds for creaking houses, distant whispers, demonic growls, and sudden jump-scare effects that pull you into the tension. Dialogue is clear and centered, with the score and ambient dread building effectively across channels. Bass rumbles add weight to the scarier moments without overpowering the subtler build-up; solid work for a low-budget production.
Special Features
This release includes a nice selection of extras:
- Audio Commentary by Writer-Director Chris Stuckmann
- Six Episodes of The Making of Shelby Oaks
- Four Episodes of Paranormal Paranoids (in-universe web series footage)
- Deleted Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
The commentary and making-of segments offer great insight into Stuckmann’s vision and the film’s long journey to release, well worth a listen for fans.
Shelby Oaks on Blu-ray is a solid pickup for horror fans who appreciate atmospheric, demonology-tinged mysteries with clever stylistic choices. It may not break new ground or become unforgettable, but its polish, creepy vibe, and thoughtful execution make it a worthy addition to any collection. This one came out January 6, grab it if you’re in the mood for a well-made, if familiar, scare!
