It's surprising, but Kevin Costner's latest film, "THE NEW DAUGHTER," didn't receive any theatrical release, and has gone straight to dvd/blu-ray, instead. ANCHOR BAY/STARZ has released this title.

Based upon a short story by John Connolly, "THE NEW DAUGHTER," stars Costner as John James, a divorced father of two, whom has moved to a South Carolina home in the countryside, with his two children, Louisa and Sam.

At first, appearing to be a peaceful sanctuary, from the turmoil of the divorce and a chance to repair a growing chasm between John and his children, who've begun to grow distant from the strains on their family, a growing, unknown menace begins to surface.

A mysterious mound on their property, appears to be a source of some strange power, having an influence on Louisa, as her demeanor becomes increasingly disturbing.  The director, Luis Berdejo, pays homage to the Val Lewton films of the past, believing the "unseen" can be more terrifying than what is shown, due to what a viewer's mind can imagine on its own, without it being painted in front of them. This, of course, worked brilliantly in some of Lewton's films. However, his film's were generally simple and the menace, comprehensible. In "THE NEW DAUGHTER," there are many clues laid out, but none of them are explained in anything resembling a cohesive explanation. Sure, the style at work is sometimes effective and even exemplary, but, in the end, none of the various oddities, murders, or chilling scenes, add up to something explainable or intelligent. "THE NEW DAUGHTER" is all style and "no" substance. It will be hard for any viewer to not feel cheated when the film has finally ended.

Furthermore, Lewton chose style "instead" of excessive gore, certainly due to the creative skills of the various filmmakers, but also because it diminished the concerns of budget limitations, elaborate("expensive")special effects, and more. But, Berdejo's film switches back and forth between the "less is more" style of filmmaking, without any sense of reason. At times, the music, sound effects and other technical qualities of the production, teemed with an "unknown" menace are effective, but, these are unexplainably followed with scenes of excessive gore. There's little rhyme or reason to what Berdejo does as a director, and this also correlates perfectly with the film's basic storyline, and its characters, with little rhyme or reason for actions, or what ties everything together!

ANCHOR BAY has provided the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio for this VC-1 1080p blu-ray. Colors are rich in every scene, and the detail, as is made evident in the opening sequence, remains virtually flawless! Inky blacks help retain the depth within many darker scenes taking place at night, especially one, wherein Costner and a cop are dealing with a horrific situation on an isolated road. Plenty of jump-off-the screen depth throughout and the image never falls flat. A GREAT LOOKING TRANSFER!

ANCHOR BAY has provided a PCM 5.1 mix. Sound is used creatively throughout the film, often adding to the growing, even if less than comprehensible tension that carries through most of the film. Surrounds are used with great impact, and the lossy mix makes the most of subtle, ambient effects with clarity and a highly detailed presentation. A great mix.

A commentary with the director, is surprisingly entertaining and technical. Although, even here, there's a lack of elaboration to many unanswered questions of the film's story and ending. A behind-the-scenes featurette and deleted scenes are offered, but only in standard resolution. Various trailers are offered in full 1080p.