Rec is the first of a four film series about found footage horror. Well, it’s found footage in Spain. Let’s add onto that. It’s urban found footage that builds upon the weaponized zombie-style terror that Danny Boyle popularized in the modern era with 28 Days Later. However, this series isn’t as straightforward at that series. At times, Rec feels like it could’ve been a series of Resident Evil/Left 4 Dead video games.
Four movies unique in the purpose, but different in their execution. I love the creative flourish in playing with how time flows between the immediacy of the first movie, the need to explain in the second and bouncing around timelines in Part 3. More than anything, these touches make Rec: Apocalypse feel like a cop out. The switch to traditional camerawork and the desire to world build way too big for a smaller film series feels like a joke.
Contagion movies usually last for one or two outings. Disease or body takeover only exists in the immediate nature and falters when dragged out to long. Hence, when this film series becomes about the demonic parasite, it feels too much. The beast become a burden that the film series only eliminates by having a natural fish predator pick it off like an afterthought.
It reminds me of something I heard from a now dead screenwriter. It’s one thing to have the sniffles, it’s another to have the Flu. But, after awhile…everyone around you wants to shut up about being sick. That mantra was the only thing going through my brain during the last two movies. If you’re a fan, check it out.
DISC ONE:
- In Spanish With English Subtitles And English Dub
- Audio Commentary With Writers/Directors Jaume Balagueró And Paco Plaza (In Spanish With English Subtitles)
- The Making Of (40 Minutes)
- Crew Interviews (46 Minutes)
- Extended Scenes
- Deleted Scenes
- Behind The Scenes Footage (43 Minutes)
- Teaser
- Theatrical Trailers
- TV Spots
- Still Gallery
DISC TWO:
- In Spanish With English Subtitles
- Audio Commentary With Writers/Directors Jaume Balagueró And Paco Plaza (In Spanish With English Subtitles)
- The Making of – In An Affected World (118 Minutes)
- Behind The Scenes
- Deleted Scenes
- Extended Scenes
- A Walkthrough Of The Set
- 2 On Tour
- Sitges Film Festival Press Conference
- Theatrical Trailers
- TV Spots
- Still Gallery
DISC THREE:
- In Spanish With English Subtitles
- 3: Genesis – Preparing A Bloody Wedding (117 Minutes)
- The Making Of
- Deleted Scenes
- Outtakes
- Theatrical Trailers
- TV Spots
- Still Gallery
DISC FOUR:
- In Spanish With English Subtitles
- The Making Of
- Theatrical Trailers
- TV Spot
- Still Gallery
The Rec Collection is on Blu-ray now!
