The Annabelle doll first graced our screens in the highly acclaimed "The Conjuring" series, based on the real-life experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. In 2014, the character of Annabelle got her own standalone movie, quickly followed by a prequel in 2017, "Annabelle: Creation". The third installment of the Annabelle franchise, "Annabelle Comes Home", arrived in June 2019 and is now available on Blu-ray for horror aficionados to add to their collection.
"Annabelle Comes Home" reintroduces us to the beloved paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed brilliantly by Patrick Wilson (Aquaman) and Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel). In this narrative, Annabelle is an eerily lifelike doll that the Warrens take into their custody from two nurses who were terrified by the doll's malevolent activities in their apartment. After a fright-filled journey home, the Warrens secure the doll in a special case in their artifact room-a room filled with possessed objects from their various investigations, which is blessed by a priest to prevent any paranormal entities from escaping.
As time progresses, the Warrens find themselves needing to leave town for work and entrust their daughter, Judy, brought to life by Mckenna Grace (Gifted), into the care of a babysitter, Mary Ellen, played by Madison Iseman (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle). Ellen's friend, curious about the Warrens' spooky artifact room, decides to explore and inadvertently triggers a series of unnerving events once Annabelle is freed from her case.
On the technical side, "Annabelle Comes Home" is presented in 1080p high-definition video quality, which is largely impressive with sharp details and vibrant colors. There is a minor amount of noise evident, but it's only mildly distracting. The Dolby Atmos audio delivers clear dialogue, a full-bodied soundstage, and an unsettling soundtrack that heightens the suspense.
This Blu-ray release is packed with special features that further enrich the viewing experience. These include:
1. Behind the Scenes: A three-part feature providing a closer look at the prosthetics used on the characters, the actors' performances, and the making of particular scenes.
2. The Artifact Room and the Occult: A detailed overview of the set pieces and the items within, enhancing the understanding of the Warrens' paranormal world.
3. The Light and the Love: A feature that explores the strong bond between the Warrens amidst the chilling realities they face.
4. Deleted Scenes: A compilation of unused footage, including an alternative ending and insights into various characters and plot points.
As an avid fan of paranormal films, and especially those featuring the Warrens, I found "Annabelle Comes Home" to be a solid addition to the genre, even if it didn't quite match the intensity of some of its predecessors. It is an engaging movie that provides a good evening's entertainment and is certainly a worthy addition to any horror collection.
While "Annabelle Comes Home" may not pack the same punch as the other movies in the series, it's still a commendable entry in the franchise that keeps the audience on their toes. Its well-drawn characters, atmospheric set pieces, and thoughtful exploration of the supernatural make it a must-have for any horror enthusiast.
Grade B+
