Blu-ray

The fifth outing in this popular horror series gets the franchise back on track after the disappointing fourth flick. The setup is still the same as ever, but the ensuing scenes of stereoscopic slaughter are more mischievous and distressing than ever (Eye surgery! Acupuncture!). It also finds time to add a new wrinkle to the series’ mythology. Great fun.

Picture: Vibrant colours and meticulous delineation are the two main strengths of the 2D disc’s AVC 2.40:1 1080p encode. While some minor edge-enhancement holds it back from getting top marks, there’s a lot to like about this hi-def presentation, particularly the fine detailing evident throughout – particularly noticeable in the repeated close-ups of an eyeball during the laser surgery in Chapter 6.

A separate disc houses a technically-proficient 3D MVC 2.40:1 1080p presentation of the film that proves how well suited horror is to stereoscopic cinema. The opening credits alone are packed with sharp edges jutting out of the screen. And when the movie itself gets underway you’re treated to such delights as a mast rupturing a young woman’s stomach and spraying entrails at the screen. Lovely.
Picture rating: 4/5

Audio: Final Destination 5 gets underway with one of the most thunderous (and lengthiest) title sequences I’ve seen in ages. But at least the ensuing cacophony prepares you for what to expect from the film’s DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. Starting with the vision of the collapsing bridge  in Chapter 2 all of the death scenes are accompanied by perfectly positioned and frequently very aggressive surround effects that prove a perfect match for the film’s eye-popping 3D visuals. At other times the audio is more biased towards the front speakers, but even these moments impress with their clarity.
Audio rating: 4/5

Extras: Bonus features are surprisingly few and far between on this Blu-ray outing. The 2D platter can only muster Warner’s generic BD-Live link, two alternate death scenes (both only slightly variations on what made it into the film), two splitscreen visual effects reels comparing dailies footage and animatics to the finished version of the scene, and a brief promo featurette that tells you next to nothing about the actual making of the film but lets you know that everyone had great fun doing it. And other than the stereoscopic presentation of the film itself, the 3D disc has nothing extra to add. The most notable thing is the inclusion of the UK’s first UltraViolet Digital Copy alongside a bonus DVD of the movie. Well, that and the rather nifty lenticular slipcase.
Extras rating: 1/5

We say: Plenty of 3D thrills, but disappointingly thin on extras   

Warner Home Video, All-region BD/R2 DVD, £28 approx, On sale now
HCC VERDICT: 3/5