The 5th Wave (DVD): Review

Film

What if aliens came to Earth? What if they wanted our planet? Perhaps they’d come in waves that were increasingly deadly to humans, yet for the most part, left the Earth and human infrastructure untouched.

As we are introduced to Cassie (Chloë Grace Moretz), we learn of the first four waves. Now, Cassie is on the run, and there are fears of the coming 5th Wave. What will this be, who are these invaders.

The 5th Wave is a slightly different take on the oft-told story of alien invasion, eschewing a violent confrontation in favour of more subversive means, leading to a few bends in the plot as the story unfolds.

With a young cast shouldering the weight of the film, we are taken along with the main characters, children and teens, as they are swept up in this world and life changing event. Backed by several seasons cast (Ron Livingston, Liev Scheiber and Maria Bello, to name a few) the on-screen relationships and interactions are complex, adding to the many layers of thought and emotion such an invasion would evoke.

While The 5th Wave is squarely in the science fiction genre, there is little chance of this being too complex or technical for the average viewer, explaining what needs to be know to understand the current plot device, yet leaving some aspects to the viewers imagination, and in so doing leaving one to create and build their own fear and tension as events unfold.

The 5th Wave is an interesting tale, and while it is sure to be enjoyed by many, it may not be for everyone. A fun story to watch when relaxing, and whiling away an evening.

Disc

The 5th Wave is available now, for purchase on disc, in South Africa.

Video

Video is encoded at a high bitrate, with no visible on-screen artefacts, and the image is stable. Colours are vibrant and blacks are deep. There is no colour bleed either.

Audio

The English soundtrack is presented in 5.1 and 2.0. There are a few other languages to choose from as well as a large selection of subtitles.

The film makes ample use of the surround channels, further drawing the viewer in to the on-screen action and expanding the story world.

Dialogue is clear, and understandable, even with the many effects and noises from the current action.

Navigation

The menu system is simple, with static background images, and some soft, looped music. Text is easy to read and understand, as well as the menu being clear to navigate between the several screens.

Bonus

There are several bonus features on the disc, adding to the value, and providing further insight into the story and filmmaking process.

Feature commentary with J Blakeson and Chloë Grace Moretz: A great deal of insight by director J Blakeson and star Chloë Grace Moretz, who plays lead charactger Cassie Sullivan.

The commentary will be of interest to both fans, casual viewers and filmmakers alike, giving plenty of background information into the making of the film, the characters, life on the shoot, and some of the story itself.

It is always best to view the disc with commentary once the main feature has been viewed, so as not to have any spoilers, and to be able to follow details on the story.

Gag Reel: A few humours outtakes from the shoot, and funny moments between cast and crew, on set. Worth a few laughs.

Inside The 5th Wave: A very informative, behind the scenes look at the filming process, with input from cast and crew, including a very bubbly Chloë Grace Moretz.

This feature is sure to interest budding filmmakers, interested in the creative and technical process of making a film.

Sammy On Set: A look at Zackary Arthur, on of the youngest cast members. Zack spoke to various crew members on set, in a bid to learn more about the filmmaking process.

This mission of Zack’s also serves to introduce the viewer to the various role players behind the scenes, and their purpose on set.

Previews: There are also trailers for Angry Birds, Goosebumps, Concussion, The Night Before, Ratter, and Home Invasion, which play at the beginning of the disc. Each of these can be skipped should the viewer so desire.

These previews can also be accessed from the menu system, however they can not be individually selected.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb