Sting - Blu-ray Review

Michael Scott

Moderator / Reviewer
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Messages
5,479
Location
Arizona
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha TRS-7850 Atmos Receiver
Other Amp
Peavy IPR 3000 for subs
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB820 4K UHD Player
Front Speakers
Cheap Thrills Mains
Center Channel Speaker
Cheap Thrills Center
Surround Speakers
Volt 10 Surrounds
Surround Back Speakers
Volt 10 Rear Surrounds
Rear Height Speakers
Volt 6 Overheads
Subwoofers
2x Marty subs (full size with SI 18's)
Video Display Device
Sony 85 inch X950H FALD TV
Sting


front.jpg
Movie: :3.5stars:
Video: :4stars:
Audio: :4.5stars:
Extras: :2stars:
Final Score: :3.5stars:




AV NIRVANA is member and reader-supported. When you purchase an item using our links, we might earn an affiliate commission.

1.jpg
Movie

Creature features are a core staple of the horror genre, but it’s not THAT often that we get ones about spiders. Usually it’s a werewolf, an alien being, or some mutated bit of freakazoid lab experiment gone wrong, but flesh eating spiders is not THAT common. I mean sure, we had some comedic takes with Eight Legged Freaks or Big *** Spider, and Archnophobia is a stone cold classic, but most of the time that spiders have come into the genre it’s usually some C or D rated indie flick that is more camp than anything.

I originally wasn’t that interested from the initial press release, but the trailer for Sting actually intrigued me, and I figured I might as well give it a chance, and I’m kind of glad that I did. An Australian based film masquerading as being in New York City (I’m always amazed how well Aussies are at covering their very unique accent for films), Sting actually works as a low budget creature feature that pits man against an alien spider who just magically crash lands in a young girl’s apartment. Popcorn, lots of gore, and some clever camera angles to mask the dirt cheap budget, and we have a rather fun little scare fest.

Taking after Night of the Comet, an opening vignette introduces us to some sort of monster living in the halls of a New York apartment building, before jetting us back 4 days in time to when some sort of mini asteroid deposits an alien “egg” in said apartment. Turns out the egg is home to a tiny black and red spider who finds his way down into a young girl’s room named Charlotte (Alyla Brown) where she decides to put him in a jar and keep our little alien visitor as a pet. Naming him “Sting” (from “The Hobbit” in fact) she starts to feed the little beast cockroaches and other little bits of food around the house as she watches him grow.

2.jpg
Simultaneously we’re introduced to her step father Ethan (Ryan Corr) who is struggling to connect with Charlotte in the wake over father’s departure and his introduction into their life. To make matters worse, his job life is falling around him, as his main writing projects are drying up, and even his job as the apartment’s super is being taken from him by the miserly landowner (Robyn Nevin). However, all of this takes a side junket when Sting begins to grow a bit TOO big, and soon is out of control as it eats everything and everyone in the apartment complex one by one.

Sting is actually a rather clever little flick. Being that the Aussie film was not exactly endowed with a Marvel Studios budget, it makes do by showing us a ton of bloody gory corpses, but keeps the main spider monster out of sight a lot of the time to cut back on CGI costs. And while that usually is an eye roll moment for the viewer, they sort of lean into the nature of the beast and wink n’ nod at the camera when we notice that the monster is not shown on screen most of the time. It’s high on gore, plenty of very VERY creepy ambiance, and just enough camp to make things work. My only real complaint is that the final act gets a bit too cliched, and the final fight plays a bit too hard into the macho man camp element instead of the gory and creepy tone that came before it. Not a deal breaker, but you can tell that the final 20 minutes starts to slip as little bit as writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner struggles to wrap up EVERYTHING as neatly as she probably wanted to.
.




Rating:

Rated R for violent content, bloody images and language.




Video: :4stars:
3.jpg
Shocker of all shocker, I couldn’t find any information on the cameras used for the shoot, nor the resolution of the master. Judging by the low budget for the film and visual look of it, I’m leaning towards your typical 2K Digital Intermediate for the master. Of course, if any of you have any definitive information that I don’t, I’ll gladly updated it. That being said, this is a still a sharp and clean looking image for the most part. It’s got a teal and gray look to the image, with lots of time spent in dimly lit hallways, apartment rooms, and the grungy basement for the final confrontation with our arachnid/alien friend. There’s a lot of darkness going on, and the black levels actually look rather good for the most part. There some standard banding (although not too horrible, which surprised me) and some milky dark shots, but overall it’s a solid enough looking disc.









Audio: :4.5stars:
4.jpg
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track is a bit more impressive, with a really strong sense of immersion and claustrophobia due to the cramped nature of being stuck entirely in an apartment building the entire shoot. The rattle and clatter of Sting’s little mandibles and “feet” skitter nicely along the surround channels as he runs through grates, and the jump scares implement a good amount of bass to kick start your butt leaping out of the chair. Dialog is strong and clean, and I actually never had an issue understanding anyone. Which surprised me as I was really expecting stronger Australian accents when I saw where this sucker was produced. All in all, a very effective powerful horror mix.












Extras: : :2stars:
5.jpg
• Behind the Scenes Featurettes
-- Creating the Monster
-- The Director
-- The Cast
• Theatrical Trailer
• Well Go USA Previews












Final Score: :3.5stars:

Sting is pretty fun for an indie monster movie. It’s not going to be an instant classic, but it creeped me out for a good hour straight, which is rare for a horror movie to do this days. Well formulated and decently executed, the Aussie horror flick works as a good popcorn munching time for those of us who like “check your brain at the door” monster movies. The Well Go USA presentation is very solid, with good video, great audio, and the typical anemic extras that are the norm for these releases. Solid enough, fun watch for the horror fans.


Technical Specifications:

Starring: Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne, Penelope Mitchell, Jermaine Fowler
Directed by: Kiah Roache-Turner
Written by: Kiah Roache-Turner
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC
Audio: Korean: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English DD 2.0
Subtitles: English SDH, French
Studio: Well Go USA
Rated: R
Runtime: 92 minutes
Blu-Ray Release Date: July 30th, 2024
image.png





Recommendation: Fun Watch

 
  • Like
Reactions: VJM

Sonnie Parker

Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Messages
5,697
Location
Alabama
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Music Server
ROON Nucleus One
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape
Lenovo X1 Carbon
Apple TV 4K
FireCube 3
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Middle Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivators - 4000ULF-TL x2 + 2400 x6
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
AVA Cinema
Cables
AudioQuest - Various
THX PixelGen HDMI
Pangea Power Cables
Custom Cables
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Network/Internet
C-Spire 1Gig Fiber
Omada OC300 Controller
Omada ER8411 10G Router
Omada SG3218XP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
Omada SG2210XMP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro (for Nucleus One)
Other Equipment
Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Headphones/IEMs
HIFIMAN HE1000se
Unique Melody Mest MKII
Headphone DAC/Amp
Eversolo DMP-A6
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade
Whole House System
HEOS System
Home-150 Speaker x6
Samsung S9 Tablet w/ HEOS
Office/Study System
Office System
Dell Precision Computer
Roon Networked
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus Speakers
Secondary/Additional Room System
AV Test Room System
NAD M33 Streaming DAC Amp
MartinLogan Motion XT F200
JTR Captivator RS1
miniDSP EARS
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Dell Optiplex
Roon Networked
Secondary/Additional Room System
Sunroom System
Denon AVR-X1800H HEOS Receiver
Soundfield Custom Speakers
Dayton Audio IO8XTW Outdoor Speakers
Roon Networked
Dish Joey
JVC 37" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Cabin System
Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver
Infinity Primus P163 Speakers
RSL Outsiders Outdoor Speakers
Shield TV Pro
Sony 55" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Vinyl Room
Accuphase E-280 Integrated Amp
Technics SL-1210GR2 Turntable
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
KLH Model Three Speakers
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
I thought, cool... a Sting concert. Then I get met with my worst fear - SPIDERS!!! Man, I hate spiders. I have killed TWO black widows in the last couple of weeks. I don't see too many of them, but man they get my attention when I do see one. If Fear Factor (or whatever that show was) had anything to do with spiders, I surely lose.

Sorry, Michael... not reading the review and not watching this one. :p
 

Asere

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2017
Messages
1,517
Location
Texas
More  
Main Amp
Denon AVR X4200W
Additional Amp
Parasound HCA 1500A
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 103D
Streaming Subscriptions
Panamax M5300 PM, Monster HTS 3600
Front Speakers
SVS Prime Towers
Center Channel Speaker
SVS Prime
Surround Speakers
SVS Prime Satellites
Front Height Speakers
Proficient
Rear Height Speakers
Proficient
Subwoofers
Dual Kreisel DXD 12012, PSA S3000i
Screen
60"
Video Display Device
Samsung PNF8500
Remote Control
Harmony Ultra
My son has been mentioning this one yet, he and my wife have fear of spiders lol.
 

Sonnie Parker

Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Messages
5,697
Location
Alabama
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Music Server
ROON Nucleus One
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape
Lenovo X1 Carbon
Apple TV 4K
FireCube 3
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Middle Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivators - 4000ULF-TL x2 + 2400 x6
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
AVA Cinema
Cables
AudioQuest - Various
THX PixelGen HDMI
Pangea Power Cables
Custom Cables
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Network/Internet
C-Spire 1Gig Fiber
Omada OC300 Controller
Omada ER8411 10G Router
Omada SG3218XP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
Omada SG2210XMP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro (for Nucleus One)
Other Equipment
Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Headphones/IEMs
HIFIMAN HE1000se
Unique Melody Mest MKII
Headphone DAC/Amp
Eversolo DMP-A6
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade
Whole House System
HEOS System
Home-150 Speaker x6
Samsung S9 Tablet w/ HEOS
Office/Study System
Office System
Dell Precision Computer
Roon Networked
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus Speakers
Secondary/Additional Room System
AV Test Room System
NAD M33 Streaming DAC Amp
MartinLogan Motion XT F200
JTR Captivator RS1
miniDSP EARS
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Dell Optiplex
Roon Networked
Secondary/Additional Room System
Sunroom System
Denon AVR-X1800H HEOS Receiver
Soundfield Custom Speakers
Dayton Audio IO8XTW Outdoor Speakers
Roon Networked
Dish Joey
JVC 37" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Cabin System
Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver
Infinity Primus P163 Speakers
RSL Outsiders Outdoor Speakers
Shield TV Pro
Sony 55" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Vinyl Room
Accuphase E-280 Integrated Amp
Technics SL-1210GR2 Turntable
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
KLH Model Three Speakers
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
So I might see one black widow spider around our property every few years... not very often at all. In the last few weeks, I have killed 5 (yes FIVE) black widow spiders.
 

Michael Scott

Moderator / Reviewer
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Messages
5,479
Location
Arizona
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha TRS-7850 Atmos Receiver
Other Amp
Peavy IPR 3000 for subs
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB820 4K UHD Player
Front Speakers
Cheap Thrills Mains
Center Channel Speaker
Cheap Thrills Center
Surround Speakers
Volt 10 Surrounds
Surround Back Speakers
Volt 10 Rear Surrounds
Rear Height Speakers
Volt 6 Overheads
Subwoofers
2x Marty subs (full size with SI 18's)
Video Display Device
Sony 85 inch X950H FALD TV
So I might see one black widow spider around our property every few years... not very often at all. In the last few weeks, I have killed 5 (yes FIVE) black widow spiders.

it's because you haven't seen this film!!!! if you see it it will lift the curse!!!

(supposedly)
 

Sonnie Parker

Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Messages
5,697
Location
Alabama
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Music Server
ROON Nucleus One
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape
Lenovo X1 Carbon
Apple TV 4K
FireCube 3
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Middle Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivators - 4000ULF-TL x2 + 2400 x6
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
AVA Cinema
Cables
AudioQuest - Various
THX PixelGen HDMI
Pangea Power Cables
Custom Cables
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Network/Internet
C-Spire 1Gig Fiber
Omada OC300 Controller
Omada ER8411 10G Router
Omada SG3218XP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
Omada SG2210XMP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro (for Nucleus One)
Other Equipment
Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Headphones/IEMs
HIFIMAN HE1000se
Unique Melody Mest MKII
Headphone DAC/Amp
Eversolo DMP-A6
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade
Whole House System
HEOS System
Home-150 Speaker x6
Samsung S9 Tablet w/ HEOS
Office/Study System
Office System
Dell Precision Computer
Roon Networked
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus Speakers
Secondary/Additional Room System
AV Test Room System
NAD M33 Streaming DAC Amp
MartinLogan Motion XT F200
JTR Captivator RS1
miniDSP EARS
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Dell Optiplex
Roon Networked
Secondary/Additional Room System
Sunroom System
Denon AVR-X1800H HEOS Receiver
Soundfield Custom Speakers
Dayton Audio IO8XTW Outdoor Speakers
Roon Networked
Dish Joey
JVC 37" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Cabin System
Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver
Infinity Primus P163 Speakers
RSL Outsiders Outdoor Speakers
Shield TV Pro
Sony 55" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Vinyl Room
Accuphase E-280 Integrated Amp
Technics SL-1210GR2 Turntable
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
KLH Model Three Speakers
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Top Bottom