Fancy a sci-i movie where you can shift your brain to neutral, and just sit back and watch an alien invasion take place? Then The Darkest Hour presents itself as a fine candidate for a blockbuster night in front of the television.

There's nothing massively radical about the concept. A bunch of five young Americans find themselves in Moscow, just as the world finds itself under the threat of alien invasion. As such, The Darkest Hour trains its focus on its principal quintet, as they battle to survive. Which, as you've probably correctly guessed by now, is all the excuse needed for a mixture of special effects, a few thrillers, and a fun hour and a half of mayhem.

The Darkest Hour doesn't quite have a blockbuster-level budget, but the 3D Blu-ray release nonetheless showcases just how far it's managed to spread its cash. The picture sparkles in particular, with the lively visuals benefiting enormously from the clarity of a 1080p video transfer. The 3D? It's fun, even if you won't be dodging things flying out of your screen with any haste. You will get a decent whistle-stop tour of Moscow, though.

Don't overlook the workout your audio system gets, either. This is a loud, fast film, that's happy to put any half-decent surround sound system through its paces. It gladly does so, too.

Awards aren't going to be lavished at the door of The Darkest Hour anytime soon, but it's an enjoyable film, that notwithstanding. In fact, it's an enjoyable film that's just as entertaining second time round. And while occasionally the economy of its budget is evident, The Darkest Hour nonetheless punches above its weight. --Jon Foster