prince of darkness 4k review
We can practically count each brick and see the grain in the wood while also plainly make out every rust stain and calcium build-up on the strange cylinder with green fluid floating inside. Shout Factory's new 4k restoration of Hammer’s Dracula: Prince of Darkness looks markedly different from Studio Canal’s 2k restoration, from some years ago. Prince of Darkness lingers in the mind, much like the supernatural forces in this movie. The hottest spots, like the light fixtures, the green goo and various metallic surfaces, glow with a narrower yet more intense brilliance while still exposing some of the finer details. John Carpenter's 1987 cult classic Prince of Darkness has been stunningly restored in 4K. Representing the two sides of the conversation are Victor Wong as Professor Birack and Donald Pleasence's priest, two wonderful actors adding gravitas and urgency to the silliness, but being a Carpenter feature, some frights and scares are to be expected, of which there are plenty. Most apparent is a significantly sharper 4K transfer throughout, showing cleaner, well-defined lines in the architectural features of the church, the city streets and the computerized equipment. But by mixing hard scienceâparticularly an area of science that isnât easy to interpretâwith the supernatural, Prince of Darkness manages to do something different and, in many ways, more disturbing than other films of its ilk. Nevertheless, the overall UHD package is a Highly Recommended upgrade for loyal, obedient followers. This previous 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA mixes are also included, as are optional English SDH subtitles. The Blu-ray Disc in the package also includes the commentary and adds the following: The commentary with Carpenter and actor Peter Jason is lively and enjoyable as the two discuss the film, its cast and crew, and its various facets. Prince of Darkness [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [1987] SKU: 6439519. The UHD100 disc comfortably opposite a Region A locked, BD50 disc inside the standard black keepcase with a cardboard slipcover. [Editorâs Note: The film and special features portions of this review are by Tim Salmons. This Blu-Ray has the new ‘Brand New Restoration’ cover artwork but did not come with a card slipcover which the DVD & Ultra 4K releases have. Some merely stare, … Reviews There are no reviews yet. The grain structure is light-moderate but always organic. As in the review mentioned above, the music is continuous and constant, flawlessly extending into the sides and heights with a great deal of warmth and clean distinction in the instrumentation, maintaining a splendidly active and immersive soundstage from start to finish. $ 10.99. Also, the finer details within the darkest areas, like the priest's clothing and the basement, tend to be obscured in some scenes. The Messenger is an interview with the filmâs special visual effects supervisor and actor Robert Grasmere about his role in the film, executing the filmâs effects, and being shocked by appearing in the filmâs TV campaign. A note on the “Special Thanks” portion of the bonus features says the intention was to do the scan on the original camera negative, but … Bringing you all the best reviews of high definition entertainment. The overall fidelity is terrific, with full sounding tones, and firm bass. At the same time, greens are livelier and more dynamic, especially the liquid swirling inside the cylinder looking more seaweed and emerald, and reds are also more vibrant and animated, such the slimy, gruesome makeup effect on Kelly. The encode is excellent too, with little in the way of visible artifacting. 4.7 (146 Reviews) Sympathy for the Devil interviews Carpenter, who talks about how the film came to be, the making of the film, religion, quantum mechanics, new ideas in horror, and telling apocalyptic stories, among other subjects. Be aware that Scream Factory also has versions of this 4K Collectorâs Edition available for purchase with an exclusive Sacred Bones 7â vinyl LP of Carpenterâs music, as well as a different poster. And be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel here. While softness in the original can’t be improved upon, this native transfer does add to the level of detail seen on the Blu-ray. Scream Factoryâs new Ultra HD Collectorâs Edition release presents the film in the correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio, sourced from the same 4K scan of the original camera negative as the 2018 Studio Canal UHD release. The TV spot appears to be new to this 4K disc. And since this is a UHD-100 disc, thereâs plenty of room for maximum video bitrates. The 4K video and audio evaluation is by Bill Hunt.]. Black levels, on the one hand, are richer and more accurate, but sadly, there isn't much variation or a smooth gradation between the various shades and tones. Occasionally, some mild atmospherics subtly bleed into the surrounds, nicely expanding the soundfield with excellent directionality. A review of the John Carpenter horror film Prince of Darkness (1987), staring Donald Pleasence, now on 4K Ultra HD from StudioCanal. The alternate opening from the TV version of the film is interesting, as it reorders scenes and credits (suggesting that the entirety of the story is a dream). You can find those here on their website. John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness is a film that’s always seemed to be in the bottom tier of his work, but one that’s slowly grown its audience over time. An unorthodox horror film about a priest and a physics professor and his students investigating a strange cylinder filled with green liquid in an abandoned churchâa liquid that takes over the bodies of each student one by oneâdidnât warrant the kind of success Carpenter enjoyed with his earlier work. You’ll find that here. Editorial Reviews. Considered by Carpenter to be the second part of his Apocalypse Trilogy (which began with The Thing and ended with In the Mouth of Madness), Prince of Darkness is not an easily digestible film, but it offers up enough creepy atmosphere and nightmarish imagery to improve with repeat viewings. Similar to what they did for their They Live release, Scream Factory unleashes another Carpenter favorite to UHD with a trio of listening options: a pair of DTS-HD MA tracks in 2.0 stereo and 5.1 surround sound and a new, highly engaging Dolby Atmos soundtrack. On the surface, we have the traditional battle of good vs. evil, but the plot also suggests an underlying theme of the pursuit of knowledge and the doors we may not be ready to open. A group of graduate students and scientists uncover an ancient canister in an abandoned church, but when they analyze the substance within, they inadvertently unleash an evil force that threatens all humanity. Prince Of Darkness SKU: 69648. The stylized cinematography is subdued and restrained, giving much of the movie a grayish, tone-down quality that seems perfectly in line with the plot's creepy, ominous atmosphere. The dated turn-of-the-millennium fears aside, Price of Darkness turns mirrors against the cast. Prince of Darkness is not an easy film to unpack. The posters will be made at a limited quantity. The low-end delivers a clean, accurate bass response that always feels appropriate to the on-screen visuals, providing the music and action with wonderful weight and presence. The lettering on buildings and walls is a bit more distinct and legible as well, and the individual hairs and whiskers are highly-detailed. The overheads are relatively silent, but that's to be expected in a sound design of this vintage. The 4K video and audio evaluation is by Bill Hunt.] Read More – Prince Of Darkness Collector’s Edition 4k UHD/Blu-ray with poster and new exclusive 7″ Sacred Bones record, while supplies last. John Carpenter in 4K reviews – shlock and gore from Hollywood's dark star Deathless thrills … Clockwise from top left: Prince of Darkness, The … Helpful (0) With precise, well-prioritized dialogue, the largely front-heavy presentation, as it should, endlessly feels broad and spacious as background activity fluidly moves across the screen and into the top heights, generating a highly-engaging, half-dome soundstage. Prince of Darkness 4K UHD Review (Scream Factory) In fact, you will not be saved! On the other hand, thereâs Carpenterâs obvious interest in quantum mechanics, which adds an academic and exploratory aspect to the story. And if you’re reading this review you most likely are; the story line is a fun and original idea to be sure. Nevertheless, this is still an improvement from the previous HD edition, and visibility in the blackest corners, for the most part, is above average, providing the 2.35:1 image with an attractive cinematic appeal and an excellent sense of depth. The new English Dolby Atmos mix is also a nice improvement over the previous Blu-rayâs 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, offering clear and well-positioned dialogue, excellent directional effects, and a much-expanded sonic environment. Prince of Darkness falls into the latter camp. Read reviews and buy Prince Of Darkness (4K/UHD)(2021) at Target. (Dolby Atmos Audio Rating: 88/100), ** Please note the package on the back incorrectly labels the Dolby Atmos mix as 7.1 and that the Blu-ray comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack. Writing under the pseudonym Martin Quatermass, Carpenter's script essentially explores the potential for modern science to explain the possible existence of the supernatural based on current known reality, a wildly entertaining but ultimately silly exercise involving anti-matter and parallel universes. A disappointing release serious discussion host Sean Clark revisiting the filming locations and whiskers are highly-detailed a of. Moments are the result of some diffusion photography, but on the second page of film... Copyright © 2021 LLC, MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands but on the second disc is with. Top choice, delivering not only an impressive upgrade but the best money... The main event is Malevolent: Unearthing John Carpenter 's Prince of Darkness ( 4K UHD/Blu-Ray ) plus 18″! 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