Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," courtesy of Lionsgate Films and CBS Films, brings a decidedly improved visual experience over its 1080p predecessor. With a 2160p transfer and a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the film utilizes Arri Alexa cameras, suggesting a digital intermediate upscaled from 2K, a detail not explicitly confirmed by IMDb. This transfer highlights an enhanced clarity in shadow details and fine textures, particularly noticeable in darker sequences such as the cornfield attack and the hauntingly atmospheric Bellows mansion. The texture enhancements bring the film's various monsters, especially the scarecrow, to a more vivid and terrifying life.

Color grading and contrast are areas where this 4K presentation truly excels. It enhances the already deliberate color palette, especially in nighttime scenes which utilize a distinct blu-green tone, making the visuals more striking. The addition of Dolby Vision HDR amplifies this effect, providing a broader and more natural color spectrum. Scenes imbued with colors, from the eerie teal/orange saturation to the vibrant crimson in the red hallway sequence, gain depth and intensity. These improvements in color dynamics and contrast offer a more immersive viewing experience, particularly in scenes with minimal lighting where shadow separation is critical.

While the transfer might not represent a monumental leap over the standard dynamic range (SDR) Blu-ray, the added depth, improved shadow detail, and color rendition courtesy of Dolby Vision HDR make for a markedly superior visual presentation. The nighttime sequences and scenes set in the Bellows house notably benefit, gaining an almost three-dimensional quality that enhances both depth and immersion. Despite being presumably upsampled from a 2K digital intermediate, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" presents a notable improvement in both fine detail and color accuracy, delivering a creepier and more engaging visual experience to horror enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" on the 4K UHD Blu Ray is served by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix, which oscillates between subtlety and intensity, providing an engaging auditory experience. The mix shines not only through its execution of startling effects, often utilizing sudden LFE bursts to accentuate jumpscares, but also in its nuanced handling of ambient sounds. Details such as the whisper of leaves or the atmosphere of a Halloween night are handled with a finesse that immerses viewers into the film's setting. This is complemented by moments of heightened tension where sound effects, strategically placed across channels, add a layer of depth to the scares. The sonic environment is further enriched during scenes within the eerie Bellows mansion, where audio cues echo through the space, enhancing the setting's ominous vibe.

Dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout, ensuring that every word is audible amidst the mix of surrounding sounds. The sound design excels in segments where creatures make their appearance; here, the mix transitions from a calm demeanor to one filled with dynamic and impactful audio cues that elevate the sense of dread. Such moments demonstrate an intelligent use of the surround sound field, employing it not merely for shock value but to deepen the atmosphere of impending doom. The audio mix manages to maintain a balance between aggressive and subtle sounds, with effects like Harold's awakening showcasing a harmonious blend of side and surround channel activity that is both thrilling and integral to the narrative's unfolding.

Overall, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix provided for "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" impresses with its ability to juggle simplicity and complexity within its audio design. The track excels in creating a captivating soundscape that serves the film's horror elements well, underpinning scares with robust LFEs and enhancing quieter moments with detailed ambient sounds. The audio presentation is a testament to the thoughtful intricacies involved in bringing the film's chilling tales to life audibly, ensuring that every scare feels as close to reality as possible, without relying solely on volume but on strategic sound placement and nuanced audio manipulation.

The "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a succinct yet informative collection of extras across both the Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs, appealing particularly to fans of practical effects and behind-the-scenes content. Notably, the "Creatures from the Shadows" featurette stands out by providing an insightful look into the practical monster effects, showcasing the craftsmanship behind the film's chilling antagonists. Additionally, Guillermo del Toro shares his insights on the adaptation process in "Dark Tales," while "Retro Horror" delves into the nostalgic aspects that influenced the film. The "Mood Reels" offer a unique behind-the-scenes viewpoint with footage not found in the final cut. Similarly, "The Bellows Construct" and "Behind-the-Scenes: Set Visits" complement the package by focusing on production design and offering candid on-set footage. This collection emphasizes the creative process behind adapting the beloved book series to screen, enriched by contributions from del Toro and director André Øvredal.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Bellows Construct: Focuses on production design related to the film's central location.
• Creature from the Shadows: Documents the creation of the film's practical monster effects.
• Mood Reels: Offers weekly recaps from the shooting of the film, including unused trims.
• Behind-the-Scenes Trailers: Set Visits: Provides a glimpse into candid behind-the-scenes footage.
• Dark Tales: Features Guillermo del Toro discussing the adaptation of the Schwartz books.
• Retro Horror: Discusses formative horror experiences with various contributors.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," based on the book series by Alvin Schwartz, finds its cinematic adaptation weaving the ominous tales of a sinister notebook into a cohesive narrative that both intrigues and unsettles. Set against the backdrop of 1968 America, director André Øvredal, alongside the creative vision of co-producer Guillermo del Toro, explores themes of childhood fears and societal issues through a group of young protagonists. The decision to set the story during a pre-digital era, when folklore and urban legends were disseminated through print, adds a layer of authenticity to the film's exploration of fear. However, some viewers might find the connections to historical events like the Vietnam War and the political climate of the time tangential, albeit adding depth to the setting.

The film spends considerable time introducing and developing its main characters—Stella, Ramón, Auggie, and Chuck—before delving into the core horror elements. This approach strengthens the audience's emotional ties to the characters, making their encounters with the macabre stories found in Sarah Bellows' hidden book all the more jarring. While some of the original fans of Schwartz's work might wish for a more direct adaptation of the stories, the film succeeds in translating the essence of the books' spine-chilling allure to the screen. Particularly notable are the adaptations of tales such as Harold and The Big Toe, which retain their power to disturb, much like their literary counterparts did for readers.

The technical presentation of "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is commendable, offering viewers an immersive experience that heightens the film's eerie atmosphere. Despite a few narrative choices that might not resonate with all viewers, such as the somewhat forced Cursed Spirit Needs Appeasement storyline, the movie manages to maintain a solid pace and effectively brings some of Schwartz's most haunting creations to life. The effort to balance character development with horror elements, while weaving in cultural and historical references, makes for a viewing experience that is as reflective as it is terrifying.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray by Lionsgate Home Entertainment, wraps a nostalgic bow around a film adaptation that eagerly aims to resonate with both fresh audiences and those familiar with its print forebears. The package excels in delivering exceptional image quality, thanks in part to the Dolby Vision HDR enhancement, which illuminates the movie's darker scenes with striking shadow details and deep blacks, creating a visually captivating experience. Despite the Ultra HD presentation not marking a monumental leap from its 1080p counterpart—shared audio channels included—its solid lossless 5.1 channel sound underscores the atmospheric tension effectively, although the absence of an Atmos track is noticeable.

The movie itself stands as a conceptually intriguing foray into the horror genre, albeit hampered slightly by script and casting missteps. Yet, it manages to maintain its buoyancy through the collective strength of its parts, including its PG-13 friendly scares and an open door for potential sequels. While it may not entirely recapture the bone-chilling sensation of reading the stories as a child, the adaptation proves enjoyable with a series of commendably eerie sequences bolstered by the technical prowess of its 4K presentation. The extras, though not exhaustive, provide an amiable complement to the primary content, making this a package that fans of the original material will find both engaging and respectful of its sources.

In conclusion, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a recommendable acquisition for enthusiasts seeking to relive childhood terrors through a more polished lens. The visual enhancements, especially for a film that thrives in the shadows, offer a new dimension of immersion. While it may fall short of revolutionizing home cinema experiences, particularly for audiophiles yearning for more ambitious soundscapes, it stands as a solid addition to a horror aficionado's collection. This release serves as a testament to Lionsgate's commitment to quality, encapsulating the eerie essence of the beloved tales while inviting viewers into its darkly alluring world.