The Changeling

The Changeling," a hallmark of early 80s cinema, was meticulously shot on 35mm film utilizing Panavision Panaflex cameras and lenses by the acclaimed John Coquillon. Despite the unfortunate loss of the original camera negative, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release leverages a 4K scan of an available internegative. Authored with precision, it delivers a native 3840 x 2160p resolution image at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, featuring 10-bit video depth alongside WCG and HDR10 grading, albeit without Dolby Vision. Employing the HEVC/H.265 codec, the encoding ensures a faithful and stable presentation, especially notable given the source material’s limitations.

Upon initial viewing, one is greeted with a somewhat tumultuous grain structure during the opening credits, which eventually settles, revealing a notably refined visual experience. This release manages to extract appreciable texture details across various elements - from facial features to clothing and set designs - enhancing the overall clarity and depth compared to its 1080p predecessor. Color rendition, although at times veering towards oversaturation, has been dialed back slightly compared to prior releases, with the HDR grading subtly enriching both color and shadow detail without overt alteration of the film's original aesthetic.

Technical prowess extends to the handling of grain and compression. The grain, while pronounced, lends an organic film-like quality that remains well-managed throughout, steering clear of compression artifacts and maintaining high bit-rates that exemplify the capabilities of 4K UHD technology. The HDR application smartly accentuates the film's moody visuals without over-emphasizing contrast or brightness, offering a balanced and immersive viewing experience. This release, despite its reliance on an internegative and the inherent challenges therein, marks a commendable effort in preserving the film’s atmospheric essence, showcasing significant improvements in both detail definition and color fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Changeling" presents an intriguing auditory experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 options. Both tracks are well-constructed, devoid of sync issues, and notable for their improvements over previous releases. The 2.0 track, despite having a slightly increased hum floor and a 'thicker,' slightly muddier sound, offers a well-balanced mix prioritizing dialogue while occasionally getting overshadowed by music. Its overall coherence and energy, particularly through a meaty mid-range, make it a favored choice for those valuing clarity and dialogue emphasis. Contrastingly, the 5.1 track achieves a higher fidelity with reduced background hum but presents a thinner sound profile that, while enhancing sound effects significantly, occasionally loses dialogue in the mix.

Both audio tracks display distinct qualities; the 5.1 option excels in creating immersive atmospheres, particularly showcasing its prowess during climactic scenes with engaging side and rear channel utilization, giving a spatial depth to moments of tension and environmental ambience. The score and subtle sound details, such as piano cues and ghostly whispers, are rendered clearly across both tracks, though the surround track notably benefits from the absence of hiss and crackle that marred previous iterations. Despite these strengths, the surround mix might not meet the expectations set by modern horror films in terms of overwhelming intensity.

Evaluating these on a technical setup involving a Denon AVR4300 and a 7.2.4 Kef speaker array further underscores the nuanced differences between the audio tracks. The cleaned-up stereo track offers an admirable restoration effort, making it an appealing choice for purists or those with a leaning towards dialogue clarity. Meanwhile, the 5.1 track’s correction of past omissions and its subtle yet effective spatial enhancements breathe new life into the atmospheric and chilling elements of "The Changeling," solidifying its appeal for a more enveloping sensory experience.

The 4K UHD release of "The Changeling" brings a collection of extras that, while largely recycled from previous releases, still offers a decent array of content for fans and newcomers alike. The inclusion of two interviews with director Peter Medak—particularly the one facilitated by Adrian Garcia Bogliano at Mórbido Fest 2018—adds some fresh insights into Medak's career and filmmaking approach, despite the overall lack of new, film-specific bonus material. Enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed accounts in these segments, as well as the inclusion of a CD soundtrack and a variety of interviews and features that delve into the film's production, music, and significant locations. However, the omission of new cast and crew interviews or a comprehensive 'making-of' featurette leaves a noticeable gap in contextualizing the film within the broader horror genre. This release is ultimately a mixed bag that leans on its previous incarnations, slightly enriched by Medak's expansive discussions on his life in cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Peter Medak and Producer Joel B. Michaels, Moderated by Severin Films' David Gregory: Engaging discussion providing insights into the making of the film.
• Interview with Peter Medak by Filmmaker Adrian Garcia Bogliano: A detailed account of Medak's career from an event at Morbido Fest in 2018.
• Exile on Curzon St.: Peter Medak reminisces about his early filmmaking years in London.
• The House on Cheesman Park: A look into the true story that inspired "The Changeling."
• The Music of The Changeling: Interview with music arranger Kenneth Wannberg discussing the film’s score.
• Building the House Of Horror: Insights from art director Reuben Freed on creating the film's sets.
• The Psychotronic Tourist – The Changeling: A tour of the film's shooting locations.
• Master of Horror Mick Garris on The Changeling: Reflections on Medak’s influence and contributions to horror.
• CD Soundtrack: The film’s score for audiophiles and collectors.

Peter Medak's 1980 masterpiece, "The Changeling," undeniably stands as a seminal haunted house film, revered for its refined storytelling, profound emotional depth, and impeccable performances. Highlighted through tragic circumstances that drive New York City composer John Russell (portrayed by George C. Scott) to relocate to a seemingly tranquil mansion in Seattle after the devastating loss of his wife and daughter, the film matures into a narrative enriched with sorrow and an unyielding eerie ambiance. Despite its straightforward plot, the technological craftsmanship and atmospheric tension are executed flawlessly, setting a benchmark in horror cinema that prioritizes ambiance and performance over cheap thrills. The narrative encapsulates not just a riveting ghost story but a poignant exploration of grief and human resilience against a backdrop of supernatural occurrences.

The presentation of "The Changeling" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an exquisite visual and auditory experience that amplifies the film’s hauntingly beautiful cinematography and sound design, pivotal to its atmospheric tension. The restoration respects the film's original palette, enhancing its gothic visuals while preserving the integrity of Medak’s visionary direction. This quality complements the film's stellar auditory aspects, from the chilling whispers during séance scenes to the subtleties of its score, which resonates with the melancholy at the film's core. George C. Scott delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying John Russell's immense grief and tenacity with a presence that anchors the film’s supernatural elements in a palpable reality. Supported by a cast that includes Trish Van Devere and Melvyn Douglas, their combined gravitas elevates "The Changeling" beyond conventional horror to a cinematic exploration of loss and redemption.

"The Changeling" transcends the haunted house genre by intertwining its ghostly narrative with deep emotional currents, crafting a story that is as much about human suffering as it is about spectral vengeance. Its success is a testament to the synergy between script, performance, and direction, making its impact felt decades after its release. As new generations explore this film through its 4K UHD presentation, they encounter not only the hallmark elements that have influenced horror filmmaking but a timeless narrative that continues to resonate on a profoundly human level. Medak’s film remains an elegant testament to the genre's potential to explore complex themes through the prism of horror, reaffirming why "The Changeling" holds its revered status among both critics and cinephiles alike.

The Changeling 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review

In the vast pantheon of horror, "The Changeling" stands out as a distinguished entry that highlights the genre's capacity for depth and sophistication. This film, brought to life by the artistic prowess of Peter Medak and George C. Scott, presents a compelling ghost story rich in emotion and character engagement, coupled with the kind of atmospheric tension that remains riveting for audiences. Second Sight's release of this cinematic gem on 4K UHD imparts the finest visual experience currently available, notwithstanding the inherent limitations due to the absence of the original camera negatives. The visual presentation is commendable for its stability and richness, despite occasional oversaturation in color. Unfortunately, the release is somewhat marred by a lack of newly crafted extras, relying instead on supplemental materials previously available.

Diving deeper into the technical aspects, this 4K UHD rendition reveals both its splendors and shortcomings. The heightened resolution and dynamic range accentuate certain unintended visual elements, yet when the imagery is at its sharpest, devoid of excessive grain and overly vivid reds, the outcome is visually impressive. Some viewers might find a preference for the 1080p version included in the package, but this doesn't detract from the overall excellence of this release. Severin Films' commitment to quality is evident in the supplementary content, which, although not new, enriches the viewing experience significantly.

Conclusion

"The Changeling" in its latest 4K UHD release is a must-have for horror aficionados and film collectors alike. While it might not be hailed as an unsung masterpiece universally, it distinctly stands as a profoundly emotional ghost story with layers of melancholy subtlety that are rare in horror cinema. This release represents a significant upgrade over previous editions, making it a commendable addition to one's collection despite some imperfections in visual fidelity and a reiteration of existing extras. For fans of hauntingly good storytelling enveloped in superior cinematic craftsmanship, "The Changeling" on 4K UHD from Second Sight and Severin Films comes highly recommended.