Q: The Winged Serpent

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray presentation of "Q: The Winged Serpent" delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.78:1 aspect ratio, that, while not breaking any new grounds in the realm of high definition clarity, offers a faithful rendition of the film’s original look. Despite the film's inherent shortcomings in visual fidelity, it seems that the transfer may rely on an older master, leading to a generally soft picture quality. While some scenes, particularly those set outdoors during daylight, showcase a commendable level of robust colors and natural grain, giving a glimpse into the film’s potential for sharpness and clarity, interior and darker sequences notably struggle to achieve the same level of detail. The graininess becomes more pronounced during the optical effects shots of Q, compromising clarity further.

Resolution throughout the film is inconsistent, with moments of decent definition juxtaposed against many that are blurry and lacking in detail. This inconsistency extends to the contrast, which is described as bland and muted, and black levels that are excessively strong, often swallowing up finer details in the shadows. However, a notable advantage in this transfer lies in its color reproduction, where bold primaries manage to cut through the murkiness, adding a semblance of vibrancy to the picture. Despite efforts to clean up the image, signs of wear and age are evident, hinting at the possibility that this presentation hails from a remastered but still aged original print.

The visual texture of "Q: The Winged Serpent" encapsulates the gritty aesthetic of 70s/early 80s New York, contributing to a nostalgic feel that is both a byproduct of its era and filmmaking style. Interestingly, the transfer shines in its portrayal of depth and framing, particularly within interior spaces which exhibit a surprising three-dimensionality that adds layers to the viewing experience. However, these merits are somewhat overshadowed by the video's overall softness, lackluster detail in non-daylight scenes, and an omnipresent warmth that affects skin tones and atmosphere, reinforcing the impression of an unyielding heat. Despite these challenges, there's an undeniable charm in the presentation’s depth and color vibrancy that faithful fans might appreciate.

The audio presentation of "Q: The Winged Serpent" on its 4K UHD Blu-Ray is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which, despite showing a valiant attempt at remastering, is not without its flaws. The source audio contains some inherent shortcomings, most notably minor distortion in the upper and upper-mid ranges that become evident during louder sequences and occasionally during dialogue. This issue is accompanied by amplitude inconsistencies that might require viewers to keep their remote handy for volume adjustments. That being said, the fidelity of this track remains commendable within these constraints, offering a surprisingly broad dynamic range which somewhat mitigates these auditory imperfections.

Auditory experiences range from mildly frustrating to pleasantly immersive. Background ambience and sound effects are generally clear, with city noises and the more nuanced sounds of pigeons adding unexpected depth to the sound stage. The bass response is robust for a film of its era, lending a satisfying gravity to the monster's movements and actions. Nevertheless, the track does suffer from occasional clipping and background noise, most pronounced during the creature's iconic screeches. Additionally, dialog levels are uneven at times, with some conversations being harder to discern against the mix's broader sonic backdrop.

Despite these issues, the audio track demonstrates an impressive ability to engage and envelop the listener. Scenes of carnage and chaos benefit from a sharpness and clarity that enhances the viewing experience, creating a sense of simulated surround sound that enriches the film's dramatic and horror elements. The stereo mix adeptly manages spatial nuances, effectively conveying motion and directionality that pull viewers into the unfolding terror. Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track may grapple with limitations, it succeeds in complementing the film's thrilling narrative, making for an audio experience that is as enjoyable as it is flawed.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Q: The Winged Serpent" primarily stands out for its inclusion of an engaging audio commentary by writer, producer, and director Larry Cohen, which appears to be a highlight. While the specifics on whether this commentary is entirely new or reused from previous releases remain unclear, Cohen's candidness and the depth of insight into the film's production, its hasty genesis after his departure from a prior project, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes offer a substantial value to fans and newcomers alike. The director's humor and self-deprecation, coupled with details on working with notable cast members such as David Carradine and the film's unique positioning within its genre, make this feature particularly noteworthy. Additional inclusions of a trailer and teaser in high definition round out the extras, providing a modest but appreciated complement to the primary content, despite the overall lightness of extra materials available for this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Writer/Producer/Director Larry Cohen: Engaging anecdotes and insights from the film's creation to its reception.
• Trailer: A 2-minute and 32-second preview of the film in 1080p resolution.
• Teaser: A 33-second glimpse into the movie, also in 1080p.

"Q: The Winged Serpent" emerges as a genre-defying spectacle within the realm of 4K UHD presentations, an intriguing blend of horror, dark comedy, and crime drama that distinguishes itself amidst the pantheon of monster movies. Directed by Larry Cohen, the film is an audacious venture, seamlessly interweaving the terror of a prehistoric Aztec deity, Quetzalcoatl, with the gritty narrative threads of New York City's underbelly. Within this cinematic tapestry, Michael Moriarty's portrayal of Jimmy Quinn stands out—a character study of desperation infused with an unanticipated depth, elevating the film beyond its creature feature roots.

Technically, the movie harbors a confluence of captivating and occasionally jarring elements, from its police procedural backdrop to the character-driven subplot centered around Jimmy's fraught relationship and failed ambitions. While the special effects—particularly the stop-motion animation of Q—may evoke a sense of nostalgia rather than fear by modern standards, they contribute to the film’s unique charm. Contrasting sharply with contemporary visual effects, these moments underscore the charm of 1980s genre filmmaking. Likewise, the performances across the board, led by Moriarty alongside David Carradine and Richard Roundtree, navigate the tonal shifts with a blend of earnestness and camp that complements Cohen’s visionary direction.

At its core, "Q: The Winged Serpent" manipulates suspense and humor with a deft hand, playing with audience expectations through its sparing use of the titular monster—rendering each appearance both surprising and impactful. This strategic restraint enriches the narrative's focus on human folly and urban legends brought to life. As such, the presentation in 4K UHD accentuates the granular details of this cult classic, from the gritty textures of New York City to the intricate practical effects, affirming its status as a must-watch for connoisseurs of genre-bending cinema and showcasing Cohen's underappreciated genius within the sphere of horror and fantasy filmmaking.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Q: The Winged Serpent" brings a delightfully quirky and offbeat monster movie into the hands of both long-time fans and newcomers to the eclectic world of filmmaker Larry Cohen. This film, celebrated for its unusual mix of horror, comedy, and drama, showcases standout performances from Michael Moriarty and David Carradine, with Moriarty's role being particularly memorable in the realm of giant monster movies. The stop-motion effects, charmingly dated by today's standards, along with excellent aerial shots of Manhattan, contribute to a viewing experience that oscillates between the absurd and the thrilling. However, some may find the overall tone of the movie—veering between serious and comically absurd—somewhat disjointed. The Blu-ray presentation itself provides a decent but not pristine visual and audio quality, with some minor issues noted, though it is enriched by a highly-praised supplementary commentary track.

Scream Factory's decision to release "Q: The Winged Serpent" on 4K UHD Blu-ray has been met with enthusiasm, particularly from those who appreciate the unique cinematic voice of Larry Cohen. Despite not being billed as a Collector’s Edition, this release offers something of value by potentially broadening the audience for Cohen’s distinctive blend of storytelling. The visual and audio restoration may not meet the highest standards some enthusiasts expect but serves adequately for the film's age and niche appeal. It's evident that a more lavish treatment of Cohen’s other works by Scream Factory would be well-received, given his influence and the loyal following his films maintain.

In conclusion, "Q: The Winged Serpent" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an opportunity to revisit or discover for the first time a uniquely entertaining chapter in monster cinema. While the technical aspects of the release may not dazzle all viewers, the film's intriguing blend of genre elements, coupled with noteworthy performances and a standout commentary track, make this release a worthwhile addition to the collections of genre aficionados and those seeking cinema off the beaten path. Despite its imperfections, this Blu-ray underscores the continuing appeal and relevance of Larry Cohen's work in the annals of cult classic cinema.