The Devil's Honey 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Severin Films' 4K UHD release of "The Devil's Honey" showcases remarkable advancements over their previous 2017 Blu-ray edition, stemming from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative. Presented in HEVC/H.265 2160p with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film benefits from meticulous HDR10 application, resulting in a picture quality that balances vivid coloration and thoughtful gamma control. The noticeably improved suffusion and color timing introduce a more natural palette, though the distinctive gritty textures integral to Fulci's cinematography remain prominent due to the era's film stock.

Despite occasional damage, such as sporadic purple-blue scratches and mild grain-induced softness, the UHD release negotiates these challenges effectively. The film grain is thick and sometimes clumpy, but the enhanced resolution and carefully managed HEVC encoding maintain detail and clarity throughout. The red hues are particularly saturated, bringing an intensity to various visual elements, while contrast and black levels are adeptly tuned.

While HDR enhancements are subtle, they contribute to better defined summery tones. The presentation is faithful to the original aesthetic, providing a pleasing visual experience. Overall, Severin's effort revitalizes "The Devil's Honey," drawing significant definition and texture from its source material, offering fans of this Italian production a visually engaging and authentic viewing experience in 4K UHD.

The audio presentation of "The Devil’s Honey" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is offered with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono tracks in both Italian and English. These tracks are reminiscent of Severin's earlier 1080p release's LPCM 2.0 Mono offerings, maintaining a vintage appeal typical of Italian post-dubbed productions. The Italian track stands out with a higher amplitude and clearer high-frequency response, providing superior clarity and dialogue resonance compared to the somewhat subdued English counterpart. Notable in both tracks is the presence of age-related wear, such as occasional pops, cracks, and instances of what appears to be tape wobble, especially during the saxophone-laden score.

Both the Italian and English audio provisions are serviceable, delivering a generally clean and engaging auditory experience, though the English dub suffers from a flatter sound profile and less nuanced mixing of music and effects. The sound design retains punchy imaging during Johnny’s iconic saxophone sequences, although the English track's dialogue can lack the depth found in its Italian counterpart. Despite the inherent limitations typical of mono tracks, neither exhibits notable hiss or severe damage that might detract significantly from the listening experience.

Optional subtitles enhance accessibility, with English SDH captions accompanying the English audio and well-translated English subtitles complementing the Italian version, all presented in a legible white font. The auditory experience provided by these tracks, while embodying some age-induced characteristics, offers a faithful reproduction of the film's original soundtrack nuances. The soundtracks continue to engage the viewer, capitalizing on the film’s atmospheric jazz elements and facilitating a distinctly authentic auditory journey.

Severin's release of "The Devil's Honey" on 4K UHD and Blu-ray provides a substantial collection of extras that significantly enrich the understanding of Lucio Fulci's work. The standout supplement is a new interview with actress Blanca Marsillach, which adds depth to her challenging role and perspective on Fulci’s directorial approach. Additionally, a recently unearthed archival audio interview with Fulci offers candid reflections and invaluable insights, subsidized by engaging visuals. The disc also features a range of insightful interviews from previous releases, ensuring a comprehensive suite for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This edition is technically precise, offering English subtitles where necessary, and maintains a high-quality presentation across all features, making it an essential acquisition for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sax, Lies and Videotape: Interview with actress Blanca Marsillach.
• Archival Audio Interview with Director Lucio Fulci: Discussion with Michele Romagnoli.
• The Devil's Halsey: Interview with actor Brett Halsey.
• Wild Flower: Interview with actress Corinne Cléry.
• Producing Honey: Interview with producer Vincenzo Salviani.
• The Devil's Sax: Interview with composer Claudio Natili.
• Stephen Thrower on The Devil's Honey: Video essay discussing Fulci's career.
• Fulci’s Honey: Audio essay by Troy Howarth.
• Alternate Opening
• Trailer

Severin Films' release of Lucio Fulci's "The Devil's Honey" in 4K UHD resurrects the provocative nature of this sleazy exploitation thriller with impressive visual fidelity. This upgrade originates from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative, enhancing Fulci's most daring venture outside his usual gore-infused comfort zone. The film presents a gripping narrative with potent psychological themes and disturbingly captivating performances.

"The Devil’s Honey" chronicles the tumultuous and erotic relationship between Jessica (Blanca Marsillach) and saxophonist Johnny (Stefano Madia), which spirals into chaos following a fatal surgical accident by Dr. Wendell Simpson (Brett Halsey). Fulci meticulously builds upon this grim storyline, cleverly intertwining themes of obsessive love and revenge. Fulci's direction invites viewers to experience a precipice of psychosexual tension, illustrating Jessica’s intense emotional turmoil as she unravels into a vengeful tormentor targeting Dr. Simpson after Johnny's death. This transition from raw, animalistic passion to morbid obsession showcases Fulci’s evolved storytelling prowess.

Viewers encounter extreme visual experiences in Fulci's unrelenting depiction of rampant nudity, S&M elements, and the notorious saxophone sex scene, turning discomfort into an art form. Marsillach’s magnetic and frenzied performance ensures the narrative’s impact remains visceral, shoving audience feet-first into a fiery abyss of emotional trauma and unchecked mania. The film stands testament to Fulci’s ability to juxtapose jaw-dropping transgression with technical solidity, reminding us why his works captivate across decades. This 4K release preserves “The Devil’s Honey” as an outrageous exhibition of unfiltered eroticism and a thrilling, coherent legacy of one of Fulci’s final masterpieces.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Devil's Honey" by Severin Films is a compelling testament to Lucio Fulci's vision, blending provocative themes with a visually stunning presentation. The film, a psychosexual thriller, engages viewers with its electrifying and lurid narrative reminiscent of Jess Franco's style. Fulci's work here leans heavily on shock value, often overshadowing deeper analytical or philosophical undertones that are touched upon towards the end.

The technical refinements in this release showcase a commendable 4K scan of the original camera negative, enhancing the film's visual depth with better color saturation. Although there are instances of persistent grain and some signs of print damage, these do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The audio transfer, while encountering some challenges, complements the visual quality, providing an immersive experience.

A significant highlight of this release is the supplementary package. Severin Films has enhanced the allure with new supplements accompanying their excellent legacy offerings, providing added insights into Fulci's artistic approach. This comprehensive collection is likely to appeal to existing fans and intrigue newcomers considering procurement.

In conclusion, "The Devil's Honey" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for Fulci enthusiasts and those interested in the audacious realms of psychosexual cinema. Despite minor technical imperfections, the release stands out for its vivid presentation and robust supplemental content, earning a strong recommendation. If the hallmark of Fulci's work fascinates you, this release promises both familiarity and renewed allure.