Scream 4 Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Scream 4" on Blu-ray offers a distinctive and stylized visual experience. Peter Deming's cinematography adheres to a digitized look, closely mimicking the aesthetic of internet videos. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio and 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode remain faithful to this vision, presenting a gauzy brightness that persists even during night sequences. The color palette showcases a vibrant, comic-book style, with primaries appearing broad and bright, particularly the yellows and midnight blues. The transfer captures fine details and textures, from the pores on actors' faces to the material texture seen in clothes and posters, though mid-to-background objects can become indistinct in the film’s dreamy haze.

Fine detail is a strong point of this transfer, excelling with close-ups and foreground imagery, revealing the minutiae of skin tones and facial features. While contrast levels intentionally fluctuate, with daylight exteriors running hotter and occasionally causing highlights to bloom, blacks appear naturally dark and shadowy in interior and nighttime sequences. However, black levels can sometimes lack depth in brighter scenes. Edge enhancement, smearing, or aliasing issues are negligible, maintaining a clean image with a natural film-like grain structure free from DNR.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer remains true to Wes Craven's intended visual style for "Scream 4," with a high-sheen, almost hazy Californian aesthetic that departs from conventional spooky horror imagery. Despite occasional instances of blooming highlights and compromised mid-background details, the presentation maintains vibrancy and integrity throughout. This makes "Scream 4" a visually appealing experience that complements its modern suburban setting while preserving a unique family likeness within the franchise.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Scream 4" delivers a compelling and immersive listening experience that thoroughly enhances the film’s chilling atmosphere. This audio presentation is robust with powerful low-end bass that accentuates every bit of action, from the gut-wrenching blade slashes to the shattering glass and screeching tires. The surround channels are actively employed, providing seamless directionality and situational awareness that completely pull the viewer into the film's tension-filled environment. Effects travel naturally through the setup, allowing for an engaging auditory experience where sounds like gunshots and crashing objects hit with significant impact.

Marco Beltrami's score is another standout component, characterized by its brash and chaotic nature, full of stabbing brass and percussive elements that are quintessential to the Scream series. While it lacks precision in some of its finer details, the score benefits from a warm and dynamic range that aligns perfectly with the film’s tone. Dialogue clarity is excellent, ensuring that every phone call, police radio conversation, and muffled exchange through barriers are delivered with impeccable accuracy.

Ambient effects like a telephone’s foreboding ring or the bustling noise of a crime scene are naturally and effortlessly integrated into the rear speakers, adding to the immersive quality of the mix. The soundstage remains wide and spacious, effectively balancing the front-heavy design with well-placed discrete effects in the background. Although some minor elements lack that final touch of richness, this does not detract significantly from what is, overall, a highly satisfying and high-quality sonic experience. For fans of horror thrillers, this DTS-HD MA track ensures a gratifyingly eerie and dynamic auditory journey.

The extras included in the Blu-ray of "Scream 4" offer a modest yet worthwhile assortment for die-hard fans. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the audio commentary featuring director Wes Craven, stars Hayden Panettiere, and Emma Roberts, along with a guest appearance from Neve Campbell via phone, providing insights into script changes, shooting locations, and Craven's stylistic choices. The disc also includes a substantial collection of deleted and extended scenes that fans will appreciate, although these are presented in standard definition. The making-of feature delves briefly into the reassembly of the original Scream team, plot advancements, and generational cues but is somewhat short at just over ten minutes. Additionally, a gag reel offers a light-hearted glimpse into on-set antics, and a brief promo advertises "Scream"-themed video game tie-ins.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features Wes Craven, Hayden Panettiere, Emma Roberts, and a phoned-in Neve Campbell.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Includes an alternate opening and ending.
• Gag Reel: Amusing on-set pranks and outtakes.
• The Making of Scream 4: Brief insight into the film's production.
• Scream 4 Video Game Promotion: Promotional material for "Scream"-themed games and merchandise.

"Scre4m" is an effective return to Wes Craven's iconic horror franchise, seamlessly blending sharp self-awareness with classic slasher elements. While its predecessors etched a vivid imprint on the genre, this fourth installment strides confidently, maintaining the series’ trademark meta-commentary while adapting to contemporary horror norms. Set a decade after the original murders, the plot follows a matured Sidney Prescott, as returning to Woodsboro sparks a fresh wave of killings. The familiar blend of suspense and dark humor is enriched by new, cleverly interwoven cinematic references, delivering a film that both echoes and reinvents its roots.

Technically, the film delivers a robust performance. The image quality on Blu-ray feels slightly hazier and more dream-like compared to previous entries, yet it enhances the film's eerie atmosphere. Despite this minor visual difference, the audio transfer provides a potent, immersive experience with impactful sound effects and an intense musical score that heightens tension. The balance between scares and laughs is maintained adeptly, making the movie gruesomely entertaining without succumbing to off-key parody.

Craven's direction remains savvy and effective, utilizing inventive set-pieces and ramping up the pace. The narrative is rife with false flags and red herrings, escalating suspense right up until the unexpected climax. Despite leaning heavily on familiar tropes, "Scre4m" stays fresh through its witty dialogue and knowing nods to genre conventions. Performances from Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox anchor the film with a continuity that long-time fans will appreciate while new cast members skillfully contribute to the plot's twisty progression. This installment offers a richer universe, reflecting the series' maturation over time while staying true to its origins—ultimately serving as a thrilling addition to the revered franchise.

In "Scream 4," Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson skillfully reunite the original cast – including Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette – while also introducing a younger, fresher set of actors to provide a refreshing blend of nostalgia and innovation. This fourth installment successfully breathes new life into the franchise while revisiting the roots of the original movie, standing out as an entertaining and amusing entry. Though not quite matching the craftiness and innovation of the first film, "Scream 4" significantly surpasses its immediate predecessor in terms of narrative depth and raw entertainment value.

Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of "Scream 4" stands out with its stunning video and great audio quality, capturing the visual style and chilling soundscapes with remarkable precision. The picture quality is stylized but very strong, ensuring that every frame is presented with high clarity and detail. The audio presentation complements the visuals, providing an immersive experience that draws viewers deeper into Craven's chilling world. However, the supplements on this Blu-ray edition are somewhat disappointing, offering little beyond what dedicated fans might expect.

Overall, "Scream 4" impresses through its engaging plot, strong production quality, and fitting addition to the classic slasher narrative created by Craven more than a decade ago. While it may not dethrone the original "Scream," it certainly comes closer than expected and provides a satisfying chapter that revitalizes the series. This Blu-ray edition, despite its scant extras, is highly recommended for both loyal followers and new viewers looking to experience a well-crafted horror sequel.