Possession 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "Possession" offers an unparalleled viewing experience that captures the essence of the film's haunting narrative through its visual restoration. With a 2160p resolution that has received directorial approval, this version stands out as a significant improvement over previous releases. The color grading leans towards a chillier palette, enhancing the movie's eerie atmosphere without compromising on lifelike hues. Especially noteworthy are the skin tones, which appear naturally pale but flush with a reddish hue that intensifies during scenes of emotional turmoil or violence. This is complemented by the meticulous attention to detail in both exterior and interior shots, where the wintry Berlin landscape and stark sunlight contribute to the film's unsettling ambiance. The cinematography by Bruno Nuytten is honored with exceptional clarity, from the finer textures in close-ups of the lead actors to the consistent and filmic grain structure, devoid of any digital enhancements or compression artifacts.

The technical execution of this restoration is flawless, with an impressive handling of grain, shadows, and textures that faithfully represents the director and cinematographer's vision. The enhanced edge definition and shadow delineation ensure that every frame conveys the intended visual impact without succumbing to common issues like crushes or loss of detail in darker scenes. Furthermore, the clean and refined presentation is free from any signs of print damage, specks, or flickering that often plague older films' transfers to high-definition formats.

Despite a hiccup with the initial release in the Collector’s Edition, which featured a faulty 4K UHD disc quickly rectified by Umbrella Entertainment, it is clear that this restoration has set a new standard for how vintage horror films should be preserved and presented. The absence of banding, artifacting, and other distracting elements solidifies the 4K UHD version of "Possession" as a definitive viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike, making it arguably the best visual representation of an early '80s horror film to date.

The audio presentation of "Possession" on its 4K UHD Blu-ray edition, courtesy of a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, offers a listening experience that respects the original sonic intentions of the film without the bells and whistles of modern audio enhancements. It’s evident that considerable effort has been made to ensure that dialogue remains clear and perfectly prioritized across the board, delivering natural sound reproduction that is faithful to the movie's diverse settings. Despite the lack of LFE support or surround sound, the track impressively handles both the film's eclectic score and its range of sound effects, providing a robust auditory experience that aligns with the movie's dynamic emotional landscape.

The track demonstrates an adept handling of volume dynamics, bringing out the nuances in dialogue and sound effects with a precision that amplifies the narrative. There's a commendable balance achieved here, where the quiet moments are as compelling as the chaotic, ensuring no detail is lost in translation from visual to audio. This careful mix underscores the film's atmospheric tension, making it a testament to how effective a mono track can be when meticulously restored and presented.

While some may argue that "Possession" could benefit from an upmix to multi-channel surround sound to further enhance its immersive qualities, the current audio presentation stands as an impressive execution of preserving the film's original auditory essence. The sparse yet effective score is supported excellently, showcasing that even within the constraints of a 2.0 mono track, "Possession’s" audio can captivate and engage, making it clear that this release values sonic fidelity and historical accuracy over retrofitting modern audio standards onto a classic cinematic piece.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "Possession" offers an enriching array of supplements catering to the cinephile's appetite for comprehensive details behind this cult classic. Three audio commentaries form the core of these extras, including a pristine new track by Sally Christie that's exclusive to this release, alongside previously appreciated sessions with director Andrzej Zulawski and Daniel Bird, as well as co-writer Frederic Tuten's insights, marked by slight technical inconsistencies in Christie's volume levels. The spectrum of content ranges from the making and thematic exploration of the film, highlighted in ‘The Other Side of the Wall’ and ‘The Failure of Language’, to peculiarities like the US Cut versus original versions, alongside exploring the film’s auditory and visual landscapes and impactful poster art by Basha. This collection not only deepens the understanding of Zulawski's masterpiece but also offers a varied landscape of interviews and essays that are crucial for both newcomers and long-time fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Three tracks including new insights from Sally Christie and retrospectives by Andrzej Zulawski and co-writer Frederic Tuten, both moderated by Daniel Bird.
• The Failure of Language: Video essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
• The Other Side of the Wall: The Making of Possession: Comprehensive documentary written and directed by Daniel Bird.
• Interview with Andrzej Zulawski: 2009 interview covering a variety of topics on the film.
• US Cut of Possession: The significantly altered American version.
• Repossessed: Discusses the editing differences between original and US cuts.
• A Divided City: The Locations of Possession: Exploration of filming locations.
• The Sounds of Possession: Interview with composer Andrzej Korzynski.
• Our Friend in the West: Interview with producer Christian Ferry.
• Basha: The Unsung Heroine of Polish Poster Art: A tribute to poster artist Basha’s contribution.
• International Theatrical Trailer
• US Theatrical Trailer

Andrzej Zulawski's "Possession," a film born from personal turmoil and societal pressures, is a disconcerting exploration of marital breakdown against the backdrop of Cold War paranoia. With Zulawski having fled Poland and experienced a devastating divorce, the film reflects a period of intense personal and political conflict. Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill's performances are both groundbreaking and controversial, emphasizing a lack of boundaries between the inner and outer selves. Their portrayals, criticized by some as over the top, were intentionally devised to mirror the intense emotional states Zulawski experienced. The film, which was initially banned in the UK and caused lasting mental health issues for Adjani, showcases an unsettling narrative rife with madness, interspecies relations, and a deep dive into human psyche and societal decay.

Set amidst the imposing shadow of the Berlin Wall, "Possession" transcends the horror genre to offer a surreal examination of a deteriorating relationship, punctuated by a deeply embedded political commentary. The narrative unfolds as Mark (Neill) discovers his wife Anna's (Adjani) affair and subsequent harboring of a monstrous entity, provoking questions about identity, reality, and the monstrous nature of human emotions. Adjani's Cannes-winning performance, supported by an exceptional cast and the innovative special effects of Carlo Rambaldi, propels the film into a terrifyingly personal odyssey through jealousy, insanity, and murder.

Critics like Dr. Svet Atanasov highlight the film's capacity to intertwine gore with a critique of political systems, suggesting that its horror elements distract from its underlying political anger. Zulawski's work is not merely an arthouse horror but an emotionally charged, politically poignant piece that challenges its audience to reconsider the boundaries between personal trauma and societal strife. As such, "Possession" remains a uniquely intense cinematic experience that defies easy categorization and continues to provoke discussion on its artistic and thematic merits.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Possession" presents itself as an indispensable addition to the libraries of both connoisseurs and newcomers to this polarizing cinematic journey. For those willing to plunge into its depths, the film unfurls as a unique exploration of psychosexual turmoil, inviting viewers to both marvel at and ponder its intricate horrors and existential dread. This particular release shines with its pristine director-approved restoration and impressive video quality, making every frame a testament to the film's unsettling ambiance. The inclusion of a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track ensures that the auditory experience is as faithful and enveloping as the visual, further complemented by an extensive array of special features designed to enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. These include new commentaries and video essays exclusive to this edition, establishing it as a must-have for enthusiasts poised at the intersection of horror, art, and cinema discourse.

Though Umbrella's 4K UHD version is hailed for its remarkable presentation and abundance of engaging bonus content, it's acknowledged that this may not be the definitive edition of "Possession," with Second Sight posed to release their own rendition. While some may hold reservations, anticipating future comparisons, this release stands out for now as one of the best ways to experience the film in a home video format. The minor issues noted do not detract significantly from the overall value this edition offers, making it a commendable choice for those looking to delve deeper into the film's layered complexity.

In conclusion, while awaiting future releases may sway some, the current 4K UHD Blu-ray offering of "Possession" is an exemplary showcase of how to treat a cult classic. Combining a stellar restoration with rich auditory accompaniments and an expansive suite of special features, it invites both existing fans and curious newcomers to engage with the film in unprecedented depth. Whether it remains the premier version is yet to be seen, but for now, it rightfully claims a prestigious spot in any discerning collector's assortment, meriting its acquisition and repeated viewing.