Gremlins 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Gremlins" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, as derived from the original camera negatives scanned at 4K resolution, offers an enchanting upgrade over its predecessors, especially noticeable when compared to the aging Blu-ray counterpart. Detail in the image is commendably resolved—skin textures, fur, and clothing weaves exhibit keen edges and a notable sharpness in well-lit scenes. Despite this, due to the inherent softness dictated by the film stock and cinematographic style, some visuals remain naturally soft, which no amount of resolution enhancement can fully rectify. The film's native 4K presentation (3840 x 2160p), encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec with HDR10+, alongside a widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio, delivers a picture with an appreciably improved dynamic range. This enhancement reveals vivid coloring and more defined black levels, albeit with occasional deviations into very dark gray rather than pure black, a characteristic of the film's original production nuances.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) utilization notably boosts the overall viewing experience, breathing life into the film's palette—reds are bold and lush, greens vibrant, particularly in scenes adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. Yet, certain choices in color grading have led to some controversy, particularly regarding scenes with a cyan push or those significantly darkened beyond what some purists might prefer. Nonetheless, these instances are exceptions rather than the norm, with the majority of the film displaying a rich and authentically reproduced color spectrum, basking in enhanced detail and clarity that faithfully respects the original '80s film stock and production design.

While the 4K UHD rendition showcases a leap in visual fidelity—crisper detail and more nuanced textures abounding—it is not without its challenges. Optically-composited shots show a notable softness, and atmospheric choices intrinsic to the film's aesthetic sometimes result in blacks that are less than absolute. Artifacting is minimal to non-existent, preserving the film's organic feel. Despite areas where HDR grading has darkened scenes perhaps more than strictly necessary, obscuring some details in darker sequences, the overall outcome is a presentation that significantly elevates the movie's visual allure. "Gremlins" presented in this format offers both a nostalgic return and a fresh encounter with its cinematic magic, asserting itself as a definitive home video iteration that admirably balances respect for its origins with the advantages of modern video technology.

The audio presentation of the "Gremlins" 4K UHD Blu-Ray primarily features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which has been noted for its good quality despite the absence of a more modern DTS: X or Dolby Atmos mix. The track's strength lies in its handling of effects, dialogue, and music, distributing these elements effectively across the soundstage for an engaging and immersive auditory experience. Sound effects, especially those highlighting the Gremlins' mayhem throughout the town, are well executed, with directional audio bringing a dynamic feel to the chaos. Dialogue is crisp and clear, benefiting from natural tonal variations that help distinguish between characters' voices. The score makes good use of the available channels, contributing to the overall ambiance while occasionally lacking in true low-frequency (LF) effects.

Ambient sounds and discreet off-camera effects are mixed into both front and rear channels, enhancing the depth of the soundstage and envelopment. Despite being largely front-heavy, the mix subtly employs surrounds during more chaotic scenes, providing a sense of directionality and movement without overwhelming. The low end, described as moderate but sufficient, supports the action and music with a decent presence, even though it does not match the intensity found in contemporary audio tracks. This presentation maximizes elements within the recording, delivering clear, concise audio reproduction that serves the film effectively without necessarily pushing audio system limits.

Special mention is made of Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score, which is revitalized in this mix, maintaining clarity and detail even at higher frequencies. Although it primarily retains the same characteristics as previous releases, including the Dolby TrueHD version, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on this 4K UHD edition showcases a clean and extensive mid-range along with precise vocal prioritization. While it doesn’t break new ground in audio technology or format, it enriches the viewing experience by making excellent use of atmospherics and positioning, offering spectators a satisfyingly enjoyable listen reminiscent of its original theater presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Gremlins" offers a commendable suite of extras, particularly enriching for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It includes comprehensive audio commentaries from both the filmmaking team and cast, providing insider perspectives on the movie's production, special effects, and anecdotes from the set. The package ensures an immersive behind-the-scenes experience with a featurette that delves into the making of this iconic film, alongside additional scenes which can be viewed with or without commentary, enriching the viewing experience. A motion comic adds a unique, narrative touch, while the photo gallery and theatrical trailers round out the rich supplementary content. Notably, a few anticipated features from the Diamond Luxe edition are absent in the physical release but available digitally, ensuring all facets of "Gremlins" legacy are explored. This release brilliantly encapsulates the enduring allure of "Gremlins," offering both nostalgia and new insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Joe Dante, Michael Finnell, and Chris Walas: Insight from the filmmaker's perspective.
• Audio Commentary with Joe Dante, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, and Howie Mandel: A livelier commentary with cast members.
• Gremlins: Behind the Scenes Featurette: A quick glimpse into the making of the movie.
• Additional Scenes with Commentary: Optional insight on deleted scenes.
• Photo Gallery: A collection of images from the film.
• Theatrical Trailers: Original promotional materials.
• Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent: Making Gremlins: A documentary exploring the inception and making of "Gremlins".
• Gremlins: The Gift of the Mogwai (motion comic): A narrative addition to the Gremlins story.
• The Last Gremlin (motion comic): Continues the narrative exploration.
• From Gizmo to Gremlins: Creating the Creatures: Focus on the creature design and effects.
• Hangin’ with Hoyt on the Set of Gremlins: Interviews and outtakes from the set.

Gremlins," the 1984 comedy-horror classic directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, strikes a remarkable balance between mischievous comedy and chilling horror, becoming an iconic film that pushed the boundaries of its PG rating. Presented in 4K UHD Blu-Ray format, the movie showcases a pristine visual upgrade that breathes new life into the special effects, animatronics, and the vibrant performances of the cast. The clarity and detail brought out by the 4K scan emphasize the film's innovative blend of practical effects and puppetry, highlighting Gizmo and the Gremlins' intricate designs, which remain endearingly convincing and engaging without the need for modern CGI.

The story, centered around the adorable yet dangerous mogwai named Gizmo and the chaos unleashed by breaking the three simple rules regarding its care, is as engaging and relevant today as it was upon its release. This 4K UHD presentation not only heightens the visual experience with its superior resolution and HDR color grading but also respects the original texture and intent of Dante's vision. The small town of Kingston Falls becomes an even more vivid backdrop for the havoc, juxtaposed with the warm, festive tones of an idyllic Christmas setting turning into a battleground against mischievous monsters. The meticulous pacing from quaint Americana to full-blown creature-infested anarchy is preserved impeccably in this format, accentuating both the horror elements and the darkly comedic undertones.

However, this release has not been without its controversies, particularly regarding Warner Bros' handling of special features and extras. Previous editions offered a suite of extras that have been conspicuously omitted or mishandled in this latest release. While the technical presentation of "Gremlins" in 4K UHD is undeniably superior, offering the finest visual experience of the film to date, fans and collectors may find frustration in the inconsistency and apparent lack of attention to the comprehensive archival material that accompanies such an iconic piece of cinema history. Despite these criticisms, the movie itself remains a testament to practical effects and imaginative storytelling that thrives under the enhanced clarity and detail of 4K technology.

The 4K UHD presentation of "Gremlins," a cornerstone of '80s cinema that amalgamates horror and comedy within a deceptively festive narrative, proves to be an essential upgrade for fans and collectors alike. As the movie celebrates its 35th anniversary, the transition to 4K UHD by Warner Brothers Fox Home Entertainment is positioned as a visual feast for devoted followers, elevating the viewing experience with its HDR10 presentation that outshines its Blu-ray predecessor in detail, color fidelity, and black levels. However, while the image receives a notable uplift, the DTS-HD Master Audio track, although robust with environmental effects, doesn't mark a significant improvement over previous audio formats. Furthermore, the supplemental material remains unchanged from earlier releases, and the inclusion of an obsolete 1080p Blu-ray disc and a digital copy feels like a missed opportunity to enhance the overall package.

Despite its cinematic legacy and the care given to its 4K restoration, "Gremlins" on Ultra HD has garnered mixed feedback concerning its ancillary elements. Fans express disappointment over the lack of updated extras and criticize the outdated Blu-ray disc bundled within the set. The critique extends to what many see as a missed chance by Warner to fully capitalize on the potential of 4K UHD technology by enhancing the entire viewer experience, not just the visual quality. Nevertheless, the upgrade remains recommended for enthusiasts ready to accept the package's shortcomings in favor of witnessing the film in its best-ever quality, accompanied by a humorous yet dark narrative that continues to captivate audiences.

In conclusion, while "Gremlins" on 4K UHD delivers an undeniable visual upgrade that fans will appreciate, it's marred by subpar supplementary content and a lack of innovation in its physical packaging. This release, despite its flaws, stands as an essential purchase for aficionados of this cult classic, offering a new generation of viewers and longtime admirers alike the chance to revel in its upgraded cinematic splendor. As "Gremlins" retains its charm and nostalgia-inducing power, this edition underscores both the advancements in home media technology and the missed opportunities that accompany it.