City of the Living Dead 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Cauldron Films’ release of "City of the Living Dead" marks a significant venture into 4K UHD territory, presenting the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, with a single 4K disc set that encompasses both the movie and its extras. This edition includes an updated 4K restoration (2160p) complemented by Dolby Vision and HDR10, promising an enhanced viewing experience. The film’s presentation benefits from the natural film grain and subdued artifacts, courtesy of its source material - 35mm Techniscope elements. Despite some divided opinions regarding the visual improvements and price point, this version represents a faithful portrayal of the film’s originally intended rough and gritty aesthetic, especially noticeable in daylight scenes where clarity is at its peak.

The technical prowess of this release is evident in its HEVC-encoded presentation, bolstered by a robust bitrate. Cinematographer Sergio Salvati’s work on the film, shot on 35mm with spherical lenses, aimed for a film-like tone with meticulously saturated lighting that historically has been subject to various interpretations in home video transfers. With this iteration, Cauldron Films not only ensures a very grain-heavy film is represented well, especially in areas like black levels and detail but also navigates the color depth masterfully without overexposing the expressive lighting. Such careful attention offers a concrete improvement over previous Blu-rays from Arrow and Scorpion, also sourced from 4K restorations.

Moreover, the inclusion of seamless branching for language options and careful consideration of the color grade draws a commendable line between fidelity to the original production and taking advantage of modern restoration technologies. The result is a nuanced balance that honors the film’s heritage while presenting it in a format that aligns with current standards for high-definition content. Although some criticisms about shadow delineation and noise persist, for enthusiasts of "City of the Living Dead," this release by Cauldron Films provides an upgrade that leverages technological advancements without detracting from the film's intrinsic characteristics.

The "City of the Living Dead" 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation brings forward a deliberate nod to the film's original sound design with its DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono tracks in both English (1597 kbps, 24-bit) and Italian (1132 kbps, 24-bit). These tracks, which are presented across both the UHD and Blu-ray formats, endeavor to maintain the essence and intention behind Lucio Fulci's auditory experience. Notably, Fabio Frizzi's iconic score is given a new lease of life, pulsating with energy through the mono mixes. The use of a Mellotron for the synth elements alongside mesmerizing guitar riffs contributes to an atmosphere that is as engulfing as it is memorable.

However, the preservation of authenticity in these mixes does not come without its drawbacks. Both the English and Italian tracks suffer from moments where dialogue can appear too low or soft, a remnant not of the mastering process itself but rather the original sound recording limitations. Despite this, the English dub, while not without its critics, carries a charm of its own with dubbed dialogue that, although occasionally detached from the emotional gravity of the scene, does not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The Italian track is preferred by some for its authenticity in vocal delivery, despite being post-synced like its English counterpart.

The choice to retain the original mono tracks over previously available surround mixes underscores a commitment to audio authenticity over spatial enhancement. While this may limit the dynamic range and bass depth expected by modern standards, it ensures that dialogue remains clear and coherent amidst the hauntingly atmospheric score by Frizzi. This decision aligns with the overall restoration ethos of presenting "City of the Living Dead" in a manner that is respectful not only to Fulci's visual but also auditory vision, making it a commendable effort for preserving the film's original sonic landscape.

Cauldron Films' 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "City of the Living Dead" garners high praise for its comprehensive and well-curated set of extras. The standout is a new audio commentary by film historian Samm Deighan, providing deep insight into the movie's place within Lucio Fulci's oeuvre and the broader context of Italian horror. Fans will appreciate the diverse range of audio tracks, with personal preferences leaning towards the English stereo track for its richer sound dynamics. Cauldron's dedication to preserving and enhancing the film's legacy is evident in its inclusion of both new and archival material across the three-disc set, ensuring that enthusiasts are offered a meticulous dive into its production, impact, and continuing legacy. The visual presentation on both 4K and Blu-ray formats impressively captures the film's atmospheric visuals, with the UHD disc particularly showcasing improved clarity and color depth. Moreover, the addition of new interviews and featurettes, alongside beloved archival content, makes this release a definitive collection for both new audiences and devoted fans of Fulci's work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Film Historian Samm Deighan: Newly recorded, offering extensive insights.
• Audio Commentary with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson: Rich in historical context.
• Audio Commentary with Actress Catriona MacColl: Offers personal recollections.
• Audio Commentary with Actor Giovanni Lombardo Radice: Deep dives into acting challenges.
• Zombie Kings: Interview with Massimo Antonello Geleng discussing his career and contributions.
• Requiem for Bob: Giovanni Lombardo Radice reflects on his experiences and Fulci.
• The Meat Munching Movies of Gino De Rossi: A look at special effects artistry.
• Carlo of the Living Dead: Interview with Carlo De Mejo.
• On Stage Q&A with Venantino Venantini & Ruggero Deodato: Extended discussion on craft.
• Catriona MacColl Q&A from The Glasgow Theater: Insightful audience interaction.
• Music for a Flesh-Feast: Fabio Frizzi discusses scoring the film.
• A Trip Through Bonaventure Cemetery: Visual tour of a key location.
• Paura, Lucio Fulci Remembered Vol. 1: Archival interviews with cast and crew.
• Trailers & Image Gallery: Promotional materials and snapshots from production.
• [Easter Egg] Video Tape Version of The Gates of Hell: Navigable from the Image Gallery.
• [Easter Egg] Playgirl's Man for June 1974 Article on Christopher George: Accessible through Image Gallery navigation.

Lucio Fulci's City of the Living Dead emerges as a standout piece amidst his heralded Gates of Hell Trilogy, showcasing an unwavering audacity and an unparalleled knack for engendering an eerie atmosphere. This initial entry in the trilogy, set against the backdrop of the fictitious town of Dunwich—inspired by the Lovecraftian cosmos—initiates its tale with the unsettling suicide of a priest. This act unbeknownst to the inhabitants, cracks open a gateway for Hell's horrors to seep through. Despite its simplistic narrative core, the film excels through Fulci's visionary direction, crafting a world where logic bows down to the spectacles of fog-laden streets and teleporting zombies, embodying a surreal, nightmare-esque quality seldom rivaled by its counterparts.

The film’s narrative ambition might be meager, yet it stands as a visual and thematic marvel, drawing heavily on the atmospheric dread instilled by HP Lovecraft's works. It deviates markedly from traditional zombie narratives by offering undead that warp across space, chiefly serving as vessels for Fulci's splatter cinema motifs rather than coherent story elements. This preference for atmosphere over narrative culminates in a collection of splatter set pieces that are both horrifically creative and unnervingly visceral, cemented by Gino De Rossi’s skillful effects work. From harrowing encounters involving drills and grotesque innard expulsions to the unsettling appearance of the undead, the film revels in its ability to astonish and repulse, laying bare Fulci’s infatuation with the grotesque.

However, City of the Living Dead is not without its detractors, criticized for an assortment of filmmaking decisions from its dubbing inconsistencies to an occasionally languorous pace. Yet, these criticisms scarcely detract from its enduring impact as a seminal piece of horror cinema. Fulci’s disregard for conventional storytelling in favor of creating an overwhelmingly ominous ambiance is notable, distinguishing the film within the genre. The synthesis of otherworldly soundscapes by Fabio Frizzi and the tangible dread of Dunwich’s macabre tableau solidifies City of the Living Dead not just as a pivotal Fulci work but as a cornerstone of Italian horror cinema. Its legacy as a cult classic persists, defiant against critiques, cherished for its unabashed embrace of the macabre and the spectacle of horror.

In an era where physical media enthusiasts yearn for comprehensive and technically superior releases, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "City of the Living Dead" from Cauldron Films emerges as a beacon for both horror aficionados and cinema purists. Merging Lucio Fulci's grotesque vision with advanced restoration techniques, this release marries a meticulously remastered 4K video—enhanced with Dolby Vision HDR—to bring unparalleled clarity and depth to the film's haunting visuals. Although the presentation occasionally veers into darker tones, potentially obscuring details, the overall enhancement of Fulci's nightmare landscape is undeniable. The preservation of the original Italian and English audio tracks, devoid of unnecessary remixing, ensures an authentic auditory experience that complements the visual upgrade exquisitely.

Further elevating this release are the copious supplemental materials provided, which compile both archival content and a wealth of new extras produced by Cauldron Films. Despite the inevitable omissions of several hours' worth of extras found in previous editions, this package presents a robust selection that enriches the viewer's understanding and appreciation of Fulci's work. Notably, the absence of certain commentaries and featurettes from prior releases may leave completists wanting; however, the inclusion of significant efforts unique to this edition—like the documentaries and behind-the-scenes footage—more than compensates for these gaps.

Conclusively, Cauldron Films' 4K UHD Blu-ray of "City of the Living Dead" stands as a near-definitive edition of Fulci's classic, bound to satiate hardcore fans and newcomers alike. Its technical achievements in video and audio restoration set a new standard for the preservation of genre cinema, while its extensive extras provide a comprehensive look at the film's legacy. Although the depth of its archival content may not fully encompass every piece of history associated with Fulci's masterpiece, this release undeniably enriches the collection of any physical media enthusiast. Highly recommended for its contribution to keeping the undead spectacle of Italian horror alive and more visually stunning than ever.