Species 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Species" by Shout! Factory, as sourced from a 4K scan of the original camera negative, presents a monumental upgrade over its predecessors, including the 2017 Blu-ray edition. This new transfer, marked by an uncanny sharpness and a richer, denser grain structure, gloriously reincarnates the film's natural filmic essence and inherent definition. Filmed by cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak on 35mm using Panavision cameras and lenses, and presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the film's digital intermediate finished in 4K breathes new life into its visuals. Details in facial features, costumes, and the distinct 90s aesthetic are profoundly enhanced, boasting exceptional clarity and depth. Additionally, the lighter grain texture and improved resolution from the 2160p Dolby Vision (and HDR10) transfer render a clean and stable image, notably enhancing the cinematic experience without drawing undue attention to the film’s age.

The application of Dolby Vision HDR introduces a vivid recalibration of the movie's color palette, especially noticeable in flesh tones, foliage, and costume hues which now pop with greater accuracy and vibrance. The depth of blacks is significantly improved, presenting velvety shadows that contribute to a much more nuanced visual depth, particularly in darker scenes where detail is paramount. Although concerns about the dated CGI effects linger, strategic lighting and improved shadow details offer a more cohesive blend with practical effects, mitigating their "weightless" appearance to an extent. This nuanced approach to color grading and contrast adjustment ensures that even in its most visually demanding moments, "Species" maintains a visual integrity that respects its original artistic vision.

In summary, this 4K UHD release distinguishes itself with a markedly cleaner presentation devoid of previous speckles and frame judder issues. The meticulous attention to detail in this new scan elevates every aspect of the visual experience, from the nuanced textures of skin and fabric to the dynamic presentation of colors and shadows. It’s a testament to the preservation and enhancement of film craftsmanship, ensuring that even as "Species" navigates the challenges of dated special effects, its visual storytelling remains potent and engaging. Shout! Factory’s dedication to quality shines through in this release, providing fans and newcomers alike with the definitive home video presentation of this sci-fi horror classic.

Upon revisiting the audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Species," it's clear that Shout! Factory has opted to maintain the pre-existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack from its previous 2017 Blu-ray release, eschewing an update to more modern formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. This decision may disappoint some audiophiles seeking an enhanced audio experience. Nevertheless, the existing tracks, available in English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, with optional English SDH subtitles, still deliver a solid auditory experience. The 5.1 setting shines in providing an immersive soundscape, especially in leveraging ambient sounds and low-frequency effects (LFE), albeit with minimal panning and surround activity, and positioning the bulk of dialogue exchanges at the front.

The sound quality across both tracks remains crisp and clear, with the stereo track understandably feeling more confined in comparison to its 5.1 counterpart. Despite the reused audio tracks, utilizing advanced audio processing technology like DTS Neural:X on updated AV equipment can imbue the soundtrack with a renewed vitality, particularly noted in enhancing bass response during key scenes and enriching Christopher Young's eerie score. This underscores that, while an Atmos update might have elevated the experience, the current audio setup, especially the 5.1 track, adequately supports the film's atmospheric tension and character moments without necessitating continuous volume adjustment.

In summary, although the choice to forgo an audio update to formats like Dolby Atmos might seem like a missed opportunity for elevating the viewing experience of "Species" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, the included DTS-HD Master Audio tracks—both 5.1 and 2.0—still stand up remarkably well. Enhanced slightly by today's more sophisticated receiver functions, they manage to deliver a satisfying auditory experience that complements the film's thematic elements and ensures dialogues, sound effects, and scoring are presented with clarity and impact.

This 4K UHD release of "Species" merges splendidly preserved legacy content from prior editions without introducing new extras, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the film's production, special effects, and design philosophies. Highlighted by dual audio commentaries, one brings together lead actors Natasha Henstridge and Michael Madsen with director Roger Donaldson, while the other features a production-focused discussion with Donaldson, make-up effects creator Steve Johnson, visual effects supervisor Richard Edlund, and producer Frank Mancuso Jr. The supplemental materials shine with "Afterbirth: The Evolution of Species," a detailed retrospective documentary highlighting the special effects marvels of the movie. Additionally, featurettes like "Engineering Life" delve into the fascinating scientific underpinnings of DNA splicing whereas "H.R. Giger at Work" provides an intimate look at the late artist's contributions. While it lacks new exclusives or a digital copy, this release's preservation of extensive historical interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and comprehensive image galleries assures its value to fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, and Roger Donaldson.
• Audio Commentary featuring Roger Donaldson, Steve Johnson, Richard Edlund, and Frank Mancuso Jr.
• After Birth: The Evolution of Species - A documentary on the film's effects.
• From Sil to Eve - Natasha Henstridge discusses her experiences and the franchise.
• Engineering Life - A scientific exploration of DNA splicing's implications.
• H.R. Giger at Work - A feature on Giger's contributions to the film.
• The Making of Species: The Origin, The Concept, The Discovery - A three-part documentary on the film's creation.
• Designing a Hybrid - Insights into the creature effects work.
• Alternate Ending - A different conclusion to the film.
• Theatrical Trailer - The movie's original promotional trailer.
• Production Design Gallery - Showcasing storyboards, models, and construction.
• Creature Design Gallery - Stills of sculptures, makeup, and set designs.
• Still Gallery - A collection of promotional and behind-the-scenes photos.

Shout! Factory's 4K UHD release of the 1995 cult classic "Species" marks a significant upgrade in visual quality with a 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation that breathes new life into this Sci-Fi/Horror film. Despite leveraging the existing 2017 audio track, the visual enhancements are where this edition shines, offering a fresh perspective on the film's iconic imagery and effects. This release spans three discs, featuring audio commentary on both the UHD and the feature film Blu-ray discs, with video-based extras housed on an additional Blu-ray, ensuring that enthusiasts have plenty of material to sift through.

"Species," at its core, intertwines the fascination with extraterrestrial life and the fear of the unknown into a narrative that explores themes of human curiosity turned awry, evidenced by the creation of Sil, a human-alien hybrid with lethal instincts. The film's plot thickens as Sil escapes confinement, prompting a specialized team led by Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley) to embark on a relentless hunt. The movie benefits greatly from H.R. Giger's design contributions, alongside notable practical effects work by Steve Johnson and Richard Edlund, lending it an eerie and memorable aesthetic that stands out among its 90s Sci-Fi/Horror peers.

While the film itself may encapsulate a specific 90s vibe, complete with era-specific CGI and a narrative heavily influenced by the sexual tensions of its time, it remains a significant piece for genre aficionados and casual viewers alike. Its appeal is bolstered by a strong box office performance and the transformation of Natasha Henstridge into an overnight sensation. The discussion around "Species" has evolved, with recent views suggesting its ripe narrative and thematic content could serve well in today's socio-political climate, possibly meriting a franchise reboot. Despite any criticism, "Species" endures as a blend of horror, sexuality, and science fiction that continues to captivate audiences, supported now by this meticulously crafted 4K UHD release.

Species," while not groundbreaking in the sci-fi thriller genre, continues to offer a reliably entertaining ride even several years after its initial release. Directed by Roger Donaldson, the film skillfully combines suspense, action, and engaging characters into a narrative that, despite requiring a leap of disbelief at times, remains competently enjoyable. Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presents this cult classic with an impeccably sharp 2160p/Dolby Vision picture quality that significantly enhances its viewing experience. While the CGI elements show their age and don't meld as seamlessly with the live-action components as one might hope, the overall audio-visual presentation is notably solid. The set retains its original 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which, although not upgraded to Atmos, delivers a robust auditory experience.

The release doesn't introduce new bonus content, yet the collection of existing extra materials is sufficiently appealing, ensuring a comprehensive package for fans and newcomers alike. The 4K Ultra HD upgrade, sourced from a new 4K scan, offers visible improvements over the already excellent 2017 release, making it a compelling addition for collectors. Despite the film's narrative and thematic aspects feeling slightly dated, its core entertainment value and the quality of this release invite speculation about the potential of revisiting the franchise with modern filmmaking technologies and sensibilities.

In conclusion, Scream Factory's 4K Ultra HD upgrade of "Species" reaffirms the film's status as a fun albeit not particularly deep science fiction thriller. With top-notch picture quality, sturdy audio presentation, and a solid package of extras, this release is recommended for both longtime fans looking to revisit the film in the best possible quality and newcomers curious about this unique alien invasion tale. While it wouldn't hurt to dream about an Atmos update or new bonus features, what's available is more than enough to endorse the upgrade.