Darkman 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Shout Studios’ latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Darkman" represents a significant visual upgrade from previous home video editions. Utilizing a new 2160p encode derived from the original camera negative, the improvements are instantly apparent. The supervised Dolby Vision pass balances brightness levels impeccably, preserving the film's distinctive early '90s aesthetic without overcooking the visuals. Fine details are substantially enhanced, revealing intricate textures in makeup effects and costuming that were previously obscured. Although the increased resolution does make the era's blue screen work more noticeable, it also provides a much more immersive visual experience overall. Notably, colors are rich yet natural, with deep blacks and well-resolved grain adding to the film's atmospheric depth.

The 4K restoration was supervised by director Sam Raimi and director of photography Bill Pope, both of whom ensured the transfer remained true to the original vision. Specifically, facial details are rendered with precision, showing lines, wrinkles, and other subtle features. The vibrant color spectrum includes sharper reds, cooler blues, and naturally toned flesh hues. Grain structure is maintained, contributing to a cinematic feel while highlighting practical effects like burning skin and melting bandages. The cityscapes look fantastic in wide shots, capturing every minute element with remarkable clarity and sharpness.

In additional technical aspects, the HEVC/H.265 encoding and HDR capabilities (Dolby Vision, HDR10) offer impressive contrast and color accuracy, further enhancing visual fidelity. Despite minor issues such as an embedded hairline artifact during the opening credits, these are negligible compared to the overall pristine presentation. This 4K release showcases "Darkman" with newfound vibrancy and detail, making it an essential upgrade for fans and UHD enthusiasts alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Darkman" offers an engaging audio experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The set presents an immersive listening event, preserving the film’s dynamic soundscape. Dialogue exchanges are crisp and clean, handling the character interactions without distorting, while Danny Elfman’s aggressive score fills the front stage effectively, enhancing the film's dramatic moments. Though the soundtrack primarily favors the front channels, the mix does incorporate some notable atmospheric elements, such as helicopter movements and environmental effects, pushing into the surrounds to contribute to a wide, believable soundstage.

However, this same DTS-HD 5.1 track, which has been utilized for over a decade, shows its age in certain aspects. While the action sequences benefit from clear vocal reproduction and a generally active surround usage, the rear channels and low-frequency effects could have been more impactful. Notable scenes, like explosions or gunfire, often feel front-heavy and lack the nuanced reverberation that a more modern Dolby Atmos mix could have provided. The low-end bass response is serviceable but falls short during critical moments that should evoke a more visceral rumble.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall audio presentation remains robust. The surround sound contributes effectively to the overall immersion with occasional "swooshing" effects enhancing action sequences, particularly during intense scenes like the helicopter chase. The dialogue remains balanced and free from clipping throughout, ensuring clear and coherent vocal delivery. Nonetheless, fans of Raimi's distinctively audacious directing style might find themselves wishing for a more contemporary audio upgrade to fully capitalize on the intricate sound design inherent in "Darkman".

The 4K UHD release of "Darkman" by Shout Studios is a significant upgrade, featuring a meticulous 4K rescan of the original camera negative and an array of thoroughly engaging extras. The new Dolby Vision/HDR presentation corrects previous shortcomings in brightness levels and color vibrancy, providing a more authentic and visually compelling experience. While the audio remains the same 5.1 DTS-HD MA track from the 2014 release, the extensive extras on this disc significantly enhance its value. Notably, the included interviews with key cast members like Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand, and behind-the-scenes insights, offer a deep dive into the film's production. This comprehensive package finally does justice to this cult classic, making it a must-own for fans and collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary: With filmmaker and Darkman superfan Josh Ruben.
• Audio Commentary: With Bill Pope.
• NEW Deleted Scenes: Additional character moments and scenes not in the final cut.
• Dissecting Darkman: Interview with actor Liam Neeson.
• Interview with Frances McDormand: Insight into her role and collaboration with Sam Raimi.
• The Name Is Durant: Interview with actor Larry Drake.
• The Face of Revenge: Interview with makeup designer Tony Gardner.
• Henchman Tales: Interviews with actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell.
• Dark Design: Interview with production designer Randy Ser and art director Philip Dagort.
• Vintage Making-Of Featurette: Includes interviews with cast and crew.
• Vintage Interviews: With Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, and Frances McDormand.
• Theatrical Trailer.
• TV Spots.
• Still Galleries: Posters & production stills, behind-the-scenes, makeup effects, and storyboards.

"Darkman" is a quintessential Sam Raimi film that masterfully combines horror, action, and comedy into a unique superhero narrative. Set in urban decay reminiscent of "RoboCop" and nodding to classic Universal Monsters, the 1990 release sees Liam Neeson as scientist Peyton Westlake, who, after a brutal attack by mobster Robert Durant (Larry Drake), becomes scarred beyond recognition and gains the inability to feel pain. Utilizing his synthetic skin invention, Westlake assumes various identities to exact revenge. Frances McDormand plays his girlfriend, Julie Hastings, adding a poignant emotional layer to the visceral mayhem.

Raimi’s trademark visual style is on full display with frenetic camera work, surreal montages, and audacious action sequences—most notably, a helicopter chase. Neeson's portrayal of Westlake oscillates masterfully between utter desolation and vengeful ferocity, creating a compelling antihero. The interplay between dark humor and genuine emotion enriches the narrative, with the supporting cast delivering strong performances that anchor the film's eccentric tone. Despite some dated special effects, "Darkman" remains a thrilling rollercoaster, blending elements from multiple genres while maintaining a cohesive, engaging storyline.

"Darkman" exemplifies Raimi’s ability to craft a relentless cinematic experience. Though hindered by a modest budget, the film feels grand in scope, attributing as much to its larger-than-life characters as to its evocative setting. The movie’s innovative blending of horror, thriller, and slapstick comedy ensures an entertaining watch even decades later. With its engaging plot and a standout performance by Neeson, "Darkman" endures as an essential piece of Raimi’s eclectic filmography and a testament to his creative vision.

Darkman on 4K UHD Blu-ray serves as a captivating return to the era of offbeat superhero narratives with Sam Raimi's signature blend of horror and adventure. The film is a testament to Raimi's early directorial prowess, delivering an intense, semi-horror experience packed with thrilling action sequences, and a unique take on superhero sadness. This release by Shout Studios significantly enhances the visual quality with Dolby Vision, offering the best image presentation of Darkman to date. While the audio remains consistent with the previous DTS-HD 5.1 mix, it stands as average to slightly above average. However, the wealth of supplemental materials, including new commentary tracks and forty minutes of deleted scenes, enriches the overall package substantially.

Technically, this 4K UHD release adheres to the highest standards, presenting the film in a 1.85:1 HEVC aspect ratio with English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 audio options. The runtime is a brisk 96 minutes, ensuring that the tight suspense and gripping story remain engaging throughout. It's clear that Shout Studios has spared no effort in making this edition comprehensive with a meticulous restoration that celebrates Darkman's enduring weirdness and dynamic energy.

Conclusively, I wish there were more films like Darkman out today. The 1990s were a wild time, and Darkman was that one film that sort of bridged the 1980s gore with 1990s zaniness with nimble ease. Also, Shout Studios has gone out of their way to really make a great package here (they’ve also released a 4K steelbook as well which looks REALLY nice). Great video, good audio, and the disc is just loaded with special features making this the definitive version of Darkman out there. Highly recommended.

Technical Specifications: Starring: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake, Dan Hicks Directed by: Sam Raimi Written by: Sam Raimi, Chuck Pfarrer, Ivan Raimi Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 HEVC Audio: English: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Subtitles: English Studio: Shout Studios Rated: R Runtime: 96 minutes Blu-ray Release Date: February 20th, 2024

Recommendation: Highly Recommended