Leviathan 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's latest venture into the realm of 4K restoration brings us an exemplary release of "Leviathan" on a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, with the 4K disc being region-free and the Blu-ray locked to Region-A. This new iteration of "Leviathan" is sourced from a 4K scan of the interpositive, boasting a High Dynamic Range grade for both Dolby Vision and HDR10 that significantly upgrades its visual presentation over previous HD masters. Despite the film's shooting on 35mm film with Arriflex and Panavision cameras, which could potentially restrict resolution detail due to the anamorphic lenses used during the era, this release impressively maintains a very fine grain texture that might hint at minimal noise reduction use, preserving the authentic look of film.

The Dolby Vision HDR enhancement greatly improves the detailing in the dark areas and delivers more nuanced colors, particularly in underwater scenes that now dazzle with deeper blues and more vivid primary colors. The visual fluidity of action sequences is notably enhanced, ensuring that darker segments are beautifully articulated without losing detail. The interior set designs, specifically crafted to be bland and lifeless, benefit from this grading, complementing the film's aesthetic with muted grays that evoke the drab atmosphere of a dirty mining rig. This meticulous attention to color balance and image stability across scenes ensures a consistent visual narrative true to the original cinematic feel.

However, it’s acknowledged that a slight degree of texture might have been sacrificed for this cleaner look, with a moderate filter pass potentially dulling the finest details. This subtle effect only marginally impacts the overall resolution and fidelity, which remain impressive, especially in closer shots where details like facial definitions break through. While medium and wide shots may lose some texture, leading to slightly muddier imagery, it's a nominal concession within an otherwise stellar presentation. Lights underwhelm in intensity compared to their intended effect, yet skin tones and certain colors manage to pop within the constraints of the film's predominantly subdued palette. This release, thus, while not making monumental strides over its predecessors in every aspect, certainly sets a new benchmark for the visual presentation of "Leviathan," providing a more natural and engaging viewing experience that brings its eerie underwater world to life with improved clarity and color fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Leviathan" comes equipped with both English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, alongside optional English SDH subtitles to cater to a wide audience. While enthusiasts might naturally gravitate towards the 5.1 option for a more immersive experience, it's worth noting that this particular mix has been identified as somewhat lacking, with dialogues experiencing occasional drift and imbalances that might detract from the overall cinematic experience. Conversely, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, often perceived as a faithful representation of the original theatrical Dolby Stereo mix, provides a more consistent and immersive soundstage. The clarity and fidelity of dialogue, coupled with Jerry Goldsmith’s dynamic and evocative score, are commendably reproduced across both tracks, although the 2.0 setup surprisingly edges out its 5.1 counterpart in terms of surround presence and overall engagement.

Distinctly, the 2.0 track does not merely serve as a simplified fold-down of the 5.1 but stands on its own merits with a sound quality that some may argue surpasses the latter by ensuring the dialogues maintain a steady volume and spatial integrity. This creates an auditory experience that, for a film from 1989, exceeds expectations in clarity and fidelity, effectively enveloping viewers in the underwater thrills that "Leviathan" is known for. Moreover, despite some thinness and distance observed in the 5.1 mix compared to previous releases, there appears to be a concerted effort to bolster this with additional low-end work aimed at enhancing action sequences, thus offering a somewhat improved listening experience over its predecessors.

On balance, while both audio options have their respective merits, the consensus veers towards a preference for the 2.0 version for its more faithful and engaging reproduction of the film's original sound environment. Noteworthy is the consistent volume of dialogues and the immersive quality of the stereo split, which, together with an attentive reproduction of Jerry Goldsmith’s score, renders it significantly attractive for purists and fans alike. Whether opting for the more enveloping yet faithful 2.0 track or the slightly broader but occasionally flawed 5.1 mix, the audio presentation of "Leviathan" on this 4K UHD release offers a richly nuanced auditory experience that underscores the film’s atmospheric tension and iconic soundtrack.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Leviathan" comes with a suite of extras, meticulously assembled to enhance both the film's legacy and its technical achievements. The crown jewel is the exclusive audio commentary by renowned critics Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, who dive deep into the film's production, its standing amongst contemporaries like DeepStar Six and The Abyss, and the unique, genre-defining thrills it provides. This commentary not only highlights the film's strong casting and the notable contributions of its crew but also touches on interesting dissent over the final cut, particularly David People's views on the rushed ending and obscured view of the monster. Archival programs from Scream Factory, featuring personal recollections and technical retrospectives from cast members Ernie Hudson and Hector Elizondo, as well as insightful discussions on creature design from special effects experts, enrich the disc with behind-the-scenes insights. The inclusion of a remastered original trailer and a reversible cover with vintage art further commemorates the film's enduring appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson provide in-depth analysis.
• Leviathan: Monster Melting Pot: A detailed look at the creation of the film's iconic monster.
• Dissecting Cobb: An interview with Hector Elizondo.
• Surviving Leviathan: An interview with Ernie Hudson.
• Trailer: A remastered original movie trailer.

George Cosmatos' 1989 underwater horror-science fiction film, "Leviathan," makes its splash onto 4K UHD Blu-ray in a comprehensive release by Kino Lorber. This release is enriched by an assortment of bonus features including exclusive audio commentary from critics Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, alongside archival materials featuring cast members and the original trailer, remastered for this edition. The film itself, set against competitors like "The Abyss" and "DeepStar Six," emerges as a captivating, if not totally original, entry in the underwater sci-fi genre. Shot primarily at Cinecitta Studios in Rome with significant support from the Italian military, "Leviathan" showcases the dedication and ambition behind its production, notwithstanding the limitations of its budget compared to James Cameron’s "The Abyss."

"Leviathan" unfolds with a narrative akin to its contemporaries, focusing on a crew of deep-sea miners trapped undersea with a mutating entity. The screenplay by David Peoples and Jeb Stuart centers on the harrowing ordeal following the discovery of a Soviet shipwreck. Unlike its peer "DeepStar Six," "Leviathan" leverages its creature feature elements with a blend of horror and science fiction reminiscent of "Alien" and "The Thing," albeit through a lens heavily tinted by 1989 special effects and creature design. With performances led by Peter Weller and supported by a cast including Richard Crena and Ernie Hudson, the film balances its derivative nature with earnestness and capable direction from Cosmatos.

Despite criticisms of it being a mix-and-match of genre motifs, "Leviathan" achieves a distinctive atmosphere through its practical effects, courtesy of Stan Winston's team, and a foreboding score by Jerry Goldsmith. While it might not stray far from the established path trod by predecessors in its genre, it distinguishes itself through compelling character interactions and the tangible tension of its claustrophobic setting. The leap to 4K UHD captures the film's visual essence with striking clarity, offering both newcomers and long-time fans a refreshed look at this underwater odyssey. Though it may not have reached the cult status of some of its rivals, "Leviathan" proves a worthy dive into the depths of sci-fi horror, buoyed by its ambiance, practical effects, and a cast that brings authenticity to a fantastical premise.

Leviathan, while not breaking new ground in the realm of sci-fi horror, manages to provide a solidly entertaining journey beneath the waves thanks to a combination of effective storytelling and commendable special effects. This film, often compared to DeepStar Six for its underwater narrative and creature feature elements, stands out in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation by Kino Lorber. The transfer to 4K is described as beautifully accurate and arguably one of the finest efforts from the boutique label, boasting notable improvements in visual quality that bring new life to the undersea terror and drama. The inclusion of Dolby Vision enhances the viewing experience further, ensuring a visually immersive journey despite the film's palpable borrowings from giants like The Abyss and Alien.

Extras accompanying the 4K release retain much from previous editions, albeit with some minor omissions compared to the comprehensive 2016 Platinum Cult Edition from DigiDreams in Germany. Nevertheless, for collectors and new viewers alike, the Kino Lorber edition presents a vast array of both new and archival materials that enriches the overall package. Despite not being the most significant visual upgrade from prior releases, the collective enhancements in audio and visual fidelity coupled with the bonus content make this version a definitive acquisition for fans.

In conclusion, Leviathan’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release represents a significant improvement over its predecessors, making it a recommended addition for both aficionados of the genre and Blu-ray collectors. Its successful blend of high-quality special effects, courtesy of Stan Winston, with an enthralling narrative enriched by an excellent cast, ensures its place as a noteworthy creature feature. While acknowledging its derivative nature, Leviathan still offers an engaging cinematic dive worth exploring in its newest 4K iteration.