Constantine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Constantine stands out as a substantial visual upgrade over previous formats. Utilizing a director-approved 2160p, HDR10 (Dolby Vision capable) transfer, this release is sourced from a recent scan of the original camera negative, conducted at Warner Bros.' Motion Picture Imaging facility. This technical foundation results in a significant enhancement, presenting the film with a new level of detail and vibrancy. Fine details are sharply pronounced, textures possess a genuine film-like quality, and colors are precise. The HDR grading effectively enriches the visual dynamic range, improving shadow detail and contributing to striking contrasts without overemphasizing.

The film's visual intensity, notably in its use of chiaroscuro, benefits vastly from the new 4K presentation. The 2.39:1 HEVC 4K image is impeccable, with black levels reaching impressive depths and visual effects gaining an augmented impact. Flesh tones are accurately rendered, providing a balanced and authentic look throughout. Although the film has always maintained a certain visual standard, this release elevates it to its peak performance visually.

However, Constantine does confront typical challenges associated with early 2000s CGI effects when transitioning to 4K, given its original 2K digital intermediate finish. Scenes featuring CGI elements occasionally display inconsistencies, with some sequences appearing softer than others. For example, complex CGI scenes like the skirmish with the insect monster reveal slightly crunchier details amidst otherwise refined visual clarity. Conversely, fully CGI sequences such as those depicting Hell look relatively better, maintaining a hauntingly atmospheric presence. Despite these limitations, the Dolby Vision HDR grade significantly bolsters color accuracy and black levels, thereby delivering a visually satisfying experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The Dolby Atmos remix of "Constantine" for the 4K UHD Blu-ray significantly elevates the film's auditory experience, although not without minor hiccups. The dynamic track, which expands upon the original Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix, immerses listeners with precision and aggressive nuances. The object-based formatting effectively utilizes height channels, enhancing atmospheric and spatial cues during key moments. However, the mix's final execution skews slightly towards the overamplified, resulting in moments of mild brickwalling, particularly affecting the lower frequencies. A decrease in volume by approximately 5dB could have mitigated these issues, or ideally, inclusion of the original DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio would have offered a smoother alternative for purists. Despite this shortfall, the mix maintains an enjoyable listening experience enriched by optional multilingual subtitles.

This Dolby Atmos soundtrack takes full advantage of every speaker in a home audio setup, offering a highly engaging aural environment. The surround sound creates an encompassing atmosphere that deftly matches the film's intense and supernatural narrative aspects. Sound effects, particularly significant sequences involving flying demons and intense action, are executed with engaging object placement and channel usage that highlights their immersive quality. The blend of Bryan Tyler and Klaus Badelt’s bass-heavy score exhibits substantial low-frequency effects, adding depth to the sound environment.

Throughout the runtime, vocal clarity is maintained effectively, infusing dialogue with clear articulation and sustaining humor through side characters’ exchanges. As a notable example of Atmos application, sequences where voices spin around the ether prove remarkably effective, augmenting the film's otherworldly tone. Despite room for improvement in specific aspects of the mix, this release serves as a robust testament to how Dolby Atmos can enhance cinematic audio experiences with vitality and immersive presence.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Constantine" offers a robust collection of bonus materials, effectively amalgamating legacy content with new insights. The standout is the freshly-minted Two Decades of Damnation featurette, which revisits the film with contributions from key figures such as Keanu Reeves and Francis Lawrence, reflecting on the movie’s lasting impact and development. The package also includes comprehensive audio commentaries from both the director/producer team and the film's screenwriters, providing diverse perspectives on its creation. While some features like trailers and music videos are absent, the inclusion of a wide array of behind-the-scenes featurettes enriches the viewing experience. Both returning fans and new viewers will find value in this meticulously curated offer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Francis Lawrence and Akiva Goldsman: Technical insights on production and casting.
• Audio Commentary by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello: Screenwriters' perspective on adapting the comic.
• Two Decades of Damnation: Reflective piece on the film’s evolution.
• Channeling Constantine: Exploration of Reeves’ interpretation of the character.
• Conjuring Constantine: Insights into bringing the comic to film.
• Director’s Confessional: Personal reflections from Francis Lawrence.
• Holy Relics: Discussion on prop usage in the movie.
• Shotgun Shootout: Analysis of a key action sequence.
• Hellscape: Visual exploration of the film's depiction of Hell.
• Warrior Wings: Behind-the-scenes on wing effects.
• Unholy Abduction: Scene breakdown of Angela's abduction.
• Demon Face: Examination of visual effects for demonic appearances.
• Foresight: The Power of Pre-Visualization: Comparisons between rough footage and finished scenes.
• A Writer’s Vision: Examination of the script's journey to screen.
• Deleted Scenes + Alternate Ending: Additional content with optional commentary.

Francis Lawrence's 2005 film, "Constantine," starring Keanu Reeves, has gradually garnered a more appreciative audience over the years. Initially overshadowed by contemporaneous comic book films like "Batman Begins" and "Sin City," it was criticized for its deviations from the "Hellblazer" comics, specifically John Constantine's characterization. Nonetheless, Reeves brings a compelling flair to the role, straying from the comics with charisma that compensates for his lack of the character's British and blonde traits. The film, a supernatural thriller with a noir influence, manages to carve out its distinct identity through strong visual effects that have aged well, despite few being outdated. The narrative is dense, occasionally causing confusion, but it's enriched by memorable side characters such as Tilda Swinton's captivating performance as Gabriel and Peter Stormare's chilling portrayal of Lucifer.

The casting exhibits an imbalance that fans of the comic might find dissonant. While Reeves' take on Constantine may divide purists, his performance has won over some detractors by film’s end. However, Rachel Weisz’s portrayal of the dual roles of Angela and Isabel Dodson has been consistently perceived as lukewarm, affecting the overall dynamic. These shortcomings are partially redeemed by a vibrant supporting cast including Pruitt Taylor Vince and Djimon Hounsou, who help elevate the narrative. The film portrays a thematic fidelity to its source material rather than strict adherence, allowing it to stand as an intriguing interpretation rather than a blow-by-blow adaptation.

"Constantine" emerges as a visually striking yet uneven film that offers a unique fusion of horror and action-thriller elements. With the recent 4K UHD release marking its 20th anniversary, this iteration presents an improved viewing experience highlighting its stylish cinematography and atmosphere. While not universally acclaimed upon release, the film has developed a cult following and anticipation for a potential sequel reaffirms its stature in the pantheon of early 2000s comic book adaptations.

Francis Lawrence's "Constantine," initially met with lukewarm reception upon its 2005 release, has aged remarkably well, with its visuals and themes gaining appreciation over time. The new 4K UHD Blu-ray edition from Warner Bros. significantly enhances the film's atmospheric allure through a stunning 2160p/HDR10 transfer. Although the audio aspect does not match the visual upgrade, and some legacy bonus features are notably absent, the release presents an improved video experience that breathes fresh life into Keanu Reeves' titular role. The film continues to captivate with its unique blend of comic book adaptation and cinematic flair, which many would consider ripe for a modern revisit.

This release coincides with renewed interest in a potential sequel and forms part of a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of "Constantine." While the film wasn't a perfectly faithful adaptation of its comic origins, it successfully carved out its place in early 2000s cinema and has maintained its entertainment value. The Blu-ray offers an audio-visual upgrade that highlights the improved detail clarity and adds a punchy Atmos mix, complementing the strong visual effects that, despite their age, still entice viewers. New and archival extras enrich the package, providing both a nostalgic reflection and fresh insights into the film's creation and legacy.

In conclusion, Warner Bros.' 4K UHD release of "Constantine" delivers a commendable balance of polished visuals and engaging audio performance, supplemented by a well-curated selection of extras. It affirms the movie's enduring appeal while whetting the appetite for future franchise developments. For existing fans and newcomers alike, this edition is a must-have, providing an optimal platform for both re-evaluation and celebration of a cult favorite. Firmly recommended for any collection.