The Spine of Night 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"The Spine of Night" arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray with a 2160p SDR transfer, maintaining professional-grade video quality with some notable technical aspects. The animation style is predominantly ultra-flat, characterized by basic, rotoscoped character designs that don’t necessitate high-resolution formats. Despite this, the bit rate hovers between 35-40 Mbps, occasionally peaking at 45 Mbps. This ensures razor-sharp edges and well-saturated colors ranging from muted hues to vibrant, electric tones. Although no HDR or Dolby Vision is included, and the original aspect ratio is slightly cropped at 1.78:1, the disc still presents deep blacks and slight amounts of noise and grain that add subtle texture.

From a visual perspective, the most significant improvement over the 1080p Blu-ray is the enhanced clarity and detail. Character lines appear crisper, and the painted backgrounds truly stand out with their vibrant colors and dynamic contrasts, particularly in scenes featuring bursts of color. Depth is generally limited due to the design choice of flat character depictions, but the painted backdrops and sporadic CGI effects offer a notable pop. Black levels are deep and inky, providing strong contrast against the dynamic visual elements of the film.

All told, while "The Spine of Night" may not have been an ideal candidate for a higher-resolution format given its stylistic choices, this 4K SDR release still offers a commendable visual presentation. For those seeking slight enhancements in image quality without major upgrades like HDR, this edition provides a solid experience that respects the source material's artistic intent.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "The Spine of Night" delivers an engrossing and dynamic listening experience that aligns well with the film’s ambitious narrative. The surround sound is meticulously crafted, with discrete channel activity enhancing the battle scenes and adding weight to the surprise attacks. The mix's ability to produce a balanced atmosphere of brutal and unexpected chaos is commendable, effectively engaging the audience. Though there is no immersive audio like Dolby Atmos, the dynamic range handles both the quiet and chaotic moments with finesse. The pulsating original score by Peter Scartabello, a blend of traditional orchestral cues and electronic elements with clear 1980s influences, complements the visual storytelling without overpowering the action events.

Dialogue reproduction is generally crisp and clean, though there are occasional moments where minor supporting characters' lines sound tinny or canned, suggesting a less-than-ideal recording environment. This minor issue doesn’t severely detract from the overall quality and even adds a peculiar charm that fits the film’s unique style. The LFE channel shines particularly during action sequences, delivering a formidable bass response that underscores the visceral sound effects of gore, chopping, slashing, and stabbing—creating an immersive auditory experience. Surround channels, while used sparingly, add to the ambiance and heighten key scenes involving arrows and whirling demons. Optional English (SDH), French, and Spanish subtitles are available, further enhancing accessibility during the main feature.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Spine of Night" offers a solid lineup of extras. Its standout feature is a nearly 30-minute making-of documentary that delves into the seven-year production, exploring influences from classic sword, sorcery, and horror genres such as He-Man and Heavy Metal. Filmmaker Morgan Galen King provides insights into his animation process, which juxtaposes the raw filming elements with the intricacy of final rotoscoped visuals. Supplementing this are two early animated shorts by King: "Exordium," which introduces elements expanded in the main feature, and "Mongrel," an earlier piece showcasing the same brutal aesthetic. Appreciated for their crudeness emblematic of DIY efforts, these shorts reflect King's evolving style and commitment. The steelbook packaging is also a highlight with its striking dark-themed art and additional interior designs.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of The Spine of Night: A comprehensive look at the inspirations and production process of the film.
• Exordium: A short film introducing characters and themes seen in the main feature.
• Mongrel: An early animation piece focusing on a barbarian's defiance of an ape king.

"The Spine of Night" is a rotoscoped fantasy film directed by Morgan Galen King and Philip Gelatt that artfully channels the spirit of 1980s cult classics like Heavy Metal and Fire and Ice. With a narrative centering on a powerful blue plant known as "The Bloom," which can either create abundance or destruction, the film weaves through multiple timelines and characters. The protagonist, Tzod (voiced by Lucy Lawless), alongside other notable characters voiced by talents such as Richard E. Grant, Joe Manganiello, and Patton Oswalt, grapples with the corrupting power of The Bloom. Despite a somewhat disjointed narrative, viewers will find themselves immersed in its darkly enchanting world, characterized by unrelenting violence and occasional nudity.

The animation, running at 12 frames per second, stays true to its rotoscoped roots, offering a surreal and dreamlike quality. This technique, while sometimes rendering action sequences sluggish, creates an engaging visual experience reminiscent of Ralph Bakshi’s works, though the character design lacks refinement compared to the lush backgrounds. The brutal and exaggerated violence may deter some viewers but will likely be a draw for others seeking hardcore fantasy fare. Additionally, the voice acting is generally strong though occasionally inconsistent in recording quality.

Overall, "The Spine of Night" succeeds as a nostalgic homage to past animated fantasies while also standing out with its unique style and ambitious storytelling approach. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release, featuring both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs in striking SteelBook packaging, ensures that this visually arresting film is presented in the best possible quality, allowing audiences to fully appreciate its detailed artwork and compelling voice performances.

Morgan Galen King's The Spine of Night is a passionate homage to the cult classics of dark fantasy animation, reminiscent of Heavy Metal and Fire and Ice. This adult-focused animation evokes the spirit of 80s genre films, making it a riveting visual throwback for fans of that era. While the narrative doesn't innovate within its genre, the film excels with its electrifying and, at times, over-the-top blood and gore. RLJE Entertainment's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release, despite lacking HDR, captures the film's essence effectively and presents only a modest improvement over the included 1080p disc.

The audio presentation stands out, delivering an immersive experience filled with visceral squishes that enhance the viewing with its well-mixed soundscape. The Steelbook packaging adds a collector’s charm, and while the bonus features are not abundant, they merit exploration. The animation style, which could be polarizing, ends up being an endearing tribute to its predecessors.

In conclusion, The Spine of Night may not appeal broadly but is a must-see for enthusiasts of dark fantasy animation and those nostalgic for 80s animated adventures. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release is recommended for its solid presentation and engaging content, though newcomers might benefit from sampling the director's previous works first.