God Told Me To

Blue Underground's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "God Told Me To" represents a notable advancement in the home viewing experience of this 1970s cult classic, albeit with nuances that may divide audience opinion. The new 4K restoration from the original camera negative, accompanied by Dolby Vision HDR, undeniably enhances detail, contrast, and the film’s eclectic color palette. Primary colors pop vibrantly, with particularly impressive upgrades to skin tones and environmental textures. This refreshed presentation elevates the visual fidelity to a higher level, ensuring that clothing textures, the grime of New York streets, and subtle facial details are more pronounced than in any previous home media iteration. However, the application of a new color grade introduces a teal tint to some scenes and alters whites and blacks in a manner that might not sit well with all viewers. The tweaking of colors and contrast occasionally detracts from the authenticity of the film's original look, leading to sporadic loss of detail in darker scenes and a somewhat fluctuating dynamic range.

Despite these subjective color grading choices, it is undeniable that this release showcases an unparalleled clarity and stability across both well-lit and underlit scenes, with an authentic film grain that respects the source material’s roots. Issues such as minor molding and density fluctuations are present but do not significantly detract from the overall visual experience. Scenes historically problematic due to underlighting see some improvement, albeit limited by the source material's inherent lighting choices. The balance between preserving the filmic look and leveraging modern HDR capabilities results in a picture that is generally sharp, clean, and more three-dimensional than previous releases.

On balance, Blue Underground’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to fidelity in their 4K UHD presentation of "God Told Me To" are evident. While the new color grading may polarize, the increase in resolution, HDR enhancement of depth and texture, and preservation of natural film grain collectively contribute to a significant upgrade over the 2015 Blu-ray. This release admirably manages to improve upon clarity, depth, and color dynamics without compromising the film's original atmospheric essence. The resurgence of this low-budget classic in such high quality affirms Blue Underground’s reputation for excellence in film restoration and preservation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "God Told Me To" offers a remarkable auditory experience with four primary audio tracks: English: Dolby Atmos, English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, and French: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. This diverse audio selection accords viewers the flexibility to choose their preferred sound experience. The inclusion of the Dolby Atmos track on both the 4K and regular Blu-ray discs is particularly commendable, providing an expansive sound field that stretches the audio in every direction, resulting in a mix that is both fuller and wider. The clarity and sharpness this track brings to the table are on par with the original Mono track, assuring viewers that fidelity is not sacrificed for expansiveness.

In this latest release, the Dolby Atmos track notably enhances the urban ambiance, brilliantly capturing the essence of New York City with immersive sound that places viewers in the heart of its bustling streets. Whether it's the drone of traffic jams, the echo of gunshots, or the atmospheric sounds during pivotal scenes like a building collapse, the Atmos track excels in delivering a multisensory experience. While the vintage nature of the original recording means some limitations in range and bass, with dialog and effects sometimes sounding strained, these characteristics are intrinsic to the film's audio profile, preserving its authentic charm.

The array of audio options ensures that every listener's preference is catered for, whether one seeks the expansive immersion of the Atmos mix, the traditional compactness of the Mono track, or something in between with the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. The careful balancing across all tracks ensures dialog remains clear and crisp, and ambiance is naturally integrated, making each viewing experience unique and enjoyable. This release underscores Blue Underground's commitment to high-quality audio experiences, proving once again that whether it's for atmospheric depth or nostalgic authenticity, there's something for everyone in this mix.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "God Told Me To" is underserved by a comprehensive suite of extras, spotlighting the multifaceted genius of writer/producer/director Larry Cohen. Offering both historical and newly minted commentaries, the details unravel insights into Cohen’s improvisational prowess and unique stance within genre filmmaking. Notably, the collaboration with Steve Mitchell and Troy Howarth delivers an outstanding discourse, blending deep analysis with true affection for Cohen's work. Featurettes dive into varying aspects - from star-studded interviews discussing controversial sequences to intimate Q&As capturing Cohen’s reflections on his creative process. Additionally, the inclusion of advertising spots and a poster and still gallery furnishes a nostalgic glance at the film’s original promotion. This collection is not just a celebration of Cohen’s guerrilla filmmaking spirit but also serves as an indispensable asset for cinephiles and genre aficionados alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Larry Cohen: Commentary by writer/producer/director Larry Cohen, featuring insights into the film's production.

NEW Audio Commentary with Steve Mitchell and Troy Howarth: Fresh perspectives on Cohen's work by notable film historians.

Heaven & Hell on Earth with Tony Lo Bianco: A revealing interview with star Tony Lo Bianco discussing his experience on set.

Bloody Good Times with Special Effects Artist Steve Neill: Insights into the special effects magic behind some of the film's most memorable scenes.

God Told Me To Bone: New Beverly Q&A with Larry Cohen: Director Larry Cohen shares anecdotes and insights in this engaging Q&A session.

Lincoln Center Q&A with Larry Cohen: Archival footage of a post-screening Q&A offering a deep dive into Cohen's filmmaking process.

Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots for "God Told Me To" and "Demon": Original promotional materials providing a glimpse into the film’s advertising campaign.

Poster and Still Gallery: An extensive collection of visual memorabilia compiled by Gregory Chick.

Larry Cohen's "God Told Me To" is an artifact of cinematic eccentricity, now presented in a pristine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition by Blue Underground, capturing the essence and atmosphere of New York City in a manner only Cohen could envision. It dives deep into a harrowing tale, intertwining a New York City detective's investigation into a series of bizarre and brutal killings with themes of religious fanaticism and extraterrestrial involvement. Tony Lo Bianco delivers a compelling performance as Detective Peter Nicholas, embroiled in a psychological and existential crisis as he unravels the mystery behind the murders, all linked by the killers' proclamation that "God told me to."

This re-release benefits greatly from its technological upgrade, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in Cohen's gritty and chaotic New York with unparalleled clarity. The film's narrative structure, a hallmark of Cohen's distinctive style, cleverly disguises its deeper storylines beneath the surface of what at first appears to be routine acts of violence. Its exploration of faith, destiny, and human nature, juxtaposed with the urban decay of 1970s New York, remains as provocative and unsettling as ever. Despite its modest budget, the dedication to location shooting and the impressive soundtrack, initially intended to be scored by Bernard Herrmann, adds layers of realism and grandeur.

"God Told Me To" transcends traditional genre boundaries, blending police procedural elements with sci-fi and horror to create a cinematic entity that’s both perplexing and captivating. Its thematic ambitions and narrative twists ensure its status as a cult classic, reminding us of Cohen's ability to challenge viewers' perceptions of genre cinema. This 4K restoration not only revitalizes the visual and auditory experience for long-time fans but also introduces new audiences to the film's unique blend of horror, mystery, and existential inquiry.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Larry Cohen's cult classic "God Told Me To" brings a mixed bag of improvements and minor setbacks, particularly in its color grading. The latest restoration offers enhanced detail and richer textures, both in its 4K and 1080p versions, compared to the 2015 presentation. However, some may find the new color grade introduces inconsistencies that might detract from the overall viewing experience. On the audio front, the inclusion of a new Dolby Atmos track alongside a newly recorded audio commentary certainly adds value, catering to both audiophiles and cinephiles looking for deeper insights into this enigmatic film.

Special features enrich the release significantly, with insights from Tony Lo Bianco in "Heaven & Hell on Earth" and special effects artist Steve Neill in "Bloody Good Times", alongside Q&As with Larry Cohen that provide invaluable context to the film's production and thematic depth. Moreover, the collection of advertising materials, trailers, and a poster & still gallery further immerse fans into the film's storied history. These elements, combined with an excellent Native 4K Dolby Vision HDR transfer and a robust Atmos mix, underscore the care taken in preserving both the film's visual fidelity and its audio landscape.

In conclusion, while "God Told Me To" may present certain restoration challenges, particularly with its color grading, the overall 4K UHD release is commendable. The addition of superior audio tracks, alongside an expansive array of special features and a faithful transfer, makes this release a must-have for fans of the genre. It not only celebrates Larry Cohen's unique vision but also ensures that this unnerving tale of chaos and divine madness remains relevant and accessible for new generations. Very Highly Recommended for those seeking to explore the complexities and enduring appeal of this horror masterpiece.