Village of the Damned 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's 4K UHD release of "Village of the Damned" is a commendable video presentation that revitalizes the film’s visual richness. The new transfer, digitally sourced from the original 35 mm camera negative, mends previous flaws, delivering pristine textures and vibrant colors. The grain structure is notably finer and more consistent throughout the film, escaping the overly glossy finish seen in the earlier 2016 Blu-ray release. Notably, the removal of windowboxing during the main titles restores the full anamorphic look without compromising detail on the edges, as observed particularly in outdoor scenes where the sky and ocean reveal much better definition and color fidelity.

The utilization of Dolby Vision enhances the viewing experience with a refined color palette, subtly warmer and more lifelike compared to prior editions. While maintaining the naturalism Carpenter and Kibbe intended, it infuses the scenes with healthier skin tones and slightly more luminous primaries, bringing extra life to the already meticulous production design. Significant improvements are seen in the removal of edge enhancement, telecine wobble, and unnecessary noise reduction, making long shots especially crisp and immersive.

Clocking an average bitrate of 85.0 Mbps on the UHD disc, this edition ensures continuously high-quality video that surpasses older formats in terms of clarity and depth. Despite a minor blemish such as a minute speck near Christopher Reeve's character in one frame, the film print is in near-perfect condition. This release translates Carpenter’s vision anew for a modern audience, optimizing both technical precision and cinematic feel. Standard twelve scene selections enhance navigation without detracting from the visual narrative. Overall, it's an essential upgrade for enthusiasts seeking an authentic replication of the film’s original visual flair.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Village of the Damned" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround and a 2.0 Stereo mix, adhering closely to the originally presented DTS (5.1) and DTS Stereo formats from its 1995 theatrical run. On this release, the audio has been notably enhanced with an average bitrate of 4229 kbps for the 5.1 and 2010 kbps for the 2.0 on the UHD, compared to lower bitrates on the Blu-ray. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix takes full advantage of its .LFE channel, creating a dynamic presence with immersive sound effects, especially evident during the main titles with hushed whispers and subtle wind sounds, as per John Carpenter’s screenplay intentions.

Notably, the 5.1 mix efficiently utilizes satellite speakers to capture background elements such as Halloween carnival activities and newborn cries, providing a captivating auditory environment. However, discrepancies exist between dialogue levels on the 5.1 and 2.0 mixes, with the latter providing clearer and louder spoken words. This difference is especially apparent in scenes set in the Midwich Clinic and Dr. Chaffee's study. Interestingly, the LaserDisc's matrixed surround track presents a more amplified stereo mix with robust bass, rivaling the UHD’s 5.1 while lacking some discrete effects.

The original score by Carpenter and Dave Davies is powerfully delivered across both audio mixes, with impactful moments that resonate through the home theater setup. Sound team contributions from Thomas Causey, Ron Bartlett, and Evelyn Hokanson enhance these effects significantly. Although transcription on the English SDH subtitles is mostly precise, a minor error exists in character identification during a scene at the eye clinic. Despite no significant updates from prior releases, this audio presentation remains an effective and chilling component of the film's home viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Village of the Damned" offers an engaging assortment of bonus materials that both new viewers and longtime fans will appreciate. The standout feature is the new audio commentary by filmmakers Jackson Stewart and Francis Galluppi, providing insights into the film's locales and their personal connections to the project. Although occasionally sidetracked, their commentary adds a fresh layer to the viewing experience. Additional highlights include interviews with key figures such as screenwriter David Himmelstein, providing a deeper understanding of the screenplay's development, and film music historian Daniel Schweiger, who delves into the film's distinctive score. Archival content enriches the package, offering a historical perspective of the production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Discussion with Jackson Stewart and Francis Galluppi.
• Beware the Stare: Interview with screenwriter David Himmelstein.
• March of the Children: Interview with film music historian Daniel Schweiger.
• It Takes a Village: Documentary on the making of the film.
• Horror's Hallowed Grounds: Revisiting filming locations.
• The Go to Guy: Peter Jason discusses his collaboration with John Carpenter.
• Vintage Interviews & Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Historical insights and footage from the set.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original studio trailer.
• Behind-the-Scenes Still Gallery: Photos and promotional materials.

John Carpenter's "Village of the Damned" (1995) emerges as a competent, yet unremarkable remake of the classic sci-fi horror. The production is notably anchored by Christopher Reeve's commendable performance, bringing gravitas to an otherwise uninspired adaptation. Carpenter and Sandy King's lack of full engagement with the material is palpable, as it was reportedly a work-for-hire endeavor to fulfill contractual obligations. The film primarily operates as a run-of-the-mill 90s pulp feature, mildly entertaining with its depiction of malevolent alien children orchestrating eerie and creative deaths in Midwich.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Scream Factory presents a technical upgrade from its earlier Blu-ray editions. This two-disc Collector’s Edition includes 4K resolution on a BD100 disc and 1080p video on a Region A BD50, offering a visually superior experience that horror aficionados might appreciate for its enhanced clarity and detail. However, this technical excellence does not quite mask the film's inherent narrative shortcomings. Carpenter’s vision appears diluted, making the 4K presentation more appealing for its visual fidelity than any newfound narrative depth or insight.

While the film comfortably resides within the middle echelons of Carpenter's oeuvre, its value lies in its nostalgic slice of 1990s sci-fi horror, with some engagingly grotesque sequences that deliver on visual flair. Despite its shortcomings, the release will find an audience among collectors and fans who appreciate the technical merits of a 4K restoration, even if the film itself remains a product of unfulfilled potential.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Village of the Damned" offers a commendable visual and audio upgrade that is sure to please fans and collectors of John Carpenter's work. With a Dolby Vision transfer derived from the original camera negative, the visual enhancement is noticeable compared to its previous iterations, presenting improved clarity and depth. The audio experience also sees significant improvement, with prior phasing issues rectified for a smoother listening experience. Additional features provide some interesting insights and context, contributing to an enriched viewing experience overall, though they may not be categorized as exceptional.

While "Village of the Damned" may not rank among Carpenter's finest works, it manages to retain some of his distinctive style mixed with moments of cinematic flair. The film sometimes carries a work-for-hire impression but remains a solid retelling of the classic narrative initially presented in the 1960 release. The performance of leads like Kirstie Alley, embodying a richly written character of Dr. Susan Verner, and Christopher Reeve as the protagonist, bolster the film's credibility. Carpenter’s attempt at reinvigorating certain narrative elements, like varying the colors of the children's hypnotic eyes, adds a dynamic, though not entirely successful, layer to the overall storytelling.

In conclusion, this latest release by Scream Factory is significantly enhanced over previous versions and stands out as a worthwhile addition for any Carpenter aficionado. Despite certain narrative missteps and a period-specific lack of cohesion, the combination of substantial audiovisual improvements and adequate bonus content makes it a recommended acquisition for fans seeking a comprehensive home cinema collection.