Cathy's Curse 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Severin Films' 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "Cathy's Curse" represents a significant upgrade from their previous releases. The 2160p transfer, encoded with HEVC/H.265, is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by a newly encoded 1080p AVC on a standard Blu-ray. The improvements are immediately noticeable, with the palette appearing more vividly suffused and the HDR adding a substantial luster to the film’s often lurid tones. Specific examples of enhanced coloration, such as the yellow couch cushion, and an increase in fine detail are clearly evident. Despite some minor fluctuations in color temperature and density, the overall reproduction of colors and details marks a significant improvement over previous versions.

However, the film’s inherent cinematographic limitations do impose certain constraints. The recently discovered film negatives, employed for Severin's new 4K transfers of both the director’s cut (90:59) and the alternate U.S. version (81:49), exhibit some persistent variances in grain structure, especially in the longer version with interpolated material. The thick chunks of grain and gauzy definition result in relatively muddy detail, particularly in darker scenes. While mastered at the industry standard of 1000 nits of brightness for HDR and ensuring satisfactory color rendition, the black levels remain merely serviceable, predominately in external and well-lit interior scenes. A small degree of ringing can be observed, along with minor debris.

In conclusion, both new presentations on the Blu-ray and 4K UHD discs provide an uptick in video quality, although some viewers might prefer the more subliminally rendered grain structure on the standard Blu-ray. Overall, Severin’s meticulous efforts have substantially elevated "Cathy's Curse" to a visual level it has rarely, if ever, achieved before.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Cathy's Curse" presents its audio in several formats, including DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono and 2.0 French Dolby Digital for the director’s cut. Both tracks, although clear and functional regarding dialogue, effects, and score, appear to be identical to their predecessors, delivering a rather standard auditory experience. The mix provides clear enough dialogue and a clean track, free from major distortions or anomalies, but lacks depth and range, especially noticeable in the mid to lower registers.

Given the film's horror genre, the audio does fall short of delivering the necessary punch. The English audio track specifically can feel quite ordinary, reflecting the low-budget production values. Dialogue can often seem recessed, particularly Vivian Gimble's lines, and there are notable instances of hiss in the recording. Dynamics tend to be quite boxy with limited range, which is underwhelming for a horror film that relies on sound to build tension. However, the audio is functional and serves the movie's limited ambitions adequately. Optional English SDH and subtitles for both English and French tracks are available.

Overall, while "Cathy's Curse" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray delivers clear audio with straightforward dialogue and serviceable sound effects, it lacks the dynamism and richness one might hope for in a horror presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cathy's Curse" by Severin Films impressively revives this forgotten Canadian horror movie with excellent quality and a substantial array of extras. The set includes both the director’s cut and the alternate U.S. release cut, each meticulously restored for optimal viewing experiences. The commentaries by Brian Collins and Simon Barrett are particularly engaging and insightful, providing context and humor. Notably, the Blu-ray maintains several bonus features from the 2017 release while introducing new interviews that shed light on the film's production and legacy. Additionally, a fun 10-page booklet by Barrett and Collins adds further value for enthusiasts. This comprehensive package ensures that it will be the definitive version for fans of "Cathy's Curse."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: By Fangoria Contributor Brian Collins and Filmmaker Simon Barrett.
• Tricks and Treats: Interview with Director Eddy Matalon.
• Cathy’s Daddy: Alan Scarfe Remembers.
• Cathy and Mum: Interview with Randi Allen and Costume Designer Joyce Allen.
• Introduction to Cinematic Void Screening: Featuring Brian Collins.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two vintage trailers.

Severin Films' remaster of "Cathy's Curse" in 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a significant upgrade from their previous 1080p release, likely owing to the newly discovered negatives used for the 4K scans. This Canadian b-movie by director Eddy Matalon stands as a derivative yet entertaining entry in the creepy, possessed child genre. Clearly influenced by "Carrie" and "The Omen," the film makes up for its budget constraints with a compelling performance by Randi Allen. As Cathy, Allen's transformation into a possessed child – throwing out shocking invectives and exhibiting haunting psychic powers – is chillingly effective, despite the movie's often crude and low-budget special effects.

The narrative begins in 1947 with a tragic car accident and shifts to thirty years later, where Cathy becomes possessed by her deceased aunt's vengeful spirit after finding her belongings. The blend of psychical and supernatural elements, albeit executed with shoddy practical effects, adds an intriguing layer to the familiar haunted child trope. The film features several memorable scenes, such as Cathy tormenting an elderly man with real snakes and a giant spider – a visceral touch missing in today's CGI-heavy horror.

While "Cathy's Curse" often echoes superior films with raw and rudimentary scares, its ‘70s schlocky aesthetic contributes to a unique charm that enhances the storytelling. The film’s low-budget essence is unmistakable, but this nostalgic vibe complements the narrative about obsession and family destruction. With its mix of psychic phenomena, haunted dolls, and eccentric mediums, "Cathy's Curse" remains an entertaining piece of forgotten horror cinema. Despite not reaching classic status, it holds memorable appeal within its genre.

Severin’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cathy's Curse" serves as both a nostalgic trip and a technical enhancement for cult film aficionados. The film itself, a Canadian B-movie heavily influenced by genre staples like "The Omen" and "Carrie," may not offer groundbreaking horror, but it does feature an intriguing, albeit derivative, premise. The child actress, noteworthy in her only major screen role, deftly portrays the creepiness required to unsettle viewers. Despite its fragmented screenplay and unintended comedic moments stemming from the titular Cathy’s antics, the film manages to deliver a blend of suspenseful sequences devoid of over-the-top gore, making it an accessible entry for those new to vintage horror.

The 4K transfer marks a significant improvement over prior releases, addressing previous concerns about video quality. Severin has included a new interview and additional trailer as supplementary content, adding value to an already commendable array of bonus features. The enhanced resolution allows for a clearer visual presentation that will likely please both longtime fans and new viewers interested in historical horror films. The sound remains adequately intact, supporting the eerie atmosphere that is central to "Cathy’s Curse."

Severin has to be commended by fans of certain cult enterprises for going back to the well (and/or fiery car crash) to upgrade releases that are obviously not going to appeal to the public at large, at least in the mainstream sense. When even this film's superfans spend quite a bit of time discussing the various failings of the object of their affection, you know you're not about to be discovering some long lost masterpiece. Cathy's Curse actually has an interesting (if derivative) premise, and a couple of the sequences have at least a fair amount of suspense, if never really any over-the-top gore. But the film is hobbled by a weirdly fragmented screenplay and some unintended comedy from Cathy's shenanigans. Severin has addressed the major concern I had with their prior 1080 release, namely video quality, and offers a new interview supplement and additional trailer to sweeten what was already a rather enjoyable slate of bonus features. This is certainly the version to get for anyone who may be considering a purchase.