Cujo 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's release of "Cujo" on 4K UHD offers a package that's a mixed bag, combining technological advancements with certain drawbacks. Presented in a 1.85:1 2160p Dolby Vision transfer, sourced from a new 4K scan of the original 35mm negative, it initially promises an impressive visual upgrade from past home video iterations. The 4K UHD disc is region-free, adding a layer of accessibility, while its Blu-ray counterpart remains region-A locked. Notably, film grain appears cleaner and sharper, devoid of the gauzy overlay seen in previous editions, allowing the film's intrinsic details and clean lines to shine through more vividly. The Dolby Vision HDR grade enhances color depth, black levels, and white balance significantly, preserving the film's original golden tone while enriching reds and blues, characteristic of its horror genre.

However, the 4K presentation is not without its imperfections. Numerous instances of digital filtering create an artificial sheen, reducing the raw, organic quality expected from such a high-definition restoration. This filtering leads to evident smearing in motion sequences and a loss of detail in both bright and dark scenes. Such alterations compromise the image's natural appearance, with shadow nuances collapsing and a disappointing digital texture emerging in areas that should exhibit superior clarity and depth. Despite these issues, image stability and color balance are commendable, with a general cleanliness and absence of artifacts that underscore the transfer's strengths.

In summing up the videographic facets of Cujo's 4K UHD release, while the leap from previous home video formats to 4K is substantial, featuring enhanced color depth and cleaner film grain that should delight fans and newcomers alike, it is ultimately let down by overzealous digital enhancement techniques. The artificiality introduced through filtering undermines the potential for a truly organic and immersive viewing experience. This creates a dichotomy between appreciating the technical advancements made and lamenting the loss of the film’s authentic visual heritage.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cujo" offers two main audio tracks for viewers: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and a more immersive English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 version, with optional English SDH subtitles available for the main feature. The 2.0 option, while robust and offering a satisfactory audio experience, may disappoint purists due to its downmixed nature from the film's original audio setup. Dive deeper into the acoustic experience, however, and the 5.1 track emerges as the superior choice for those seeking a full-bodied auditory encounter, especially during the more tumultuous scenes where Cujo's fury truly comes to life.

Listeners familiar with the film's previous releases may note the 5.1 track is not an aggressive overhaul but a careful enhancement that maintains the integrity of the soundstage without feeling artificially inflated. This approach ensures dialogue remains crisp and coherent, allowing for a seamless flow between quieter conversations and the more intense moments of terror, without the constant need to adjust volume levels. The 5.1 mix excels in providing an ambient presence, subtly drawing viewers into the film’s atmosphere, particularly as the score by Charles Bernstein intensifies and Cujo’s attacks begin in earnest.

While some may yearn for the original mono tracks out of a sense of nostalgia or purity, the available 5.1 mix on this release does an admirable job of balancing fidelity to the source with the enhancements modern audio technology can provide. The 2.0 track serves as an acceptable alternative for those without a 5.1 setup, though it inherently lacks the spatial dynamics that make the 5.1 track stand out. Overall, this release's sound design thoughtfully respects both the legacy and the practical viewing experiences of today’s audience, cementing its place as a definitive version for fans and newcomers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Cujo" present an extensive and unparalleled compilation of content that transports fans and newcomers alike behind the terrifying façade of this cult classic. With three audio commentaries, including a new insightful addition from Lee Gambin that enriches the understanding of the film's making, alongside director Lewis Teague's archival commentaries, the disc offers a comprehensive exploration of the creative process. Further depth is added through a series of interviews with key cast and crew members, alongside two compelling documentaries: "Cujo Revisited" and "Dog Days: The Making of Cujo", allowing viewers a detailed look into the production's challenges and triumphs. This wealth of material is rounded off with original trailers, TV, and radio spots, ensuring that every aspect of "Cujo's" legacy is thoroughly examined, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of the genre.

Extras included in this disc:

• 2007 Audio Commentary by Lewis Teague: From the Lionsgate disc
• 2013 Audio Commentary by Lewis Teague and Jeff McKay: From the Olive disc
• NEW Audio Commentary by Lee Gambin: Author of Nope, Nothing Wrong Here: The Making of Cujo
• Cujo Revisited: Roundtable with cast & crew (HD)
• Dog Days: The Making of Cujo: Archival documentary (SD)
• Interview with Dee Wallace: (HD)
• Interview with Composer Charles Bernstein: (HD)
• Interview with Stuntman Gary Morgan: (HD)
• Interview with Stuntwoman Jean Coulter: (HD)
• Interview with Casting Director Marcia Ross: (HD)
• Interview with Visual Effects Artist Kathie Lawrence: (HD)
• Interview with Special Effects Designer Robert Clark: (HD)
• Interview with Dog Trainer Teresa Miller: (HD)
• Radio Spots: Three spots (HD)
• TV Spots: Three spots (SD)
• Trailer: (SD)
• Misery Trailer: (HD)
• Needful Things Trailer: (HD)

Lewis Teague's 1983 adaptation of Stephen King's "Cujo" lands with impact on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, courtesy of Kino Lorber, marking a significant upgrade from its previous Blu-ray releases by Lionsgate, Olive Films, and Eureka Entertainment. This release celebrates the film's haunting legacy by delivering an impeccable visual feast that breathes new life into the harrowing tale of an American family's fight for survival against their once-beloved, now rabid St. Bernard. The transition from a seemingly idyllic life to a gripping ordeal of terror underscores King's mastery in transforming the mundane into the frightening, captivatingly captured in this 4K rendition. With the Trentons' middle-class facade crumbling under personal and external strains, their confrontation with Cujo evolves from a dread-laden wait to an intense battle for survival, superbly anchored by performances that magnify the emotional stakes involved.

The quality of the 4K restoration ensures that every nuance of fear and suspense is vividly brought to life, making it a definitive viewing experience for both aficionados and newcomers to King's dark world. The choice to maintain the original artistic vision in the packaging, with its iconic bloody white picket fence imagery, adds a nostalgic touch that appreciates the film's place in horror cinema history. While the movie navigates through its slow-building tension with an uneven pace at times, it ultimately rewards viewers with a potent mix of character-driven storytelling and relentless horror, underscored by standout performances from Dee Wallace and Danny Pintauro, whose portrayals of terror are as convincing as they are heart-wrenching.

This 40th Anniversary release underscores "Cujo's" lasting impact, not merely as a tale of survival against a monstrous foe but as a deeper exploration of family dynamics and personal demons, reflective of King's own thematic preoccupations during his early writing phase. Although it may not claim the title of the best King adaptation, this version cements "Cujo" as a compelling entry in the horror genre worth rediscovering. As it stands, this release not only serves as a testament to the film's enduring appeal but also enriches its legacy with a pristine visual and auditory experience that enhances every chilling moment.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cujo," Stephen King's classic tale of terror, presents an intriguing dichotomy. On the one hand, the remastering effort falls somewhat short of delivering the visually striking transformation aficionados might have anticipated from the shift to ultra high definition. While the visual enhancement is apparent, it does not elevate the viewing experience to the level one might expect from a contemporary 4K restoration. This aspect might temper enthusiasm somewhat for those seeking a definitive visual upgrade. On the other hand, where this release shines is in its comprehensive compilation of supplementary features. The bounty of bonus content provides an extensive backdrop that will undoubtedly appeal to fans and collectors alike, offering several hours of explorative material that adds considerable value to the package.

Notably, the film itself retains its capacity to disturb and engage, powered by commendable performances from Dee Wallace and Danny Pintauro, whose portrayals of terror and desperation remain compelling. Kino Lorber Studio Classics has facilitated "Cujo's" leap into the 4K domain with a high-quality transfer that respects the movie's original atmosphere, despite the exclusion of the original mono track, which might disappoint purists. The audio presentation, now in a 5.1 mix, complements the visual upgrade, ensuring that the film's auditory elements are as immersive as possible.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray iteration of "Cujo," despite its shortcomings in delivering a revolutionary visual upgrade, stands as a worthwhile addition for fans, especially considering its rich array of special features. It encapsulates an essential horror classic with renewed vigor and provides a deep dive into its production and legacy. Thus, it comes recommended, particularly for devotees of King's work or collectors scouting for editions laden with extras. Potential buyers might find the greatest value in waiting for a sale to incorporate this mixed yet valuable release into their libraries.