Gretel & Hansel 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Gretel & Hansel" is heralded as a new 4K presentation from the original master, and it certainly lives up to expectations. With Dolby Vision, the film leverages its strong reliance on shadow and darkness, presenting rich blacks that delve deep into shadow play and nighttime sequences. Color reproduction remains faithful and striking, highlighted by glowing stained-glass panels and the vivid orange of flames. The natural scenes are particularly well-rendered, with a moody autumnal palette that enhances the overall tone. The costuming, characterized by darker hues, does not clash with skin tones, which appear naturally accurate. Highlights are appropriately handled, bringing depth to each frame through well-defined light sources.

Detail clarity is impressive across multiple fronts. The intricate textures of skin stand out, capturing both the smoothness of youth and the wear of evil age. Architectural interiors are meticulously textured, effectively conveying a sense of unease through close-ups of the home and its unsettling edible decorations. Exteriors also benefit significantly from the 4K resolution with maintained depth and clarity. Compression artifacts are non-existent, ensuring a pristine viewing experience.

Overall, this UHD presentation offers a visually compelling experience that aligns with the film’s aesthetic goals. The careful use of color, detailed costuming, and well-managed highlights contribute to a highly engaging visual narrative, firmly supported by robust detail and solid compression. This release is a notable upgrade for enthusiasts seeking an immersive viewing experience.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio mix in "Gretel & Hansel" is commendable for its precise dialogue delivery, ensuring sharp exchanges and clarity in narration despite the variance in acting styles. The instrumental score, particularly the synth elements, stands out with notable presence, supporting the overall atmosphere effectively. While the surround channels are not consistently active due to the film's quieter moments, they significantly contribute during the more ambient and intense scenes.

Noteworthy is the film's use of atmospherics, enhancing the eerie and immersive experience with subtle yet effective audio cues. The spatial dynamics heighten during violent sequences, demonstrating mild but impactful movement across channels. Additionally, the low-end frequencies are well-managed, adding a layer of depth and intensity to physical activities and more suspenseful moments. The result is a richly textured auditory experience that complements the film's dark and moody visuals.

The extra features for the 4K UHD Blu Ray of "Gretel & Hansel" are succinctly curated, providing a riveting dive into the film’s production. The audio commentary by director Osgood Perkins and a separate track by film historian Rebekah McKendry offer deep insights into directorial intent and historical context, respectively. "The Beautifully Grim Fairy Tale" features production designer Jeremy Reed discussing his innovative set designs that defy traditional expectations, emphasizing the recurring triangle motif. The "Storybook" motion comic and short featurettes like "Gretel," "New Tale," and "Witchcraft" provide brief but valuable behind-the-scenes looks at character development, thematic interpretation, and the depiction of witchcraft in the film. The compilation is rounded off with a theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary #1: Features director Osgood Perkins.

Commentary #2: Features film historian Rebekah McKendry.

The Beautifully Grim Fairy Tale: Interview with production designer Jeremy Reed.

Storybook: Motion comic book used for film promotion.

Gretel: Behind-the-scenes look at the character development.

New Tale: Examination of the film’s creative and thematic approach.

Witchcraft: Exploration of story points and evil powers.

Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the movie.

Oz Perkins' "Gretel & Hansel" presents a gothic reinterpretation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, tailored to engage modern horror aficionados. Mixing the atmospheric pulse of films like "The Witch" and "Hereditary," this retelling is characterized by its slow-burn approach to chills and understated menace. The story revolves around teenage Gretel (Sophia Lillis) and her younger brother Hansel (Sam Leakey) as they navigate a pestilence-stricken land, forced into the perilous woods where they encounter the enigmatic witch Holda (Alice Krige). Perkins constructs a visually arresting film, leveraging a unique aspect ratio and carefully curated mise-en-scène to emphasize a hauntingly minimalistic atmosphere.

Gretel & Hansel remains largely faithful to its source material, albeit with subtle narrative shifts that refocus the plot on Gretel's journey. Perkins and co-writer Rob Hayes veer from traditional shock tactics, instead favoring a sinister undercurrent of malevolent forces attempting to corrupt innocence. This adaptation treats starvation metaphorically, weaving in hallucinogenic sequences as Gretel and Hansel consume psychedelic mushrooms, adding surreal detours that impact the film’s tonal consistency. The socio-economic undertones and Gretel's evolving empowerment are reflected in her droning inner-monologues, a device perhaps influenced by production considerations for its PG-13 rating.

The film's strengths lie in its visual style and Alice Krige's gripping portrayal of Holda, whose interaction with Gretel fuels much of the narrative intrigue. However, Perkins' indulgence in stylistic pauses and mood-setting occasionally stultify the momentum. While Krige’s performance is a standout, the film's deliberate pacing and reliance on atmosphere over plot advancement offer mixed results in tension-building. Nonetheless, "Gretel & Hansel" is emblematic of Perkins' penchant for eerie storytelling, marked by its aesthetic precision and conceptual bravura.

1. "The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of 'Gretel & Hansel' showcases a visually stunning presentation, with an impressive array of deep black levels and a rich color palette that supports the atmospheric cinematography. HDR enhancements are palpable, bringing out the film's meticulously crafted shadows and delicate highlights. The use of practical effects and detailed costume design are accentuated, giving texture and depth to the fantastical elements of the movie."

2. "Audio quality on this release is exceptional, offering a well-balanced Dolby Atmos track that makes great use of spatial effects. The haunting score seamlessly blends with environmental sounds to create an immersive experience. Dialogues remain clear and precise even during the film's more chaotic moments, underscoring the meticulous sound design."

3. "Supplemental features include an engaging director’s commentary that dives into the aesthetic choices and thematic considerations. Featurettes on the making of the film offer insight into set designs, costume decisions, and practical effects work, serving as a valuable addition for aficionados of technical expertise in filmmaking."

4. "While 'Gretel & Hansel' may falter in its script, with underdeveloped characters and an overarching narrative that fails to fully engage, the technical execution remains commendable. This 4K UHD release stands out particularly for its high-quality visual and auditory elements."

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of 'Gretel & Hansel' impresses with its impeccable visual presentation. The high dynamic range (HDR) greatly enhances the deep black levels and rich color palette. Light and shadow interplay is striking, especially given the film’s atmospheric cinematography. Practical effects shine, and detailed costume designs add depth to the fantastical setting, making the movie a visual treat.

The audio experience is equally remarkable, characterized by a well-balanced Dolby Atmos track that expertly utilizes spatial effects. The haunting score melds seamlessly with ambient sounds, creating an absorbing auditory experience. Dialogues are crisp and clear even amidst intense scenes, demonstrating meticulous sound design.

This release also excels in its supplemental features. A director's commentary provides in-depth analysis of aesthetic choices and thematic elements. The included featurettes explore set designs, costume intricacies, and practical effects work, adding significant value for those interested in film production techniques.

More direct expansion of the Hansel & Gretel tale arrives in the climax, which offers a satisfying resolution to a movie that's not particularly interested in telling a story. Characters are thinly drawn, with more care for appearance than reasoning, and while flashes of magic are striking, powers are ill-defined, possibly saved for a sequel. Gretel & Hansel has its gruesome moments, and they work, generating an unnerving sense of oncoming horrors as Holda exposes what she's really up to in the deep woods, but the overall viewing experience lacks spirit, with Perkins more attentive to his technical achievements, creating a shallow pool of frights.