It Blu-ray Review

Warner Brothers' Blu-ray release of "It" boasts a robust 1080p encode, framed in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, which adeptly translates the film’s dark, atmospheric cinematography to the home screen. Shot digitally and transferred to a 2K digital master, "It" captures the meticulously crafted shadowy realms and dim interiors, as envisioned by cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung. The film's inherent darkness, due to its many indoor and low-light scenes, occasionally results in black crush and dim contrast levels. However, detail and clarity remain largely commendable, especially in scenes set outdoors or under bright lighting. When elements like Pennywise’s fiery hair or Georgie's sharp yellow raincoat come into play, the colors are richly saturated and vividly distinct, adding layers of visual intrigue.

Throughout the film, the Blu-ray effectively preserves the nuanced gradations of darkness within Chung’s compositions. This is evident in sequences set in foreboding locations such as sewers, dark tunnels, and various interiors that feel as threatening as Pennywise's lair. Bright moments involving the group of kids, though somewhat muted in color intensity, maintain a subtle vibrancy and include detailed outdoor vistas like The Barrens. Conversely, Pennywise's appearances are marked by strikingly vivid reds, particularly his iconic balloons which visually punctuate the somber palette with ominous flair. Despite Warner Brothers' Blu-rays commonly featuring lower bitrates—clocking in at an average of 23.90 Mbps—the disc makes efficient use of its available space. Minor compression artifacts are seldom noticeable, ensuring a generally satisfying viewing experience that remains faithful to the film’s intended aesthetic.

The Dolby Atmos track for the Blu-ray of "It" is outstandingly immersive and meticulously engineered to enhance the horror experience. From the opening thunderstorm, this mix captures your attention, with raindrops vividly detailed overhead and surrounding you, creating an authentic sense of space. The dynamic use of overhead channels extends to eerie footsteps in hallways and the booming low-frequency effects (LFE) that add weighty realism to door slams and thunder crashes. Despite the sometimes overwhelming intensity of effects, dialogue clarity is never compromised. Pennywise’s sinister whispers and screams remain perfectly discernible, contributing significantly to the film's atmosphere.

A particularly remarkable aspect is the finely distributed off-screen effects that do not distract from the action but rather expand the auditory landscape. The scope of sound, from rushing water to fiery bursts, is seamlessly integrated throughout scenes, building a palpable tension in every setting—from Derry’s high school corridors to the ominously decayed Neibolt house. This thoughtful sonic design heightens the terror without overwhelming the audience's ears with noisy chaos. Technical precision is evident in deep bass extensions that can energize a listening room, though subtle moments also shine through, supported by Benjamin Wallfisch’s haunting and understated score.

Additionally, for those preferring a different mixing format, the disc includes a lossless 5.1 mix encoded in DTS-HD MA. However, given that the Atmos track already offers a lossless Dolby TrueHD core, the additional DTS-HD MA option seems redundant for most users. Overall, this Dolby Atmos track is among the most impressive home audio experiences available in recent horror releases, expertly balancing immersive soundscapes with crystal-clear dialogue to deliver an unforgettable auditory journey.

The Blu-ray extras for "It" are comprehensive and insightful, offering a deep dive into the making of the film and its key elements. "Pennywise Lives!" thoroughly explores Bill Skarsgård's transformation into the iconic clown, with detailed input from the actor himself. "The Losers’ Club" provides intimate behind-the-scenes footage of the young cast forming their on-screen camaraderie, directed by the film's team. "Author of Fear" features a candid interview with Stephen King, revealing the inspirations and research behind his novel and the creation of Derry. Additionally, viewers are treated to eleven deleted or extended scenes, each preceded by a title card but not selectable individually.

Extras included in this disc:

• Pennywise Lives!: Discover how Bill Skarsgård prepared to portray Pennywise.
• The Losers’ Club: Get up close and personal with the teenage stars.
• Author of Fear: Stephen King reveals the roots of his novel and Pennywise.
• Deleted Scenes: Eleven deleted or extended scenes from the film.

Andy Muschietti's directorial effort in the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King's "It" expertly revitalizes the narrative while staying true to the eerie essence of the original novel. The updated film, which grossed $700 million globally, resets the story's timeline from the 1950s to the late 1980s, effectively blending nostalgia with a modern sensibility through clever set design and pop culture references. From Beetlejuice posters to Walkman-clad kids, Muschietti captures the era with keen detail. The film begins with the spine-chilling Georgie incident, where Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Pennywise instills fear far surpassing Tim Curry’s version from the 1990 TV miniseries. Skarsgård's Pennywise is a more sinister presence, portraying a frenzied malevolence that electrifies each scene he inhabits.

The movie wisely centers on childhood friendships essential for the Losers' Club as they confront their individual fears embodied by Pennywise. True to King’s original vision, each child's backstory—whether it’s stuttering, allergies, race, or familial abuse—adds layers to their characters and their collective struggle against the evil entity. The cast of age-appropriate child actors brings naturalistic credibility to the group's dynamics, facilitated by Muschietti’s direction which allowed the young talents time to bond off-screen. The screenplay simplifies some of King's extensive mythology, preventing narrative lag and maintaining a steady pace over its two-hour runtime. Cleverly balancing horror with moments of humor, "It" captures the essence of youthful banter, delivering both laughs and scares that appeal across a broad age spectrum.

In terms of horror craftsmanship, Muschietti ensures that Pennywise’s terrorizing scenes are visually intense and psychologically disturbing. The portrayal of Derry’s omnipresent undercurrent of danger—from missing children posters to eerie sewer systems—is consistently gripping. Muschietti sets up for the continuation by ending this chapter at the Losers' pact, effectively partitioning the story to highlight the children's experiences and leaving room for future exploration. It’s a masterful blend of horror and heartfelt storytelling that elevates "It" well above typical genre fare.

"It" surpasses expectations, standing out as a well-executed horror film with its direction and performances. Bill Skarsgård delivers a spine-chilling portrayal of Pennywise, arguably besting Tim Curry's iconic performance. Set in the 1980s, the film masterfully blends the nostalgic charm of "Stranger Things" with classic Stephen King storytelling. The Blu-ray presentation is exceptional, featuring stunning video quality and reference-grade audio. Extras on the Blu-ray add depth to the experience, making it a must-own for any horror aficionado.

Technical Specifications:

• Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard
• Directed by: Andy Muschietti
• Written by: Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, Stephen King (novel)
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 AVC
• Audio: English: Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Core), English DTS-HD MA 5.1, French, Spanish, Portuguese, English DVS DD 5.1
• Studio: Warner
• Rated: R
• Runtime: 135 Minutes
• Blu-ray Release Date: January 9th or available on Digital HD now

In conclusion, "It" stands as a notable addition to the pantheon of successful Stephen King adaptations, rivaled only by classics such as those based on the works of William Shakespeare. The film sets a high bar for its sequels with its impeccable child actor performances and Skarsgård's terrifying depiction of Pennywise. The technical prowess and additional content on the Blu-ray further solidify "It" as a highly recommended purchase for horror enthusiasts.