The Others 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Others," approved by director Alejandro Amenábar, showcases a meticulous digital restoration from the original 35mm camera negative, rendering a native 3,840 x 2,160 image. Despite adhering to the BT.709 color space and eschewing HDR and WCG, this transfer honors Amenábar’s vision by emphasizing the film's period-authentic look, predominantly achieved through natural lighting. The absence of HDR grading, while notable for a film rich in dark visuals, seems a deliberate choice to maintain the film's intended aesthetic. The original Dolby Atmos soundtrack was remastered from the magnetic tracks, promising an auditory experience as refined as the visual.

Detail enhancement and color adjustments are central to the new 4K presentation. Contrasts appear marginally boosted, subtly enriching light areas against dark backdrops without compromising the film’s naturalistic palette. The overall color temperature sees a slight cooling, with specific scenes highlighting cooler skin tones or the steely-blue hues of backgrounds, exemplifying the nuanced approach to this restoration. Instances of increased warmth in other shots testify to the careful balancing act achieved in color grading. Additionally, the restoration benefits from an even and naturally moving grain structure that enhances detail without invoking an overly sharp or modern finish, respecting the film’s original grain patterns and period look.

Despite some disappointment voiced over the missed opportunity for employing HDR and a wider color gamut – enhancements that could arguably augment the film’s depth and shadow detail – the upgrade to 4K resolution is undeniably beneficial. Richer details and more defined grain structure enhance the viewing experience, offering a glimpse into the meticulous care taken with this restoration. The resultant image is commendable for its clarity, stability, and faithful adherence to Amenábar’s exacting standards, making it a significant step up from previous Blu-ray releases, albeit one that some may feel could have delved deeper with the utilization of current 4K capabilities.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Others" brings with it an auditory experience that is as nuanced as it is technically proficient, thanks to its new Dolby Atmos track. This advanced soundtrack preserves the integrity of the original lossless 5.1 audio but takes a significant leap forward in dynamic range and spatial clarity. From the softest whispers to sudden loud outbursts, the Atmos track excels, maintaining clear dialogue without any distortion or sibilance, even at low volumes. The inclusion of overhead channels adds a layer of depth to the soundstage, enhancing the ambience and immersing the viewer in the eerie atmosphere of the film. The fidelity of high frequencies and the precision of sound effects, like running footsteps, showcase the meticulous attention to detail in the audio mix. This Atmos track, while not a complete overhaul of the auditory experience, offers a discernible upgrade over previous releases, enriching every sonic element slightly more.

However, it's important to manage expectations regarding the overall sound design, which remains minimalistic. The film features long stretches of silence punctuated by quiet dialogue, a stylistic choice that may not fully exploit the dynamic range offered by Dolby Atmos. Users are advised to moderate their audio settings to balance the intense dynamic contrasts without overwhelming the subtlety of the film's quieter moments. The soundtrack's ability to transition smoothly between extremes of volume without any encoding issues is commendable, highlighting the clean source and technical prowess behind this release.

The Dolby Atmos track on "The Others" is more than an auditory enhancement; it's an expansion of the film's atmospheric presence. The slight echoes and spatial dimensionality afforded by this mix add layers of immersion, making the setting feel more expansive and engaging. Despite its occasional restraint due to the film's deliberate sound design choices, the Atmos track innovatively uses its multi-dimensional soundscape to breathe new life into this haunting tale. The technical excellence of this audio presentation, tested on advanced systems like a Denon AVR4300 with a 7.2.4 array of Kef speakers, confirms its status as a noteworthy improvement for audiophiles and cinephiles alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Others" comes with an impressive suite of extras that meticulously dissect the filmmaking process, from conception to post-production. The highlight is a new and insightful audio commentary by Alejandro Amenábar, revealing intricacies of the film's production, stylistic choices, and thematic depth. The disc also includes a plethora of interviews with the cast and crew, an in-depth conversation between Amenábar and critic Pau Gómez, and a comprehensive look back at the film featuring principal cast members. Additional archival content, such as on-set footage, art direction explorations, visual effects breakdowns, and soundtrack recording snippets, enrich the offering, alongside audition footage and deleted scenes. Noteworthy is the Criterion edition's exclusive content, presenting an unmatched value for collectors and fans interested in the extra dimensions of the movie's creation and its enduring impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Alejandro Amenábar provides an extensive commentary on the making of "The Others."
• Alejandro Amenábar and Pau Gómez: A deep dive conversation about the film's conception, production, and religious symbolism.
• A Look Back at The Others: Key figures including Amenábar and Nicole Kidman discuss their experiences working on the film.
• The Making of The Others: A mix of interviews, scouting, and raw footage offering insights into the film's production.
• On the Set: Observations on Amenábar's directorial approach during filming.
• Art Direction: Exploration of set design models and costume illustrations with Benjamin Fernandez's commentary.
• Visual Effects: A look at the digital effects with Felix Berger’s insights.
• Recording the Soundtrack: Behind-the-scenes footage of the soundtrack recording session.
• Photographing the Dead: Examination of one of the film's key props.
• Audition Footage: Archival footage from actors Alakina Mann and James Bentley’s audition session.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for "The Others".
• Leaflet: Includes an essay by Philip Horne and technical credits.

Alejandro Amenábar's "The Others," masterfully presented on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Criterion, serves as an epitome of gothic horror that transcends typical genre constraints, offering a deep, atmospheric exploration of grief and the ethereal. Set against the backdrop of a dimly lit, cavernous mansion in Jersey, 1947, the narrative centers on Grace (Nicole Kidman) and her photosensitive children, Anne (Alakina Mann) and Nicholas (James Bentley), enveloped in perpetual darkness due to their condition. The arrival of three mysterious servants marks the beginning of a series of spectral encounters that unravel the mansion's haunting history. Amenábar's direction excels in creating an immersive, chilling atmosphere through nuanced cinematography reminiscent of classic horror films and a minimalistic score that accentuates the story's melancholic tension.

At its core, "The Others" distinguishes itself by its profound narrative depth, where the hauntings serve not as mere scares but as manifestations of unresolved grief and denial. Amenábar crafts a meticulously paced tale that weaves thematic elements of loss and the spectral presence haunting the living, reminiscent of traditional Spanish gothic horror yet innovatively executed through modern cinematic techniques. Nicole Kidman delivers a compelling performance, embodying Grace's stoic desperation with a nuanced depth that anchors the film's emotional landscape. The film's thoughtful misdirections and intelligent structure invite audiences into a reflective journey, culminating in a narrative reset that redefines its preceding events.

Despite criticisms regarding the film's pacing and reliance on repetitive sequences to emphasize character dynamics, "The Others" remains a testament to Amenábar's ability to balance atmospheric storytelling with visually stunning cinematography. The 4K presentation enhances the visual and auditory experience, highlighting the film's sophisticated use of light and shadow to craft its haunting ambiance. While contemporary viewers might find the twist ending somewhat predictable due to its now-familiar trope, "The Others" still stands as a beautifully crafted ode to the classic elements of gothic horror, ensuring its place among the genre's most memorable cinematic experiences.

Alejandro Amenábar's "The Others," a film that stands out for its beguiling and spellbinding approach to the ghost story genre, has finally received a 4K UHD Blu-ray release that deserves attention. Noted for its departure from the mainstream horror trends of its time, the film delivers subtle, clever chills in a sedate manner, reminiscent of MR James' haunting literary quality. This new 4K restoration, while not showcasing a dramatic leap in audiovisual improvements typical of the 4K format, still manages to offer enhancements to both picture and sound. The release is further complemented by an array of excellent new supplements, making it a must-have for devotees of the film's nuanced storytelling, despite the need to temper expectations regarding the extent of its technical upgrade.

Criterion's 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo release of "The Others" presents a significant quality upgrade, with improvements that may surprise even the most ardent fans. Regarded as one of the top five 4K upgrades available on the market, this release delivers a more immersive viewing and listening experience, allowing viewers to appreciate the film's intricate details like never before. Although it falls short of incorporating HDR and the wider color gamut typical for 4K content, it remains a highly recommended purchase. The addition of newly produced and archival featurettes enriches the overall package, offering fans valuable insights into the making of this eerie masterpiece.

In conclusion, while "The Others" 4K UHD Blu-ray release might not redefine the standards for visual and auditory upgrades in the format, it significantly enhances one's appreciation of the film. Its subtle improvements in picture and sound quality, combined with a thoughtful selection of supplements, make it a worthy addition to any collector's library. Criterion has done justice to this quietly haunting film, ensuring that Nicole Kidman's captivating performance and Amenábar's masterful direction can be experienced afresh by both long-time admirers and newcomers to this chilling tale.