Children of the Corn 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation of "Children of the Corn" courtesy of Arrow Video represents a significant upgrade from prior releases, bringing this cult horror classic into a new light, literally and figuratively. Enhanced by a 2160p resolution on a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by superior sound options (5.1 and 2.0 stereo), the restoration effort undertaken for this edition is commendable. The original 35mm camera negative was meticulously scanned at EFilm/Company 3, Burbank, and restored at R3store Studios, London, with the final grading process in HDR/Dolby Vision occurring at Silver Salt Restoration, London. Despite the potential divisiveness over the film's heavy and omnipresent grain, which at times gives it an almost 16mm appearance rather than its original 35mm, this version introduces marginally improved saturation and significantly enhanced detail levels in well-lit outdoor scenes, adhering closely to the original look and feel of the movie yet showing noticeable improvements in color timing and flesh tone naturalness compared to its 1080p predecessor.

Arrow’s new master of "Children of the Corn" brings forth a visual feast that respects the film’s Midwestern setting through a Dolby Vision HDR color palette that introduces warmth and boosts the energy of primary colors without compromising the natural aesthetic of the film stock. Black levels are particularly praised for their depth and solidity, contributing to an overall picture that is rich in contrast yet maintains excellent detail clarity in the Nebraskan landscapes and character features. This visual enhancement extends to the replication work, which, despite encountering initial spikes in grain resulting in a challenge for compression algorithms, ultimately succeeds in presenting fine grain that supports detail without succumbing to noise.

Moreover, the native 4K transfer based on a new restoration from the original camera negatives presents clearer lines and refined details across various scenes, improving upon the resolution significantly compared to previous editions. While there are instances of softness, particularly in poorly-lit interiors that also exhibit more pronounced grain, these moments are largely overshadowed by the striking clarity in brighter sequences showing clothing textures, foliage, and architecture. The Dolby Vision HDR not only enriches the color spectrum, enhancing reds and warm yellows, but also optimizes contrast and brightness balance. Despite some limitations in interior sequences appearing murkier than desired, the overall picture quality boasts an attractive film-like appeal with rich blacks and vivid whites adding depth and dimension to the viewing experience. This release is undeniably an advancement from its HD SDR counterpart, offering "Children of the Corn" fans plenty to admire and appreciate in its latest home video iteration.

The audio presentation for the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Children of the Corn" offers both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 mix, catering to diverse preferences. The 5.1 surround sound, while not consistently immersive, does an admirable job at positioning Jonathan Elias' score and environmental sounds from the cornfields with some enveloping qualities, especially during the film's climax which showcases robust low-end activity. Dialogue remains clean and well-prioritized across the board. Despite some criticisms about the lower frequencies in previous releases, this version seems to have refined the bass quality, eliminating distortion and enhancing listener pleasure without forsaking clarity.

However, it’s the LPCM 2.0 stereo mix that shines brighter, offering an exceptionally balanced and wide soundstage that leans on the warmth and intricate acoustical details in higher frequencies. The stereo track handles the film’s score with finesse, allowing for cleaner separation and a more controlled volume, thus avoiding the occasional overpowering of dialogue found in the 5.1 mix. While the bass in the surround sound track tends to be overpowering and less refined, the stereo mix provides a more natural and fitting bass presence, enhancing the overall audio experience without overwhelming the senses.

Critics and enthusiasts alike have noted that despite some minor discrepancies in sound design—such as the 5.1 mix's louder music levels which can occasionally overshadow dialogue clarity and a somewhat booming bass—the audio tracks offer appreciable qualities. The atmospherics in the surround mix lightly enhance the soundfield, adding a subtle layer of immersion. On the other hand, the stereo mix guarantees a more consistently pleasing auditory experience by maintaining a stronger balance between dialogue, music, and action, contributing to a sound presentation that almost passes for modern standards while still honoring the film's original auditory essence.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Children of the Corn" goes beyond a simple film presentation, offering an extensive suite of extras that enrich the viewing experience. Arrow Video has ported over a collection of supplements from their 2017 special edition Blu-ray, supplemented with a mix of archival and newly produced content without introducing new material for this release. Among the highlights are two audio commentaries that offer deep dives into the film’s production and impact, with one featuring director Fritz Kiersch and cast members, and another by a noted horror journalist alongside a film historian. Interviews with key players like Linda Hamilton, and retrospectives providing insight on the adaptation process, production challenges, and a revisitation of filming locations offer a comprehensive backdrop. A notable inclusion is the original short film adaptation, “Disciples of the Crow,” showcasing an earlier take on Stephen King’s story. Despite lacking new exclusive extras, this compilation is a well-rounded accompaniment to the film’s 4K presentation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary with Director Fritz Kiersch, Producer Terrence Kirby, and Actors John Franklin and Courtney Gains: Insightful commentary by key film personnel.
• Audio commentary with Justin Beahm and John Sullivan: A horror journalist and historian discuss the film's impact and details.
• Harvesting Horror: A retrospective look at the making of the film.
• It Was the Eighties!: Linda Hamilton discusses her experience working on the film.
• Return to Gatlin: A revisitation of the original shooting locations in Iowa.
• Stephen King on a Shoestring: Producer Donald Borchers talks about the challenges of adapting King's work on a limited budget.
• Welcome to Gatlin: Interviews with production designer Craig Stearns and composer Jonathan Elias.
• Cut from the Cornfield: An interview about the deleted "Blue Man" sequence.
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve: Features original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin.

In the isolated and eerie landscape of Gatlin, Nebraska, "Children of the Corn" unfolds as a young couple finds themselves embroiled in a nightmarish situation, discovering a town overridden by a deranged cult of children. These juvenile zealots have taken to heart the worship of a nebulous entity residing within the cornfields, committing heinous acts against all adults in a chilling demonstration of their twisted faith. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Arrow Video brings this harrowing tale into stunning clarity, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the unsettling atmosphere that the film meticulously crafts. The absence of a complementary 1080p Blu-ray in this release may raise eyebrows, but the sheer detail and depth afforded by the 4K presentation provide a compelling argument for its standalone offering.

The adaptation of Stephen King's short story ventures into the cinematic realm with varying degrees of success, bolstered by commendable performances from Linda Hamilton and Peter Horton. Despite its divergences from the source material, the film captures an intriguing essence of King's original narrative, blending suspense with a critique of blind faith turned malignant. The portrayal of religious zealotry through the lens of innocence corrupted resonates with a stark warning against ideological extremism. However, its impact is somewhat lessened by pacing issues and a lack of genuine scares, which could have lent more weight to its commentary on fanaticism and societal indoctrination.

Arrow Video's 4K UHD release excels in showcasing "Children of the Corn" with enhanced video and audio quality, even if it comes at the expense of supplementary content. The visual fidelity breathes new life into the film's rural American Gothic aesthetic, highlighting the grim reality of Gatlin's deserted streets and the pervasive sense of dread surrounding the cornfields. This clarity amplifies the film's thematic explorations of disillusionment with overbearing religious orthodoxy, echoing broader cultural anxieties of its era. Although it may not fully compensate for the film's narrative and directorial shortcomings, this presentation affirms "Children of the Corn" as an emblematic piece of 80s horror cinema worth revisiting for aficionados and new viewers alike.

Children of the Corn," while not Stephen King's most celebrated adaptation, holds a particular place in the horror genre, cultivating a steady cult following despite its myriad shortcomings and B-movie charm. This Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray release gifts the film an impressive revival, shining a new light on its low-budget roots. The restoration efforts are evident, presenting a striking Ultra HD video quality that leverages Dolby Vision HDR to enhance saturation and detail, breathing new life into the grain-heavy scenes which, while potentially divisive for purists, offers a visually richer experience than its 1080p predecessor. Accompanying the visual upgrade is a robust audio presentation, anchored by a pair of lossless tracks that immerse viewers deeper into the eerie ambiance of Nebraska's deadliest town.

The set's supplemental materials merit attention, echoing Arrow Video's commitment to enriching fan experiences. Beyond the high-definition upgrade, enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of a collectible booklet and a variety of extras ported over from the prior HD release, making this edition a comprehensive homage to the film's enduring legacy. Despite its admitted flaws and occasional veer into hyperbolic territory, performances from John Franklin and Courtney Gains, alongside its palpable mood, anchor the film firmly in the realms of cult status.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD release from Arrow Video does more than merely resurrect "Children of the Corn" for a new generation; it sanctifies it in a well-deserved high-definition glory. With a visually impressive presentation that significantly outpaces its Blu-ray ancestors and a collection of thoughtful extras, this package is an essential acquisition for die-hard fans and genre aficionados looking for a nostalgic trip into horror's past. It emerges as a strong recommendation, poised to captivate audiences with its quaint charm and resurrected vibranthood during any stormy, spine-tingling night.