Evil Dead Rise 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Evil Dead Rise" on 4K UHD Blu-ray, shot on the advanced Arri Alexa Mini LF at a 4.5K native resolution, is translated onto a 4K digital intermediate flawlessly. This release maintains a native 3840 x 2160p resolution with a theatrical 2.39:1 aspect ratio, employing HDR10 for depth and detail in its dark, stylistically gruesome visuals. With an encoding using the HEVC/H.265 video codec, the disc showcases deep blacks and shadows without sacrificing clarity or detail, notably in its darker scenes that are pivotal to the film's atmospheric tension. The HDR enhancement masterfully balances the film's intense darkness with sharp contrast during bright points, like fire and artificial lighting, bringing out vibrant colors in an otherwise muted palette, particularly in scenes of fiery orange and bluish-green tints that enrich the thematic tone of the movie.

Despite its very dark design, often described as "David Fincher Dark," the presentation excels in shadow detail and black level purity, critical for maintaining the film's intended bleakness without loss to visibility. The disc handles the challenging material with care, presenting a crisp image where even the finest textures in makeup and the environment are discernible, benefiting greatly from its true 4K source. The addition of HDR brings out subtle details and color variations, especially in dimly lit scenes, enhancing the visual experience significantly over potential 1080p counterparts. This contributes to a well-rounded and immersive viewing experience, showcasing the film's stylistic choices without compromise.

The technical prowess of the Blu-ray engineering shines in maintaining natural skin tones and detailed practical effects under varied lighting conditions. The treatment of colors—ranging from blood reds to the cool tones of the eerie settings—displays a rich depth, showcasing vivid details and a dynamic range that respects the original artistic vision. The disc performance is marked by consistent clarity and the absence of noise or artifacts, making "Evil Dead Rise" a standout example of how 4K UHD can elevate horror cinematography in the home theater space. Though it might not be demo material for every viewer due to its intentional darkness, it demonstrates admirable finesse in handling complex visual material, making it a worthy addition for fans seeking the most authentic rendition of the film's dark aesthetic.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos mix, Evil Dead Rise offers an unparalleled audio experience that profoundly enhances the horror genre with its meticulous sound design. The soundtrack expertly employs all available channels, creating an oppressive ambiance that augments the film's tension and dread. Notably, the use of height channels not only adds to the atmospheric immersion by incorporating elements like whispers, demonic voices, and the unsettling rustle of debris but also contributes to a comprehensive use of the soundstage that envelops the listener in a cocoon of sound. The agile employment of back, side, and overhead speakers, along with the LFE channel, maintains a consistently claustrophobic atmosphere, reaching climax points during scenes of supernatural chaos and the generally eerie quietude of the film's many suspenseful moments.

The intricate detailing in the audio mix ensures a demonstration-quality experience that impresses with its clarity and dynamic range. From whisper-quiet sequences that suddenly explode into full-bodied soundscapes, the transition is seamless, showcasing the mix's agility and depth. Every audio element, from the subtlety of ambient sounds to the forceful impact of jump scares, is rendered with precision, ensuring that dialogues remain crystal clear amidst the cacophony. The soundtrack makes expansive use of its frequency range, from deep, rumbling lows that challenge any subwoofer to sparkling highs that maintain their crispness without becoming shrill.

Evil Dead Rise's soundtrack is not just an exercise in loudness but also a tightly controlled exploration of sound as an essential element of storytelling. The engaging low-frequency effects punctuate the narrative's more intense moments without overwhelming them, creating a compelling audio narrative that complements the visual horror unfolding onscreen. The craftsmanship behind this Atmos track demonstrates a profound understanding of how to utilize sound to elevate cinematic horror, making this 4K UHD Blu-Ray audio presentation a must-have for aficionados seeking to push their home theater systems to the limit.

In the landscape of dwindling bonus features for home media releases, the UK Studiocanal release of "Evil Dead Rise" on 4K UHD Blu-ray distinguishes itself modestly from its Warner Bros. counterparts worldwide. While not overflowing with extras, it provides a glimmer of added value with a couple of noteworthy inclusions. The package contains an insightful audio commentary by director Lee Cronin, whose passion and keenness for the franchise shine through as he delves into the complexities of the shoot and sprinkles in franchise Easter Eggs, making for an engaging listen. Accompanying this is the short film "Ghost Train," a chilling tale of two men uncovering past horrors in an abandoned fairground, showcasing Cronin's adept storytelling. Despite the sparse selection, these features offer a significant upgrade over other releases which sorely lack any additional content, echoing a sentiment of frustration among fans with the increasing scarcity of legacy extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Lee Cronin.
• Ghost Train Short Film: A chilling narrative following two men exploring an eerie, abandoned fairground.

Evil Dead Rise" takes a gritty, blood-soaked journey far from its cabin-in-the-woods origins, morphing into a claustrophobic nightmare set against the grim backdrop of a soon-to-be-demolished Los Angeles apartment building. Director Lee Cronin adeptly shifts the franchise's traditional setting while honoring its roots, presenting a tale of two estranged sisters, Beth (Lily Sullivan) and Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland), whose familial reunion spirals into a horrific struggle against demonic forces. The introduction, while a tad slow, builds tension and acquaints audiences with the dynamics of a fractured family, setting the stage for an unrelenting showdown against evil. The film commendably balances the needs of die-hard franchise fans and newcomers alike, retaining essential elements of horror and gore that define the "Evil Dead" series.

Once "Evil Dead Rise" shakes off its initial sluggishness with the discovery of the infamous Necronomicon in a hidden basement, it unleashes a relentless barrage of gore, inventive kills, and palpable dread. Cronin's use of a cramped, dark setting injects a fresh sense of claustrophobia into the franchise, turning mundane apartment spaces into arenas of terror. The performances, notably Alyssa Sutherland's as Ellie, are commendable, effectively blending the grotesque transformations and dark humor that are franchise hallmarks. The film skillfully employs practical effects to deliver gruesomely innovative death scenes reminiscent of horror classics, providing a visceral viewing experience that is both repulsive and riveting.

"Evil Dead Rise" does more than just rehash familiar tropes; it delves into the emotional turmoil and resilience of its protagonists, adding depth to the rampant chaos. The interplay between Beth and Ellie adds a compelling layer to the narrative, transforming the Deadite menace into a metaphor for familial bonds tested by unimaginable horror. While criticisms can be leveled at its pacing and some plot choices, the film ultimately stands as a brutal, exhilarating addition to the "Evil Dead" franchise. Cronin's vision breathes new life into the series, promising a future where the evil lurking in shadows can find its way into any dwelling, no matter how high-rise or urban.

Lee Cronin's addition to the iconic "Evil Dead" franchise, "Evil Dead Rise," emerges as a well-crafted continuation, bridging the legacy of its predecessors with a fresh narrative and visual prowess. Nestled within Warner Bros.' Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital Combo Pack, this installment showcases excellent overall video quality, adeptly handling the franchise's signature dark visuals while providing a demo-worthy audio experience that truly shines in Dolby Atmos. The film itself, situated aptly within its lineage, presents a gripping yet gruesomely delightful spectacle, combining tight pacing and Alyssa Sutherland's remarkable performance with a relentless commitment to gore and a dense, ultra-bleak atmosphere.

Cronin manages to walk the delicate balance between homage and innovation, expanding upon the series' lore and delivering the expected visceral thrill without skimping on the sadistic joy inherent to the "Evil Dead" experience. While the movie diverges from its traditional cabin setting, it retains its core essence through gooey, dark comedic elements and a clear dedication to blood-curdling horror. However, the release does not come without its flaws; the notable absence of bonus materials on the domestic release is a significant shortcoming, though the UK SteelBook edition offers some solace with its limited extra content, including valuable commentary tracks that aficionados of the series will appreciate.

In conclusion, "Evil Dead Rise" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise, offering both newcomers and seasoned fans a compelling reason to revisit the horrors and hilarity of "Evil Dead." While the film excels in its audio-visual presentation, the sparse extras leave a noticeable gap in an otherwise stellar release. As such, it can be recommended with reservations; enthusiasts should keep an eye out for sales or consider international options for a more complete package. Despite these drawbacks, Cronin's entry reinvigorates the franchise with necessary verve, ensuring its rightful place among its illustrious predecessors and affirming its status as a must-see for horror devotees.