Evil Dead Rise 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Evil Dead Rise" offers an exceptional video presentation rooted in a solid digital foundation, courtesy of the Arri Alexa Mini LF capture and 4.5K native image processing. Delivering a native 3840 x 2160p resolution in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the video benefits significantly from 10-bit video depth and HDR10 grading, all encoded efficiently using the HEVC/H.265 codec. The film's distinctively dark aesthetic is perfectly translated onto this disc, with measured light levels peaking at 608 nits and a Max Frame Average Light Level hitting just 70 nits. Despite its inherent darkness, the HDR grade extracts every nuanced shade between black and gray, ensuring shadow detail remains robust. Bright light sources gently punctuate scenes, enhancing contrast without diminishing the atmospheric gloom. Colors, although sparse and subdued, appear rich and saturated when they do emerge. Critically, the demanding visuals maintain high bit rates averaging in the 70s mbps, ensuring stability and clarity throughout.

This dark and atmospheric presentation thrives on careful handling of black levels and contrast ratios, which are pivotal to maintaining the film’s intended aesthetic. The native 4K image excels in rendering fine textures and details—even in the dimmest settings—showcasing intricate elements like facial features, practical effects makeup, and scene-specific touches such as blood splatter and charred environments. The absence of film grain contributes to an exceptionally clean image, albeit with a slightly more digital feel that aligns with its source material. High dynamic range further enhances both natural and artificial lighting effects, with flashes from torches and fire scenes delivering strikingly vivid highlights. The elevated black levels deeply immerse viewers, revealing shadow details without perceptible crush or bloom issues.

For fans who appreciate their visuals veiled in darkness, the visual treatment of "Evil Dead Rise" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a testament to expert execution under challenging conditions. Its robust HDR implementation makes significant strides over the 1080p Blu-ray counterpart, mitigating common pitfalls like banding and shadow crush. The UHD disc excels in separation and depth despite the minimalist color palette, drawing viewers into its grim world with clarity and precision. This meticulously presented 4K transfer is a rewarding choice for enthusiasts seeking to experience this film's haunting visual narrative in its full glory.

The Dolby Atmos track on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Evil Dead Rise" is an audiophile's dream come true. From the opening studio logos, the surround sound design immediately grips the listener, deploying an omnidirectional audio assault that replicates a theatrical experience, using every available channel with exceptional precision. The overhead channels are employed to great effect, delivering chilling ambient sounds and shocking spot effects that immerse the listener fully. The mix is ferociously dynamic, with whisper-quiet scenes punctuated by sudden, terrifying crashes and screams that deliver palpable tension and intensity. The music and sound effects are seamlessly integrated, washing over the entire soundstage in a breathtakingly cohesive manner.

The low-frequency extension (LFE) is equally brutal and precise, doling out punishing waves of bass that never feel boomy or overpowering. It evokes a claustrophobic atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's eerie and oppressive tone. Vocals are consistently clear and crisp throughout, an essential feature given the film's dialogue-heavy moments. The surround channels teem with ambient energy and discrete sound effects, creating an immersive and eerie environment that keeps listeners on edge. The soundtrack showcases a vast frequency range, with deep bass, sparkling highs, and everything in between offering a comprehensive workout for any audio setup.

Overall, the Dolby Atmos mix of "Evil Dead Rise" sets a new benchmark for home cinema audio tracks. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it features playful volume levels and dramatic layering that enhance jumps and intensify scenes to their fullest potential. This mix delivers an exceptionally engaging auditory experience that is not just heard but felt, radiating dread and menace from all angles. Whether it’s the low-end bass during supernatural sequences or nuanced ambient sounds capturing eerie quietness, this Dolby Atmos track transforms "Evil Dead Rise" into a must-have for any serious home theater enthusiast.

The UK Studiocanal release of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Evil Dead Rise" stands out with its inclusion of a few but quality extras, setting it apart from other Warner Bros. editions that offer none. Among these, Lee Cronin’s audio commentary is the highlight, providing an enthusiastic and insightful track detailing the production's intricacies and franchise Easter eggs. Additionally, the short film "Ghost Train" serves as a compelling and atmospheric piece from Cronin, showcasing his adept storytelling in a chilling 16-minute runtime. While not overflowing with content, these extras carry significant value, making this edition a desirable one for fans of the franchise.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Lee Cronin, offering detailed and engaging insights into the production.
• Ghost Train (Short Film): An eerie chiller about two men revisiting an abandoned fairground.

Evil Dead Rise successfully reinvigorates the legacy of the original Evil Dead franchise while confidently transitioning the horror into an urban setting. Director Lee Cronin maintains a claustrophobic, intense atmosphere once the plot leaves behind the familiar woods and relocates to a soon-to-be-condemned apartment building in Los Angeles. The film opens with a disjointed prologue set in a cabin, but it quickly switches to the core story involving two estranged sisters, Beth (Lily Sullivan) and Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland). The narrative kicks into gear when an earthquake exposes a hidden basement containing the infamous Necronomicon and vinyl records that, when played, release the demonic forces.

The pacing initially stumbles, with the first act dedicated to introducing the family dynamics and neighbors. However, once Ellie becomes possessed, Cronin unleashes a relentless torrent of gore and terror. The film utilizes practical effects and make-up brilliantly, with inventive use of household items for gut-wrenching scenes. Alyssa Sutherland’s performance as the possessed Ellie is particularly noteworthy, blending dark humor with menacing horror. The film also incorporates subtle nods to previous Evil Dead entries while creating its own identity through gruesomely creative set pieces and a thick sense of dread.

Despite its slower start, Evil Dead Rise shines in its second and third acts with blood-soaked sequences and strong performances, especially from Sullivan and Sutherland. Though it lacks the dark comedy typical of earlier franchise installments, Evil Dead Rise compensates with its high-stakes family drama and brutal, unrelenting horror. The film revitalizes franchise elements like the Necronomicon and provides ample fan service without feeling forced or overdone. It stands as a solid addition to the Evil Dead saga, ensuring its enduring appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers.

"Evil Dead Rise" strikes a balance between honoring the franchise's roots while injecting fresh energy into its formula. Directed and written by Lee Cronin, this latest entry stands out with its commitment to gut-wrenching gore and an oppressive atmosphere. The movie delivers tight pacing and riveting performances, notably Alyssa Sutherland's frenetic portrayal. Although the bookending segments could be considered superfluous, the main narrative keeps viewers engaged with its unique twists on classic horror tropes. Fans of the franchise will appreciate its familiar yet novel direction, while newcomers need no prior knowledge to dive right in.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Warner Bros. offers a praiseworthy A/V experience. The 2.39:1 HEVC video quality captures the film's visual darkness effectively, while the Dolby Atmos audio track stands out, potentially even surpassing recent high-profile releases. Despite the complete lack of bonus material in the domestic version, the U.K. SteelBook edition by StudioCanal fills this gap with some engaging extras, including insightful commentary. This release ensures that both hardcore aficionados and casual viewers are treated to an immersive sensory experience, making the omission of extras in some editions a minor drawback.

Cronin demonstrates he can absolutely walk where Raimi and Alvarez have walked before. This Evil Dead is a bloody good time, capturing the strange tone of the franchise – how can something so violent, so despicably nasty, be so…fun? – wonderfully. It’s not got the quirky goofball humor of Raimi and its not quite as malevolent as Alvarez, but it brings the franchise back to life in a rip-roaring, crowd-pleasing way. So long as your crowd doesn’t mind all that blood…StudioCanal’s 4K disc delivers an outstanding, demo-worthy audio track and deals with all that tricky darkness admirably. So Deadite fans, rest assured, you’re in safe hands here.