The Crow 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD presentation of "The Crow" by Lionsgate Films offers an HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, enhanced with HDR and Dolby Vision support. The new transfer demonstrates a significant increase in fine detail over its 1080p counterpart, likely pointing to a 4K digital intermediate, although official details remain elusive. The film is characterized by intricate visuals, highlighted by cooler, slightly teal-toned highlights, and stylized scenes such as the almost pink via sepia-toned hideaway vignette. The integration of digital grain is more pronounced at this resolution, adding depth and texture, although some may find the yellowish tint in certain scenes questionable. Particularly gritty moments, such as the harrowing horse vignette, exhibit a heavier digital grain field that elevates the visual narrative.

Black levels in this transfer are profound and constant, essential in a film steeped in darkness. This iteration's visuals are strikingly improved compared to earlier formats plagued by compression issues and artifacting. It is especially noteworthy how the black levels enhance the rich detail and overall clarity of the darkest scenes, albeit with occasional instances that may verge on crush. The effective HDR grading assists in presenting bright whites and deep blacks, while maintaining well-saturated colors, providing ample attention to key primaries. Despite being embedded in dim and moody settings typical of the film's signature tone, the transfer supports sharp and clear detail in facial features, attire, and Eric's healing gore effects.

Despite its darker color palette, perceived by some as perhaps intentionally subdued or artfully somber, "The Crow" exhibits compelling depth and sharpness when not engulfed in shadows. While colors might appear muted and gloom-laden, possibly enhancing the film's brooding atmosphere, this 4K UHD edition nonetheless offers a visually engaging experience, celebrating the movie’s notable artistic intent through its refined video presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Crow" offers an intricately layered Dolby Atmos audio experience, maintaining consistent immersion throughout. The track effectively leverages side and rear channels to integrate ambient effects, such as the haunting calls of crows and the omnipresent patter of rain. While the overhead channels exhibit an intermittent activity mostly tied to aerial sequences, their presence enhances the overall soundscape's dimensionality. The track’s forceful midrange and low-end capabilities beautifully augment the film’s score while keeping dialogue crisp and easily discernible. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are thoughtfully included for accessibility.

Elevating the audio experience, the Atmos mix delivers palpable intensity, dynamically interacting with each scene’s unique ambiance. From the expansive echoing environment of a rehab facility to more constrictive and tense settings, the spatial audio direction allows viewers to feel physically encased in the narrative’s unfolding tension. Particularly noteworthy are action-heavy sequences, such as gunfights in restrictive spaces, where bullet sounds compellingly traverse across channels, effectively emulating movement from sides to rears and height speakers. This precision in channel utilization creates a thoroughly immersive audio presentation, masterfully balancing clarity and chaos.

The track demonstrates exceptional sound design with its vibrant dynamics. Instruments and effects bounce naturally from height channels down to surrounds, enriching pivotal moments. While the low-frequency extension could benefit from deeper bass during certain action scenes, it remains adequate for the film's needs. Surround channels primarily support the front soundstage, enhancing music, echoes, and supplementary effects. Distinctly focused on delivering dialogue with utmost clarity, this Atmos mix rationalizes its configuration by ensuring that every word resonates clearly. Overall, the Dolby Atmos track of "The Crow" succeeds in crafting an engaging auditory experience that compliments the film’s atmospheric and stylistic moody undertones.

Lionsgate's 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "The Crow" comes equipped with a robust collection of extras tailored for enthusiasts and film scholars. The standout feature is "True Love Never Dies: Making The Crow," a comprehensive, hour-long documentary that delves into the intricacies of the film's production through engaging interviews with the cast and crew. Despite occasional self-congratulatory overtones, it offers a detailed exploration of the production process. "Dark Romance: The Score" is a concise yet insightful piece examining Volker Betelmann's composition. "Reborn Through Revenge: Main Title Sequence" highlights the film's artistic opening credits. Additionally, "Every Film is a Miracle: A Tribute to Edward R. Pressman" honors the acclaimed producer, albeit with mixed reception. Deleted scenes and a theatrical trailer further enhance the package, presenting both superfluous and foundational insights into the film's development.

Extras included in this disc:

• True Love Never Dies: Making The Crow: In-depth documentary detailing the production process.
• Dark Romance: The Score: Examination of the film's score by Volker Betelmann.
• Reborn Through Revenge: Main Title Sequence: Analysis of the stylish opening credits.
• Every Film is a Miracle: A Tribute to Edward R. Pressman: Tribute to the legendary producer.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection of scenes that were not included in the final cut.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

Rupert Sanders' 2024 reimagining of "The Crow" struggles to escape the shadows of its predecessor, offering a cumbersome narrative and performances that lack chemistry. Despite creative ambitions, the film distances itself from the original's impact, primarily through a convoluted storyline that demands emotional investment yet offers little in return. Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs attempt to establish a doomed romance within a rehab setting, but their connection feels forced and the lack of genuine chemistry undermines the core emotional drive of the plot. Danny Huston's villainous Roeg, though potentially intriguing, falls short under familiar tropes and uninspired execution.

The film's structural issues are magnified by its attempt to incorporate supernatural elements and complex backstories, such as Roeg's pact with demonic forces. Unfortunately, these plot devices are poorly integrated, resulting in a cluttered narrative that struggles to find cohesive momentum. The screenplay's execution is marred by pedestrian dialogue and clumsy pacing, prolonging sequences that contribute little to character depth or tension. A brief homage to late producer Edward R. Pressman within the disc supplements proves more compelling, celebrating his illustrious career while inadvertently highlighting the remake's inadequacies.

Visually, the film delivers mixed results. While Skarsgård's portrayal occasionally commands attention with gothic intensity, the overwhelming darkness renders much of the cinematography indistinct. The sole standout action sequence, an opera house battle, captures the essence of what one would anticipate in a contemporary adaptation of "The Crow"—yet it stands isolated amidst otherwise mundane set pieces. The 4K UHD presentation serves this scene with precision, yet fails to elevate the overarching cinematic experience. Ultimately, this iteration of "The Crow" epitomizes a misstep in franchise filmmaking—adorned in artful ambition but filled with missed opportunities and squandered potential.

The 4K UHD release of "The Crow" brings an engaging mixture of experiences for viewers, both visually and aurally. While the storyline and character development fall short of expectations, with the iconic character showing up late and leading to an underwhelming narrative, the disc's technical achievements cannot be overlooked. The Dolby Vision transfer is exceptional, offering reference-quality visuals that enhance every meticulously crafted frame. The accompanying Dolby Atmos soundtrack further immerses the audience, enveloping them in the film’s signature baroque sound design that caters well to fans of intense auditory experiences.

Despite the storied history of "The Crow" franchise and its inconsistent sequels, this latest iteration provides a solid performance from Bill Skarsgård, although it struggles under the weight of its legacy. While he embodies the anti-hero effectively, the film fails to capture the captivating charm of its original predecessor, leaning heavily on a single remarkable action sequence that does not suffice as an anchor for the narrative. Moreover, while the bonus features don’t offer extensive insights, they provide enough supplementary content to feel worthwhile post-viewing.

In conclusion, this release stands out predominantly for its technical prowess rather than its storytelling depth. While it might not satisfy long-time fans seeking a narrative resurgence, its audiovisual quality makes it a noteworthy addition to your collection. It's a viable option for enthusiasts focusing on technical accomplishments and stylistic portrayals but is best approached with cautious optimism or perhaps a trial viewing via streaming services prior to purchase.