The Substance 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Substance" delivers a visually stunning presentation, seamlessly integrating a multitude of digital shooting resolutions ranging from 4.5K to 8K, with a 2K and 4K Digital Intermediate (DI) forming the base for this Ultra High Definition format. Presented in a 3840 x 2160p resolution and maintaining the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1, the disc employs 10-bit video depth alongside High Dynamic Range (HDR), a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec for enhanced Dolby Vision and HDR10 support. The image fidelity is impeccable, offering pin-sharp clarity throughout; it captures even the most minute details such as skin textures, clothing weaves, and complex lighting effects with astonishing precision.

Colors are rendered with exceptional depth and authenticity due to the meticulous Dolby Vision mastering. The spectrum ranges from vivid studio lights and natural flesh tones to striking oranges, pinks, and blues that appear rich and lifelike. While saturation occasionally approaches the border of excess with notable sun-blasted flesh tones, it remains dedicated to the director’s original vision, thereby supporting a faithful cinematic experience. Blacks are robust and free of crushing, maintaining intricate shadow details across varying scenes. Importantly, there are no detectable compression artifacts like banding or blocking, which contributes to the overall pristine quality of this transfer.

This release stands out for its meticulous rendering of intricate textures, whether on soft surfaces like skin or hard materials like fabrics and environmental elements. Close-ups reveal unfathomable details consistent with hyper-realistic imagery, which enhances both beauty and narrative discomfort in equal measure. The consistency and attention to visual detail ensure that MUBI's "The Substance" will be heralded as a benchmark UHD release in delivering cinema-quality experiences at home.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of "The Substance" is a resounding success, offering a compelling auditory journey through its unconventional and eerie score. The audio presentation makes full use of all speakers to create an immersive experience, with deep and tight bass adding a crucial layer of intensity. The atmospheric surround effects, especially during pivotal scenes like crowded streets or climactic confrontations, are masterfully executed. The track is marked by a pristine separation of elements, providing crystal-clear dialogue that maintains clarity and accuracy even amidst chaotic environments. Every sound is precisely placed, yielding a track that balances between intense and disturbing with clinical precision.

Immersive detail defines this audio track, rendering it both aggressive and enveloping. From the very start, the soundscape is infused with a growing ferocity that escalates alongside the narrative's tension. The LFE output is assertive, punctuating the score and visceral sound effects with substantial weight. The activity in the rear speakers enhances this intensity, capturing an array of sounds from frantic action sequences to the unsettling ambiance of crowded or chaotic settings. Directionality stands out with its precision, taking listeners on a journey with violent yet smoothly executed pans. Moreover, the dialogue remains sharp and intelligible despite the film's loud and often unpredictable volume dynamics. The nuanced execution across all facets of sound creates a remarkable listening experience that perfectly complements the film's thematic elements.

The Extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc of "The Substance" appear to be underwhelming, offering minimal additional content. The inclusion is limited to one featurette, which has been reportedly problematic for some users, encountering errors when selected. It's a missed opportunity to expand on the film's universe or offer greater insight into its production. The presentation is technically average and does not seem to add any significant value to an otherwise anticipated release for collectors and fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Featurette: Described as an underwhelming addition, with some users experiencing errors upon attempting to access it.

"The Substance" is a cinematic exploration that keenly juxtaposes the brilliance of structured storytelling with audacious thematic exploration. Coralie Fargeat, the director, crafts scenes that resonate with a constructed artfulness, seamlessly integrating narrative coherency with dramatic potency. The film opens with a striking sequence, defining its arc from novelty to decay, capturing themes of aging, misogyny, and self-identity. Demi Moore excels as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood star entwined in a battle of identities, both physically and emotionally taxing. The amalgamation of Fargeat's Kubrickian influences and bold narrative choices engenders a vivid, almost surreal canvas that captivates even in its most outlandish moments, such as the climactic crescendo that leaves a lasting impact.

Denis Quaid's portrayal of Harvey mirrors the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, a caricature of exploitation and decay. The plot weaves a dark fairy tale around youth and identity, as Moore’s Elisabeth navigates the harrowing effects of "The Substance," a biochemical elixir promising youth but delivering psychological and physical disarray. Margaret Qualley, as Sue, delivers a compelling performance that embodies youthful defiance and sinister ambition, ultimately in eternal conflict with her older self. The film’s approach to these themes is not merely surface-level but an incisive examination of vanity and self-obsession, delivered through an unabashedly grotesque lens.

"The Substance" transforms its body horror elements into an allegory for personal and societal decay. With intensely visceral scenes, it pushes boundaries to shock but also reflect deeper truths about age and self-worth. Fargeat balances chaos with meticulous direction, ensuring each scene contributes to a cohesive examination of identity struggle. Moore and Qualley encapsulate this ferocity of narrative eloquently, driving the film's momentum with performances that neither relent nor retreat from the potent discomfort they manifest.

Coralie Fargeat's "The Substance" stands out as a bold and provocative film, acclaimed not only for its challenging narrative but also for its technical prowess in the 4K UHD format. The film's narrative audaciously confronts societal norms surrounding the portrayal and ageism of women, delivered through a meticulously crafted cinematic experience inspired by the likes of Kubrick. The 4K transfer from Mubi showcases a clean and vibrant visual presentation, characterized by meticulous detail and robust color grading. While blacks maintain a solid depth, a slight improvement in the white scale could enhance the overall visual impact.

From an audio perspective, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is immersive, offering a bombastic and bass-rich experience that effectively utilizes the surround environment. Each sound becomes crisp and clear, complementing the intense narrative. Though the extra features may not add significant value, the film alone stands as a compelling reason to invest in this release.

In conclusion, "The Substance" not only succeeds as a horror narrative but also demands recognition for its technical presentation on 4K UHD. This blend of engaging storytelling with vibrant visual and audio execution places it amongst elite horror films deserving of critical acclaim. For those willing to embrace its message, "The Substance" proves an unforgettable cinematic experience that cannot be overlooked. Available to own from Mubi Video on March 31, 2025, this release comes highly recommended for dedicated cinephiles seeking substance in both narrative and presentation.