The Sadness 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Sadness's 4K UHD Blu-ray release offers a stellar 2160p HDR10 transfer that excels in preserving fine detail, from the intricate textures of facial pores to the layered complexities of gore makeup. The cinematography’s rich detail extends to both expansive rural landscapes and bustling cityscapes, capturing a sense of depth and dimension that enhances the overall viewing experience. The interior shots preserve the claustrophobic ambiance crucial to the film’s atmosphere. Colors are vividly rendered, particularly the bold reds associated with the film's frequent bloodletting, and the primary colors in signage and costumes are sharply defined. However, some scenes experience blown-out highlights, revealing potential limitations in the original cinematography. Blacks are generally deep, though instances of compression banding are noticeable sporadically.

Comparing this UHD release to previous iterations, this Shudder edition maintains a consistently robust bitrate, often peaking over 100mbps and holding steady averages in the mid-80 to 90mbps range, ensuring minimal clarity discrepancies. Facial features, the Taipei scenery, and the extensive gore effects are all rendered in sharp, crystal-clear detail, heightening the disturbing visual experience. HDR10 technology enhances the vibrancy of colors, particularly yellows and reds, with warmer tones dominating outdoor scenes and cooler blue tones providing contrast in indoor shots. Blood is rendered in a vivid crimson that’s realistically nauseating. Though there may be a slight darkening issue compared to other releases, it is subtle enough to be imperceptible to most viewers. Black levels are impressively deep and contribute effectively to the atmosphere, especially in scenes featuring the eerie eyes of the infected.

For those opting for the 1080p version, this release still impresses with its sharp and clear details. While lacking the nuance of the 2160p UHD transfer, it retains strong color performance and commendable black levels, although not as inky black, they sufficiently maintain the creepy ambiance and depth necessary for a satisfying viewing experience.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio mix for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Sadness" delivers an impressively balanced sonic experience. Dialogue exchange is crisp and clear, with a meticulous balance between quieter, more intimate scenes and the ferociously chaotic survival sequences. The audio design effectively leverages its surround capabilities, creating an immersive environment that thoroughly envelops the listener. The synth-heavy score is sharply articulated, adding a fresh layer to the atmosphere while the low-end frequencies provide impactful heavier beats and violence-infused hits.

Atmospherically, the audio captures the essence of community bustle and room tone, enhancing the realism of the various settings. The sound effects are distinct and visceral, particularly during scenes of mayhem and rampage. While some may lament the absence of a Dolby Atmos track, it's worth noting that the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix delivers a fully immersive auditory experience that meticulously balances quieter moments with intense sequences. The audio presentation excels in utilizing surround channels smartly, whether portraying a train filled with infected individuals or broadcasting eerie announcements over a loudspeaker, reverberating creepily through the soundscape. Dialog consistency remains impeccable, ensuring that every word is heard without issue.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray of "The Sadness" boasts an impressive array of extra content that provides deep insights into the film's production. The three audio commentaries are particularly notable, offering rich perspectives from director Rob Jabbaz, composers Tzechar, medical advisor Shu, and film critic Simon Abrams. A comprehensive interview with Jabbaz delves into his vision and the practical challenges he faced. Additional highlights include a color grading comparison, an award presentation from the Fantasia Festival, and focused behind-the-scenes featurettes. Samm Deighan's video essay on Taiwanese horror and two short films by Jabbaz further enrich the set. This well-rounded collection outshines other releases, ensuring a thorough understanding of the film's creative and technical endeavors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Rob Jabbaz & Composers Tzechar.
• Audio Commentary: Director Rob Jabbaz & Medical Advisor Shu.
• Audio Commentary: Film Critic Simon Abrams.
• Interview with Director Rob Jabbaz: In-depth discussion of the production process.
• Color Grading Comparison: Visual refinements by colorist Paul Hanrahan.
• Fantasia Festival Awards Presentation: Pre-show thoughts and award presentation.
• Behind the Scenes Featurettes: Various production insights.
• Rob Jabbaz Short Films: "Clearwater" and "Fiendish Funnies".
• The New Wave of Taiwanese Horror: Video essay by Samm Deighan.
• Theatrical Trailers: Four trailers showcasing the movie.

Rob Jabbaz's feature-length directorial debut, "The Sadness," charges headfirst into the zombie genre with a narrative deeply intertwined with contemporary anxieties about viral pandemics. Set against the backdrop of Taiwan, the story follows Jim (Berant Zhu) and Kat (Regina Lei) as they navigate a world abruptly upturned by the Alvin Virus, which transforms the infected into sadistic, unrestrained killers. Jabbaz meticulously orchestrates a series of visually arresting, gore-heavy sequences, setting a relentless pace once the virus takes hold. While the director excels in visceral horror, the film's pacing suffers as it transitions from one grotesque tableau to another without much concern for narrative cohesion or character depth.

The core relationship between Jim and Kat is intended to anchor the chaos; however, it ultimately falls flat. Their romance feels superficial, failing to evoke the required emotional investment. Performances from both leads are underwhelming, with Zhu's portrayal of Jim in particular lacking the intensity needed to drive their storyline. As the film bifurcates their journeys—Jim confronting the end of civilization and Kat struggling in confined spaces—the lack of an urgent and authentic connection between them becomes even more apparent, reducing their emotional stakes.

Jabbaz uses The Sadness as a canvas for extreme depictions of violence and depravity. His approach is reminiscent of Garth Ennis’s graphic novel "Crossed," manifesting in shockingly graphic scenes like The Businessman’s (Tzu-Chiang Wang) grotesque violence aboard a train. These unsettling sequences are well-executed but frequently overshadow the nascent socio-political commentary embedded in the narrative. While The Sadness attempts to unravel themes around human nature under duress, its primary focus remains on delivering outrageous horror spectacle, consolidating its identity as a harrowing yet imbalanced venture into pandemic-fueled madness.

The Sadness, directed by Rob Jabbaz, is a visually arresting and timely post-pandemic zombie film that delivers an unsettling experience. The technical achievements of the film are noteworthy, particularly given its limited budget. Jabbaz effectively leaves an impression with grotesque visuals that may vary in impact—ranging from shock and awe to unintentional humor. However, the film's narrative sometimes falters, as attempts to infuse social commentary about the COVID-19 pandemic and political ineptitude feel underdeveloped. The relationship dynamics between protagonists Jim and Kat lack the emotional depth needed to drive the story forward, resulting in a diluted sense of impending doom.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of The Sadness is meticulously designed to showcase the technical prowess behind the film. The visual presentation is top-tier, with sharp clarity and robust color grading that enhances the grisly atmosphere. The audio experience matches the immersive visual quality, fully capturing the chaotic soundscape of a world ravaged by infection. Special features on the disc provide valuable insight into the making of the film, offering a deeper appreciation for Jabbaz's creative vision and the work put into this horror spectacle.

Overall, The Sadness is a remarkable example of what can be achieved on a modest budget in genre filmmaking. While it might not fully capitalize on its thematic potential, its visceral impact and technical finesse make it a compelling addition to any horror enthusiast's collection. Jabbaz's work is commendable for its ambition and ability to elicit strong reactions, solidifying this release as an essential 4K UHD Blu-ray. Highly recommended for those seeking a distinct and daring cinematic experience.