Jason Goes to Hell 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video’s 4K UHD release of "Jason Goes to Hell" offers both the 87-minute theatrical cut and the 91-minute uncut version, each on separate region-free UHD discs. Both presentations boast new 4K scans with Wide Color Gamut, HDR10, and Dolby Vision grading, representing a clear step up from prior editions. The transfer demonstrates notably refined film grain—tighter and less noisy than previous Blu-ray releases and the earlier Scream 2K scan. This improvement is particularly apparent in the film’s numerous shadow-filled and low-lit scenes, where increased nuance and depth are evident.

Color rendition benefits substantially from the Dolby Vision grade, offering more lifelike and vivid hues throughout. The elements themselves show improved condition as well, with a marked reduction in speckling and age-related artifacts compared to prior releases. The film’s iconic kills and practical effects gain added visual presence, with blood tones and effects rendered more striking and authentic. While the Dolby Vision application avoids excessive aggressiveness, its subtle enhancement of dark sequences is especially welcome. This new 4K transfer may not redefine what’s possible in the format but stands as a significant and worthwhile upgrade for this cult slasher entry, providing a clearly improved and engaging visual experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Jason Goes to Hell" offers viewers DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 audio options available for both the theatrical and unrated cuts. The 5.1 mix is notably immersive, capitalizing on discrete channel separation to provide engaging effects—especially during more visceral sequences, where squishy sound effects and dynamic elements, such as explosions and gore, are distributed with palpable energy around the soundstage. Dialogue reproduction is reliable, remaining clear and intelligible throughout even the film’s most hectic moments. The 2.0 option preserves the original stereo experience, which is competently rendered and faithful to the film’s legacy presentations.

The score by Manfredini, while not universally acclaimed, benefits from careful engineering, resting comfortably within the mix and neither overwhelming effects nor dialogue. Sonic details—particularly in moments of chaos—are crisp and distinct, allowing for an enveloping atmosphere during key sequences. Both tracks demonstrate quality consistency with prior high-definition releases while giving a slight edge in immersion and engagement, particularly in the multi-channel presentation. Ultimately, the DTS-HD MA tracks on this 4K UHD edition represent a robust audio upgrade, balancing fidelity and dynamic range without introducing distortion or compression artifacts.

Arrow Video has assembled an impressive and comprehensive collection of extras for the "Jason Goes to Hell" 4K UHD Blu-ray, blending newly produced material with significant archival content. The set serves both longtime fans and newcomers, offering a deep dive into the film’s legacy through multiple audio commentaries, in-depth interviews, and extensive galleries. While the disc does not address every audio track and subtitle option, its focus remains firmly on delivering value-added special features—an area where Arrow consistently excels. There is a clear emphasis on behind-the-scenes analysis and first-hand recollections from cast, crew, and creators, providing a multilayered understanding of both the production and the pop culture status of this divisive entry in the franchise.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction from Adam Marcus: Brief opening remarks from the film's director.
• Faces of Death: New interview with FX artist Robert Kurtzman.
• Undercover Angel: New interview with actress Julie Michaels.
• Mixing it Up: New interview with composer Harry Manfredini.
• The Gates of Hell: In-depth interview with director Adam Marcus.
• Jason vs Terminator: Interview with Adam Marcus on growing up with the Cunninghams.
• Uber-Jason: Interview with Kane Hodder, Jason’s actor.
• Friday the 13th Props: Showcase of memorable film props.
• Additional TV Footage with Optional Commentary: Alternate TV footage examined.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• TV Spots: Selection of TV advertisements.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of production stills.
• Posters & Behind-the-Scenes Gallery: Artworks and behind-the-scenes photos.
• Audio Commentaries: Multiple tracks, including two by Adam Marcus (with Peter Bracke, with Dean Lorey), and a new commentary with Michael Felsher and Steve Barton.

Jason Goes to Hell dramatically diverges from franchise expectations, blending wild, punk rock energy with a distinct disregard for the established Friday the 13th formula. Director Adam Marcus infuses the film with gory, outrageous practical effects—headed by KNB’s team—leading to memorable sequences featuring head cleaves, melting corpses, tentacled body horror, and an inventive government sting operation opening. The movie’s narrative is convoluted and chaotic, integrating elements from other horror properties such as a Necronomicon cameo and a “Man in Black” character, drawing on wider horror lore as both homage and pastiche.

While the film’s audacious swings deliver a feverish blend of blood and dark humor, many fans resent the minimal screen time afforded Jason Voorhees himself. The new mythology—Jason jumping bodies via a demonic heart and engaging in twisted family dynamics—removes much of the franchise’s hallmark tension and atmosphere. The absence of traditional slasher suspense is keenly felt, replaced instead by a barrage of bizarre plot developments and black-comic self-awareness. Supporting cast members bring personality—Steven Williams adds eccentricity as bounty hunter Creighton Duke—but core leads lack memorability.

Ultimately, Jason Goes to Hell is less an evolution than a radical genre experiment. Its breakneck pace and unapologetic mashup of horror conventions leave it enthralling in its own chaotic way, even as it forsakes scares and cohesion. This entry is undeniably provocative, often entertaining, but rarely feels like a true Friday the 13th. It’s an oddity that repels purists while commanding a cult fascination for its creative excesses.

Arrow Video’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of “Jason Goes to Hell” confidently positions this divisive Friday the 13th entry as a must-own for dedicated fans and genre collectors. The image quality benefits substantially from a new Dolby Vision master sporting wide color gamut and HDR, resulting in a clearer, tighter, and cleaner presentation. Colors are more natural and better balanced than previous editions, with a noticeable uptick in detail reproduction throughout the film. While the audio retains its legacy mix—yielding no significant changes or upgrades—the overall technical package is robust and faithful to its source, maintaining the established audio atmosphere of the original release.

Arrow continues its well-regarded approach to boutique releases by supplementing the package with a generous array of bonus features, combining both new content and archival materials carried over from earlier editions. This comprehensive extras suite significantly enriches the value for longtime franchise enthusiasts, even as the film remains something of an acquired taste due to its radical departure from the formulaic slasher roots of earlier Jason outings. The change in lore and style may polarize viewers, but for those willing to embrace its audacious spirit—or for collectors seeking completion—Arrow’s meticulous restoration delivers definitive home video treatment.

Ultimately, “Jason Goes to Hell” remains the franchise’s black sheep—a wild, experimental, and divisive chapter that’s earned both derision and cultish affection. Arrow Video’s 4K UHD edition cements its status as the best way to revisit or discover this oddball installment, pairing first-rate visual restoration with an impressive suite of bonus content. While its appeal is most potent for die-hard fans, this release ensures that “Jason Goes to Hell” receives the same care and respect afforded to the most beloved entries in the Friday the 13th legacy.