Child's Play

Released by Shout Factory in 2019, "Child's Play" marks its 4K UHD debut in a striking manner, boasting a 2160p HEVC / H.265 encoded video with the original cinematic aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The visual upgrade is substantial when compared to its Blu-ray predecessor, featuring HDR enhancements in both HDR10 standard and Dolby Vision. This new master, derived from a fresh 4K digital intermediate, showcases an exceptional clarity and depth, elevating the film’s darker cinematography through the adept use of Dolby Vision. Despite being portrayed as a modest step up by some, it’s undeniably a notable advancement with its refined texture, especially evident in close-up shots where facial details are outstandingly clear, and mid-range shots maintain this high level of performance.

The color palette benefits significantly from the HDR grading, taking on a boldness that adds a new dimension to the visual narrative. Colors are more vibrant, with primaries popping in a way they didn't before, thus enhancing the creepiness of Chucky's eyes and the overall vividness of his costume. The transfer excels in delivering deeper, more consistent black levels that contribute to an impressive depth and shadow detailing, preserving detail even in the darkest scenes. The balance of contrast and brightness is meticulously managed, optimizing the visibility within dense shadows while maintaining brilliant whites and preventing details from being lost in specular highlights.

However, despite these visual enhancements and a largely faultless presentation, there are occasional minor issues such as slight aliasing along sharp edges. Nonetheless, these do not detract significantly from what is otherwise an exceptional video presentation. The Dolby Vision HDR brings a lively and richly-saturated color spectrum to the forefront, making the background pop with animated hues that energize the visuals. In conjunction with cleaner whites and more delineated details in both bright and dark areas, "Child's Play" in 4K UHD elevates the viewing experience, rendering it a visually compelling upgrade from previous releases.

The audio presentation of the "Child's Play" 4K UHD Blu-Ray release showcases a meticulously crafted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound mix, which also includes an alternative DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The entirety of the lossless audio is delivered in 24-bit high-resolution, promising an exceptionally crisp, clear, and immersive listening experience. Noteworthy is the dynamic range of the surround sound, accentuated by expertly mixed sound effects and design that remain actively engaging throughout the film. This impeccable sound mixing is complemented by a score that benefits from a broader soundstage, while ambient sounds and detailed audio flourishes showcase the high-fidelity track as a standout feature.

Improvements are subtly interwoven into the soundscape, presenting moments of impactful low-end sounds such as a body impacting a car or the tangible crunch of metal during a crash, adding a tangible depth to the audio experience. Voices and other sounds occasionally utilize the rear channels effectively, creating a more enveloping atmosphere. This is particularly evident in scenes that skillfully stretch stereo sounds across the front channels to enhance spatial dimensions within rooms, culminating in a finale where drones buzz and slice through the air, showcasing fun and engaging use of surround sound capabilities.

The mix excels in creating a well-prioritized, discernable dialogue amidst chaotic scenes, maintaining clear and distinct imaging even during intense action sequences. The clean, extensive mid-range coupled with occasional ambient effects transitioning smoothly into surrounds adds to the expansive soundfield, enveloping listeners particularly during the climactic department store scene. Utilization of Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X up-mixing functions extends the atmospheric sounds into overhead channels, effectively broadening the sonic environment and adding an intriguing layer to the already robust lossless mix, affirming this audio track as a compelling companion to the 4K visual presentation.

The 4K UHD release of "Child's Play" stands out as a definitive version for fans and newcomers alike, particularly because it not only embraces the movie's horrifying charm through a brand new 4K restoration but also enhances viewer engagement with a comprehensive suite of extras. Noteworthy is that the extras are contained on the included Blu-ray, allowing those without immediate access to 4K UHD playback to still benefit from the enriched viewing experience. The highlight is undoubtedly the insightful and sole extra on the 4K disc itself—an audio commentary by Director Lars Klevberg—which provides an in-depth look behind the film's creation. Accompanied by a collection of new and engaging interviews with key cast members and the production designer offering fresh perspectives, alongside concise yet informative making-of snippets, quirky claymation shorts, and a visually intriguing still gallery, this array of supplements makes for a compelling reason to upgrade or dive into the franchise.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Lars Klevberg: In-depth insights from the director’s perspective.
• A New Start: An engaging interview with actor Gabriel Bateman.
• Head of the Patch: Insights from actor David James Lewis.
• A Beautiful Darkness: Production Designer Dan Hermansen shares his experiences.
• The Making of Child's Play: A quick look at the film's production.
• Bringing Child's Play's Chucky to Life: Focus on special effects and animatronics.
• Soundtrack Trailer: A teaser featuring the film's music.
• Lee Hardcastle Claymations: A pair of entertaining claymation shorts; "Toy Massacre" and "A.I. Mayhem".
• Still Gallery: A collection of 12 slides showcasing movie stills and behind-the-scenes photos.
• Theatrical Trailer: The official movie trailer.

"Child's Play" (2019) resurrects the quintessential horror saga with a modern twist, venturing into a realm where artificial intelligence poses a sinister threat. This reboot, steered by Lars Klevberg, diverges from the supernatural origins of Chucky, offering instead a narrative deeply entrenched in contemporary fears surrounding technology's pervasive influence. The screenplay by Tyler Burton Smith ambitively melds horror with a satirical examination of AI and consumer culture, articulated through the lens of a seemingly innocuous doll turned malevolent by a glitch in its AI system. The film stars Gabriel Bateman, Aubrey Plaza, and features a commendable voice performance by Mark Hamill as Chucky, whose role breathes new life into the iconic character with a blend of humor and horror.

From a production viewpoint, "Child's Play" emanates quality and creativity. The cinematography by Brendan Uegama elevates the film's aesthetic, crafting visually compelling frames that complement the dark narrative underpinning the story. The production design and costumes further enhance the ambiance, creating a cohesive visual palette that immerses viewers into Chucky’s unsettling world. Bear McCreary’s score artfully underscores the film's suspenseful and eerie atmosphere, enriching the viewing experience with a fittingly macabre soundtrack.

Despite its polished execution and innovative angle on AI gone awry, the film grapples with its balance of satire and horror, occasionally veering into territories that may not resonate with all audiences. The shift from supernatural to technological horror is ambitious but has been met with mixed reactions for its heavy-handed commentary and at times, inconsequential plot developments. Nevertheless, "Child's Play" stands out for its superb visual flair and a fresh take on a beloved horror franchise, even if it stumbles in fully realizing its ambitious critique on technology's dark potential in the modern age.

The 2019 reboot of "Child's Play" brings a modern twist to the chilling tale, intertwining the horrors of technology with the classic frights of its psychopathic, AI-driven doll, Chucky. While it diverges from the original's voodoo origins, replacing them with a narrative focused on artificial intelligence, the film captivates with its satirical edge and is bolstered by standout performances, notably Gabriel Bateman and Mark Hamill's unnervingly voiced Chucky. This update does polarize opinion; it's seen as a refreshing take for some and a misstep for others due to a lack in traditional horror elements and satirical depth. However, what unanimous agreement is found in is the quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation.

The technical delivery of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray is notable. It provides an excellent visual and auditory experience. The 2160p video quality upgrades are praised across the board for their clarity and depth, enriching the viewing experience dramatically. The combination of Dolby Vision HDR presentation with a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack ensures that both visual and audio aspects are delivered to an impressive standard. The inclusion of new and legacy supplemental features adds valuable context and enjoyment for fans, making this edition an enticing proposition for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In conclusion, despite the division in opinion regarding the film's thematic execution and its effectiveness as a horror satire, "Child's Play" (2019) on 4K UHD is a compelling acquisition for those who appreciate high-definition horror. The technical enhancements alone make it a noteworthy addition to any collection, especially for the devoted fans of the franchise. The package offers a significant upgrade over previous formats, ensuring that this modern reimagining of Chucky can be experienced in the best quality possible, with all the gory detail and nuanced performances shining through in this vivid format.