Constantine: City of Demons 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner's release of "Constantine: City of Demons" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a consistency seen in DC's direct-to-video animations, with both 2160p, HEVC/H.265-encoded UHD and 1080p Blu-ray versions offering up a visual feast that befits the dark, mystical world of John Constantine. Despite minimal improvements in terms of raw detail over its Blu-ray counterpart, as the source animation doesn't contain additional details for the 4K up-conversion to unveil, the real star of the upgrade is the HDR enhancement. Scenes awash in darkness—be they in basements, slaughterhouses, or abandoned churches—are imbued with an improved contrast that reveals hidden nuances without sacrificing the intended obscurity. This results in images where figures and elements in the shadows become distinctly visible, enhancing the overall viewing experience by adding a subtle depth and vividness previously lacking.

Furthermore, the UHD version enhances the film's already impressive color palette. Dark scenes dominate, reflecting the moody aesthetic of Constantine's underworld, yet when colors such as the red of demon eyes or the varied hues of spells break through, they do so with a refined intensity. Neon lights in a bar scene or the mystical glow of arcane energies are particularly striking, benefiting greatly from the powerful HDR enhancement. Such segments not only bolster color and contrast intensity but also contribute to an almost surreal vibrancy which is quite remarkable for stylized animation. The animation design, praised for its intricate linework and consistency across a range of characters and scenes, retains its quality despite occasional compression issues noted on the standard Blu-ray version.

With its encoding on a BD-66 layer and a maintained aspect ratio of 1.78:1, "Constantine: City of Demons" takes full advantage of the 4K UHD format to present its detailed animations and dark, richly colored world in a manner that outclasses prior DC animated releases in visual depth and clarity. The upgrade to UHD is especially worthwhile for aficionados appreciating the nuanced interplay of shadow and light integral to the thematic essence of Constantine's story.

The audio presentation of "Constantine: City of Demons" on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a robust and immersive experience, underpinned by its DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, which is consistent with the version previously reviewed on the standard Blu-ray. The bass-rich soundtrack, while maintaining clear and crisp dialogue, ensures that the film's darker, more demonic elements are given a substantial auditory depth. This is complemented by the dynamic score, which leans heavily on the lower frequencies to add gravitas and intensity to the on-screen action. However, it's worth noting the reduction in language options for both spoken dialogue and subtitles, diverging from Warner's usual practice of equal or greater language support on UHD versions.

The meticulously mixed audio maintains a delicate balance, preventing the powerful bass from overshadowing vocals, Foley effects, or the score. This attention to detail in the mix enhances the overall clarity and liveliness of the soundtrack. Despite its front-heavy orientation, strategic placement of sound effects and musical cues in the rear channels keenly supports a sense of surround immersion. The addition of optional subtitles in multiple languages, including a hidden Japanese track, underscores the disc's global appeal, though the non-English dubs are presented in a less than optimal lossy format.

In conclusion, "Constantine: City of Demons" boasts an audio presentation that is both thunderous and nuanced. Its low frequency extension ensures that magical undertones and demonic roars feel palpably deep, while overall sound design keeps viewers anchored in the unfolding supernatural drama. Although predominantly directed towards the front soundstage, occasional rear channel inputs cleverly envelop the viewer in the animated tale's eerie atmosphere. This audio experience, despite the slight compromise on language versatility, remains a testament to Warner's commitment to high-quality home theater experiences.

The "Constantine: City of Demons" 4K UHD Blu-ray combo pack, despite featuring stellar video quality for the main feature, surprisingly contains all its special features on the accompanying regular Blu-ray disc, not on the 4K UHD disc itself. This release packages a comprehensive suite of extras that dive deep into the lore and making of the film. Notably, "The Sorcerer’s Occultist: Understanding John Constantine" offers an insightful exploration into the titular character's background with input from producers and an expert on the occult. The WonderCon 2018 panel provides an engaging look behind the scenes with key figures such as Matt Ryan and writer J.M. DeMatteis discussing their experiences and the audience's questions. Additionally, the packaging ensures collectors will be satisfied with its visually appealing and detailed slipcover, making it a notable addition to a DC animation collection. However, those looking to redeem their digital copy should be mindful of the resolution limitations on platforms like VUDU.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Sorcerer’s Occultist: Understanding John Constantine: A featurette with producers and an occult expert discussing John Constantine's character.
• Constantine: City of Demons WonderCon Panel 2018: Coverage of the WonderCon panel including discussions with actor Matt Ryan and writer J.M. DeMatteis.
• Trailers: Includes trailers for "Batman: Ninja" and "Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay".

Constantine: City of Demons" debuts on 4K UHD Blu-ray, offering fans of the occult detective an impressive visual upgrade over its standard Blu-ray counterpart. Warner Bros. and DC have been selective in their 4K offerings, often bypassing their theatrical endeavors, yet this animated venture secures itself a spot in the UHD lineup, much to the delight of DC aficionados. The HDR treatment enriches the film's dark and atmospheric palette, making the nightmarish landscapes and demonic entities leap off the screen with unparalleled depth and clarity. This visual enhancement elevates the storytelling, immersing viewers in John Constantine's sinister world as he navigates through hellish realms and battles supernatural foes.

Voiced with a gritty realism by Matt Ryan, who has become virtually synonymous with John Constantine across various media, "City of Demons" explores mature themes with a boldness befitting its R-rating. The narrative, adapted from the "Hellblazer: All His Engines" graphic novel, retains the essence of Constantine’s character - his dark humor, willingness to confront the macabre, and a tormented soul struggling for redemption. The supporting voice cast adds richness to this immersive journey into dark magic and personal demons. The film’s success lies not just in its visual splendor but in its ability to weave a compelling story that respects its source material while expanding on the lore of its titular character.

Indeed, "Constantine: City of Demons" represents a significant achievement for animated adaptations within the DC universe. It transcends its web series origins to deliver a fully-realized cinematic experience that combines sleek storytelling with visceral horror elements. The 4K UHD presentation underscores this ambition by offering a visually striking experience that complements its edgy and mature narrative. This film not only satisfies long-time fans but also sets a new benchmark for animated adaptations of comic characters, showcasing how they can evolve within the constraints of home video formats.

Warner Bros.' release of "Constantine: City of Demons" on 4K UHD Blu-ray marks a significant yet understated step forward in the home viewing experience for fans of DC's darker, magical realms. Featuring Matt Ryan's compelling portrayal of the cynical yet charismatic John Constantine, the film delivers a gripping occult narrative dense with the mystical ambiance that fans of the character have come to expect. While the leap to 4K UHD might not be revelatory for every viewer, it undeniably adds a layer of visual fidelity that enhances the intricate animation and moody settings typical of Constantine's stories. The addition of HDR enriches the viewing experience further, making the shadowy corners of Constantine's world more immersive and the magical effects more dazzling.

Technical aspects aside, the release includes extras that, while satisfactory, may appeal more to die-hard enthusiasts of the franchise. These supplements, albeit not groundbreaking, provide a modest insight into the creative process behind bringing such a complex character to animated form. The transition of this particular adventure onto 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a slightly better quality over its standard Blu-ray counterpart, though the degree of improvement might appear minimal to some. This suggests that the primary allure here is for those with a keen interest in high-definition experiences and an inherent love for DC's supernatural narratives.

In conclusion, "Constantine: City of Demons" in 4K UHD is a commendable release from Warner Bros., especially noteworthy for fans of both the animated and live-action interpretations of John Constantine. While the studio's catalog strategy around 4K releases remains a point of critique, this particular offering demonstrates their capacity to enhance their animated projects through superior video formats. The movie itself is a solid adventure, appealing directly to hardcore fans and aficionados of high-quality animation. However, one can't help but wish for a broader commitment from Warner to embrace and expand their 4K UHD catalog to include other deserving titles, echoing the sentiments shared by viewers and enthusiasts alike.