The Neon Demon 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Neon Demon's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release, brought to us by Koch Media, provides an exemplary display of the film's visual spectacle, despite an unexpected deviation from the now-standard High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature. Rendered in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen, and encoded with HEVC / H.265 on a 2160p transfer, the detail present in this 4K presentation is undeniably superior to its 1080p counterpart. Testing on high-end Samsung Ultra HD equipment revealed a finer granularity in texture and detail that is most noticeable in the movie's more vibrantly colorful and intricate sequences. Although the absence of HDR—particularly a Wide Colour Gamut (Rec.2020/DCI-P3) grade—might be seen as a letdown to enthusiasts hoping for the fullest expression of Refn's visually rich palette, this release still manages to elevate the film's aesthetic above its Blu-ray release through enhanced 10-bit depth and higher chroma resolution.

Despite failing to include HDR, which has become somewhat of a hallmark for UHD releases, thereby muting some of the potential vibrancy in its colors, the UHD disc compensates with remarkable clarity and an enhanced resolution that brings the filmmaker's vision to life with an astonishing degree of precision. The intricate use of neon within the film's cinematography sparkles with depth and intensity, presenting a surreal and highly-stylized visual experience. The detailed textures and nuanced shades, even without the benefit of HDR, accentuate every frame, revealing layers that the standard Blu-ray simply cannot match.

Koch Media's release might not harness the full potential offered by current UHD technology due to the omission of HDR, yet it stands as a significant improvement over previous versions. The enhanced resolution and color depth, despite some limitations, do a commendable job of showcasing the Neon Demon's distinctive visual flair. It grants an immersive viewing experience that remains faithful to Refn's artistic intent, proving itself as a worthy addition to one’s 4K collection. The disc is also region-free, broadening its accessibility and ensuring that aficionados of Refn’s work, regardless of location, can appreciate this film in near-optimal quality.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Neon Demon" delivers an audio experience that, while lacking in the very latest sound format enhancements like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, doesn’t fail to impress with its vibrant 24-bit high-resolution 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. Despite the absence of object-based audio, which has left some audiophiles craving more depth, the existing sound mix captivates with Cliff Martinez's electrifying score taking center stage. This pulsating electronic soundscape, heralded as some of Martinez’s best work, is both an auditory spectacle and a narrative force, seamlessly merging with Nicolas Winding Refn's vivid visuals to create an enthralling experience. The quality of the audio presentation exhibits exceptional clarity, with deep, resonant bass and crisp highs that enliven everything from the subtlest environmental sounds to the most intense musical cues.

Dialogue is rendered with precision, predominantly channeled through the front and center speakers, ensuring that every word cuts through the rich tapestry of background sound without compromise. This clarity in dialogue is complemented by a meticulously crafted mix that captures the finer details of the film’s soundscape, from camera clicks to the roars of animals, heightening the immersive cinematic experience. The score’s entirely electronic composition enriches Refn’s stylized world, binding the audiovisual elements in a way that recalls the potent combination seen in Refn's previous work, "Drive."

Despite the pointed absence of HDR and advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, this 4K release's sound quality does not disappoint. The DTS-HD Master Audio track serves as both demo and reference material, proving hard to fault for the majority of home theater enthusiasts. The audio presentation of "The Neon Demon" stands out as an outstanding example of how crucial sound is to Refn’s storytelling, offering an immersive experience that is both show-stopping and invigorating. This sound mix ensures that the film remains an audibly stunning spectacle that complements its striking visual components.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Neon Demon" excels not only in its visual upgrade but also in the wealth of extra content it packs, all within the confines of the same disc, appealing particularly to English-speaking audiences with all extras being English-friendly. The standout feature is undoubtedly the commentary with Director Nicolas Winding Refn and star Elle Fanning, providing insightful behind-the-scenes revelations and delving into the movie's nuanced symbolism and organic story evolution. Other highlights include a detailed interview with Refn, where he elaborates on his conceptual vision behind the movie, and composer Cliff Martinez discusses his approach to the film's mesmerizing score. Despite a minor setback with one featurette dubbed in German, the disc boasts a range of engaging extras, from behind-the-scenes footage and an image gallery enriched with music from the film, to extended interviews that deepen the viewer's understanding of this visually arresting cinematic piece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Nicolas Winding Refn and Actress Elle Fanning: Insightful commentary on the film's symbolism, budget constraints, casting, performances, and score.
• Interview with Nicolas Winding Refn: A deep dive into Refn's conceptual ideas for the film.
• Nicolas Winding Refn: Storytellers: A discussion hosted by Sky News, mostly in German.
• Interview with Composer Cliff Martinez: Martinez shares his creative process on scoring the film.
• AM Set: Behind-the-scenes featurette with additional commentary from Refn.
• Introduction by Nicolas Winding Refn: A brief introduction to the film by the director.
• Theatrical Trailer: Featuring options for original English or German dubbed playback.
• Teaser Trailer: Also offers playback in original English or German dubbed.
• Image Gallery: High-resolution stills set to music by Sia and Cliff Martinez.

In the visually provocative world of "The Neon Demon," director Nicolas Winding Refn illustrates his unparalleled vision and auditory genius following the impactful "Drive" and the polarizing "Only God Forgives." Starring Elle Fanning as a seemingly innocent 16-year-old, the film delves deep into the cutthroat fashion industry of Los Angeles, where her rapid rise to prominence fuels a toxic cycle of jealously and vanity among her peers. This narrative cleverly critiques the industry's narcissistic and self-destructive tendencies, showcasing Refn's keen ability to craft a visually sumptuous yet critical look at the commodification of beauty and youth.

Beyond its surface-level critique, "The Neon Demon" transforms into a compelling blend of otherworldly horror, integrating elements of science fiction and the supernatural akin to the likes of "Black Swan" and "Under the Skin." Incorporating themes of occultism and mythology, the film blurs the lines between reality and fantasy through Refn's striking visual artistry. Complemented by Cliff Martinez's haunting and immersive score, this cinematic venture invites audiences into a vivid nightmare that is as entrancing as it is unsettling. The inclusion of notable talents such as Christina Hendricks and Keanu Reeves further enriches the narrative, weaving a complex tapestry of ambition, madness, and the dark underbelly of beauty.

As a visceral exploration of fame, identity, and the predatory nature of the fashion industry, "The Neon Demon" stands out for its bold storytelling and breathtaking aesthetics. Refn's film is not only a testament to his mastery over the medium but also presents a 4K viewing experience that is undeniably captivating. This film is certainly a significant addition to the collections of cinephiles appreciative of innovative and visually stunning storytelling, marked by an electrifying performance from Fanning and a narrative that spirals into chaos with deliberate grace.

The Neon Demon," known for its enigmatic and visually striking narrative, receives a transformative treatment in its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, albeit with certain limitations that slightly temper expectations. Despite the conspicuous absence of HDR in the initial release by Koch Media, the upgrade in image detail from its Blu-ray counterpart is appreciable, though the color enhancements are subtler. This release caters particularly to completists and fans unmoved by the lack of Atmos support, offering a discernible improvement in visuals for a film celebrated for its distinctive aesthetic. On the other hand, the excellence of the film's audiovisual experience is undeniable, capitalizing on director Refn's penchant for hyper-stylized storytelling, complemented by Elle Fanning's compelling lead performance.

The 4K UHD edition excels in delivering an unparalleled home media experience of the film, characterized by a high-quality image resolution that vividly accentuates its unique visual palette, coupled with a robust lossless audio mix that immersively conveys Martinez's evocative score. Despite the setback of excluding HDR, the increased clarity and fine details make for a captivating viewing experience. This edition is further enhanced by an array of exclusive supplemental features available on the region-free 4K disc, making it an attractive proposition for global fans of Refn's work.

In conclusion, while the absence of HDR and Atmos support might deter the most demanding audiophiles and cinephiles, "The Neon Demon's" 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands as a definitive version for enthusiasts seeking the highest fidelity in home cinema. Its superior visual and auditory presentation, enriched by exclusive bonus content, secures its place as an essential acquisition for fans of Refn's cinema and collectors alike. The release embodies the film’s ethos—"Beauty isn't everything. It's the only thing."—making it an indispensable addition to any 4K library.