Carrie 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Shout/Scream Factory’s release of "Carrie" (2013) on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray represents a significant upgrade over previous editions. The movie was originally shot digitally using the Arri Alexa camera system and finalized using a 2K Digital Intermediate (DI). Despite initial doubts about a true native 4K experience, the transfer has been upscaled remarkably well from the original 2.8K source material. Realized in a stunning 2160p resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR10 compatibility, the video presentation benefits greatly from these High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats. The colors are vivid and bright, carefully optimized with a slight red push for aesthetic purposes. Black levels are particularly impressive, offering deep, inky tones that provide dramatic contrast.

The new 4K UHD transfer showcases exceptional improvements in clarity and detail. Elements such as textures and fine details appear more resolved, and the native 4K master presents these elements far more crisply compared to the previous Blu-ray releases. The HDR grading makes a substantial difference; primary colors are lush, flesh tones are naturally rendered, and the overall brightness emphasizes the depth and dimensionality of the scenes. One of the most striking enhancements is the way it handles contrast, enhancing both the highlights and shadow details without losing information. Although there are some minor soft spots towards the end due to older CGI effects, the video bitrate of around 94.0 Mbps ensures a consistently high-quality viewing experience.

In conclusion, while this 4K transfer is an upscale from a 2K DI, it surpasses earlier versions by a notable margin. The Dolby Vision HDR provides enhanced brightness and color accuracy, bringing out details previously unseen in the standard Blu-ray format. The balanced grading of colors, combined with solid black levels, make for a visually compelling experience that adds a new layer of immersion to this classic horror remake.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Carrie" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (24-bit) and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo downmix, both presenting substantial clarity in dialogue and vigorous bass. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix excels particularly during the telekinetic sequences, where objects move vividly through the soundstage, creating an engaging and immersive experience. The surround channels are consistently active, effectively capturing ambient noises like birds chirping, dogs barking, and wind panning across the surrounds during various scenes. Marco Beltrami’s score is prominently featured without overwhelming the mix, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the film.

The LFE channels provide substantial thump, enhancing scenes where Carrie’s telekinetic powers are at their peak. During high-intensity moments, such as the climactic prom rampage, the sound design ensures that every object falling and clattering can be distinctly heard in every speaker. The front stage retains most of the action with crisp vocals, while discrete effects effortlessly travel from front to back, enriching the entire sound field. Notably, the house implosion scene stands out for its flawless and immersive execution. While an Atmos mix could have further enriched these effects, Scream Factory's DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix remains a potent and effective presentation.

Despite the lack of a Dolby Atmos mix, this release maintains a dynamic and engaging audio experience. The mix showcases varied intensity in quieter scenes through subtle ambient creaks and more prominent sound in dramatic sequences. Music tracks from artists like Vampire Weekend, HAIM, and The Naked and Famous significantly benefit from excellent bass response and integration into the soundstage. For those equipped with a 5.1 system, this is certainly the preferred option for an optimal auditory experience, although a Dolby Atmos upgrade could have offered additional layers of immersion.

Shout/Scream Factory's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Carrie" (2013) provides a comprehensive suite of extras that cater to both new and long-time fans of the film. The highlights include a detailed audio commentary by director Kimberly Peirce, which explores the adaptation process, challenges faced, and thematic elements. Two new interviews contribute fresh insights: one with production designer Carol Spier and another with author Joseph Maddrey, who analyzes the adaptation process. The disc also offers an array of deleted scenes, an alternate ending with optional commentary, and promotional featurettes. The involvement of the original Blu-ray extras ensures an extensive behind-the-scenes experience.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Kimberly Peirce: Comprehensive feature-length track discussing adaptation choices.

The Devil’s Hand: Designing Carrie: Interview with production designer Carol Spier.

They’re All Going to Laugh at You: Adapting Carrie: Interview with author Joseph Maddrey.

Alternate Ending: With optional commentary by Kimberly Peirce.

Deleted/Alternate Scenes: Nine scenes with optional commentary by Kimberly Peirce.

Creating Carrie: An EPK making-of featurette.

The Power of Telekinesis: Brief discussion on Carrie's powers.

Tina on Fire Stunt Double Dailies: Behind-the-scenes footage of a prom scene.

Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise: Publicity stunt reactions.

Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for the film.

Kimberly Peirce's 2013 adaptation of Carrie attempts to blend Stephen King's original narrative with modern-day elements, capturing the contemporary relevance of cyberbullying. While the film largely follows the plot of Brian De Palma's iconic 1976 version, Peirce's approach introduces updated social dynamics and heightened visual effects, although often at the expense of narrative subtlety. Chloe Grace Moretz delivers a commendable performance as Carrie, transitioning from a socially awkward teen to a girl empowered by her telekinetic abilities. Julianne Moore's portrayal of Carrie's overzealous, religious mother is equally strong but lacks the depth afforded to Piper Laurie's rendition in the original. The use of advanced CGI in this remake underscores scenes that were originally marked by suspense, making some sequences feel overly exaggerated.

One of the film’s notable deviations from its predecessor is its heavy-handedness in portraying Carrie's telekinetic powers. Unlike the original where these powers were an almost subconscious manifestation, Peirce’s version is more explicit, showing Carrie experimenting and refining her abilities. This shift significantly alters the film's tone, leaning more toward a supernatural spectacle rather than psychological horror. Furthermore, Peirce deviates from De Palma's stylistic techniques such as split-screen shots and diegetic sound displacement, choosing instead a widescreen 2.39:1 format that aligns more with contemporary cinematic aesthetics.

Despite its modern framing, Carrie (2013) struggles to justify its existence beyond modern effects and social commentary. The climax, overwhelmed by CGI, detracts from the horror’s emotional core, making it feel more like a digital melee than a narrative crescendo. However, Moretz’s portrayal of Carrie's emotional range during her transformation stands out. It encapsulates the fear and confusion of a teenager stepping into new-found power, juxtaposed against Moore’s compelling yet somewhat under-utilized depiction of Margaret White’s fanaticism. This dynamic does provide some fresh emotional depth while mirroring contemporary issues of trauma and social alienation.

Peirce's 2013 remake of "Carrie" is a commendable effort that revisits familiar territory with a modern perspective, but ultimately fails to eclipse Brian De Palma's iconic 1976 original. While the film leverages a stronger budget and advanced special effects, it lacks the enduring suspense and emotional impact of its predecessor. The performances, particularly from Judy Greer, are notable, yet some writing falls short and visual effects appear overused. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Scream Factory, however, excels in terms of presentation. The upscaled 2160p visuals offer richer colors and increased detail over previous editions, while the English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix remains robust.

Scream Factory has packed this release with all previous extras and several new supplements, although they fail to add substantial new content. The HDR grading marks a significant visual enhancement, contributing to an overall superior viewing experience. Notably absent is the long-desired director’s cut that includes footage seen in test screenings; its absence remains a disappointment for die-hard fans. Despite this, the upgraded visual and audio quality present the definitive version of this remake on home video, making it appealing for collectors who appreciate well-assembled packages.

In conclusion, while Peirce's “Carrie” may not have achieved the classic status of De Palma's rendition, it stands as a solid horror film that benefits greatly from its 4K UHD transfer. For fans of the 2013 remake, the excellent video and audio improvements make this a worthwhile acquisition. Casual viewers might consider it more of a rental, but for horror aficionados and Stephen King enthusiasts, the purchase is justified by the enhanced experience provided by this release.