Two Evil Eyes 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Two Evil Eyes" makes a striking transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with HEVC/H.265 and available through Blue Underground's meticulous remastering effort. This release capitalizes on a 4K master initially crafted for Blu-ray production, offering viewers the choice between Dolby Vision or HDR enhancements. Notably, the benefits of HDR are illuminated through superior density and fluidity in the visuals, particularly in darker scenes which exhibit significant improvements over their 1080p counterparts. The color spectrum's expansion under HDR is also commendable, enabling a richer, more nuanced presentation that far exceeds previous versions in both saturation and detail. Such advancements are evident in the film's darker segments, which now display a previously unattainable depth and clarity.

The 4K scan, derived from the original camera negatives, affords the film a new lease of life, with the HDR color grading introducing a wider gamut for enriched reds, blues, and greens, alongside deeper blacks for enhanced shadow detail. This is particularly noticeable across the film's two segments, each benefiting from consistent grain reproduction, high detail levels in facial features and textures, and an overall cleaner, age-defect-free appearance. "The Black Cat" segment, in particular, showcases significant improvements in consistency and grain level management over prior incarnations.

In terms of overall quality, while both segments of "Two Evil Eyes" enjoy the clarity and detail afforded by the native 4K transfer and Dolby Vision HDR presentation, they reflect the distinct directorial styles of George A. Romero and Dario Argento through varied visual aesthetics. Romero's segment shines with vibrant primaries and lively greens, ensuring a visually sumptuous experience that contrasts with Argento's intentionally drearier, monochromatic second half. Despite these differences, both stories benefit from improved black levels and shadow detail, although Argento's tale occasionally struggles with visibility in darker areas. Nevertheless, the film's presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray represents the pinnacle of its visual potential to date, offering a film-like quality that will undoubtedly please fans and collectors alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Two Evil Eyes" presents an intriguing auditory experience, courtesy of three primary audio tracks: a newly minted English Dolby Atmos track, alongside the well-regarded English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, and a French DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 option. Subtitled content is accessible in English SDH, French, and Spanish, ensuring a broad linguistic reach for the audience. The Dolby Atmos track, an addition specifically prepared for this release, offers an enveloping soundscape with its use of height channels, notably amplifying effects during atmospheric segments like the M. Valdemar story. This brings a new dimension of spatiality, enhancing the acoustics and ambient sounds within the large house setting of the film, from echoing footsteps to the ethereal calls emanating from the basement.

Notably, the Atmos track demonstrates a marginal advantage in dynamism over its predecessors, particularly with its more aggressive handling of sound effects. Conversely, it does exhibit moments where the audio appears overly bright or strained in the upper frequencies, occasionally resulting in a somewhat artificial ambiance. The echo effect, notably problematic in scenes such as Adrienne Barbeau’s stair descent, detracts from an otherwise immersive experience by awkwardly localizing sound effects in a manner that doesn’t blend seamlessly with on-screen action. Despite these flaws, dialogue clarity has seen marked improvements, offering enhanced definition and a more distinct sense of vocal presence than found in the DTS-HD version. Furthermore, low-frequency effects now benefit from added depth and impact, providing additional weight to key scenes without overwhelming the track's overall balance.

In essence, while the Dolby Atmos track propels "Two Evil Eyes" into new auditory territories with its spaciousness and heightened detail, particularly in ambient conditions, it's not without its drawbacks. These primarily stem from occasional imbalances in sound leveling and moments that betray the immersive potential of Atmos technology. Yet, when weighing these aspects against the substantial upticks in dialogue clarity and low-end response, the Atmos offering undeniably enriches the film's audio experience. The decision between this and the solid DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track ultimately rests on listener preference and system capabilities, with both providing a clean, distortion-free listening experience devoid of hiss, crackle, or dropouts.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Two Evil Eyes" distinguishes itself with a robust array of extras that underscore the film's production intricacies and the creative forces behind it. The highlight is undoubtedly Troy Howarth's audio commentary, offering deep dives into the film’s history and Dario Argento's cinematic endeavors. A meticulously assembled gallery provides an extensive visual journey through promotional and behind-the-scenes materials. Notable interviews from both past and present include insights from directors Dario Argento and George Romero, alongside key crew members and cast, elucidating on Edgar Allan Poe's influence, filmic aesthetics, and the practical challenges of special effects, showcased by Tom Savini's detailed breakdowns. Additionally, fresh interviews with cast members and co-writer Franco Ferrini explore personal contributions and reinterpretations of Poe’s stories, enriching the understanding of the film's legacy. This edition's extras succeed in enhancing appreciation for the film through comprehensive archival content and new revelations, reinforcing its cult status and impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Troy Howarth shares in-depth knowledge on the film's production and analysis.
• Trailer: Remastered preview of "Two Evil Eyes."
• Gallery: A collection of promotional and production materials.
• Two Masters' Eyes: Interviews discussing Edgar Allan Poe's influence and the film's conception.
• Savini's EFX: Behind-the-scenes look into the special makeup effects.
• At Home with Tom Savini: A personal home tour.
• Adrienne Barbeau: Archival interview from the filming set.
• Before I Wake: New interview with Ramy Zada about his role.
• Behind the Wall: Madeleine Potter speaks on her acting contribution.
• One Maestro and Two Masters: Composer Pino Donaggio discusses the film's soundtrack.
• Rewriting Poe: Co-writer Franco Ferrini on adapting Poe's work.
• The Cat Who Wouldn't Die: Assistant director Luigi Cozzi on working with Argento.
• Two Evil Brothers: Insights from special makeup assistant Everett Burrell.
• Working with George: Costume designer Barbara Anderson on her experience.

Two Evil Eyes," a collaborative anthology from George Romero and Dario Argento, made its debut on 4K UHD Blu-ray through Blue Underground, offering fans a visually enhanced viewing experience of this horror classic. The film, divided into two segments inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's stories, sees these renowned directors bring their unique styles to the forefront—Romero with "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" and Argento with "The Black Cat." While the former delivers a suspenseful atmosphere coupled with an eerie narrative of greed and supernatural consequences, the latter embarks on a gruesome journey into madness, albeit with a less coherent script and an over-reliance on special effects. Despite these disparities, both segments are enriched by Pino Donaggio's compelling score and notable performances from Adrienne Barbeau and Harvey Keitel.

Released after Romero and Argento's initial collaboration in the late '70s, "Two Evil Eyes" did not initially captivate critics but found a place within the heart of the horror community, especially those nostalgic for '80s horror extravaganzas. This 4K presentation introduces the film to a new generation, offering improved visual quality that highlights its graphic makeup effects by Tom Savini and the creatively grim retelling of Poe’s tales. Particularly commendable is its commitment to atmospheric buildup and the incorporation of Poe's macabre essence through clever character names and plot references, adding layers to the narrative that resonate with aficionados of horror literature.

Although not heralded as the pinnacle of either director's career, "Two Evil Eyes" stands as a testament to Romero and Argento's ability to conjure unsettling atmospheres and provoke thought through horror. The 4K UHD release by Blue Underground prominently showcases this ill-fated yet fascinating venture into Poe’s dark world, making it a must-watch for fans seeking to explore the depths of horror cinema history. Enhanced by its myriad special features, including new interviews and commentary, this edition not only celebrates the film's craft but also offers insightful exploration into its making, cementing its place as a cult classic.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Two Evil Eyes" by Blue Underground is indeed a revelation for both fans of the horror genre and aficionados of top-tier home video presentations. Originating from a solid 4K restoration previously made available in 2019, this edition elevates the experience considerably by offering an exclusive new Dolby Atmos track ─ an addition that can't be overstated in its importance for creating an immersive viewing environment. The leap from 1080p to 4K is palpable, with significant improvements in color depth and overall image clarity, promising the best possible rendition of George A. Romero and Dario Argento’s macabre anthology. Even if "Two Evil Eyes" might not top the directors' respective oeuvres, the technical prowess on display here ensures it's a must-have for collectors aiming for the definitive version that requires no further upgrades.

The inclusion of the same robust set of extras from its Blu-ray predecessor might seem like a missed opportunity for enhancement, yet they remain compelling and enrich the overall appreciation of this cult classic. With legendary gore effects by Tom Savini and a story inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, this release does not just capitalize on the improved visual and auditory standards but also celebrates the film's homage to the master of horror literature. This combination of vintage artistic merit and modern restoration finesse positions this 4K UHD edition as an essential acquisition for those devoted to either the horror domain or the pursuit of cinematic excellence in their personal libraries.

In conclusion, "Two Evil Eyes" on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Blue Underground is a testament to how significant visual and sound upgrades can breathe new life into classic films. Despite retaining previously released extras, the superior quality of the visual and audio presentation makes this edition not just a recommended addition to one’s cult 4K library but a high-priority acquisition. It stands as a prime example of how technology can enhance the legacy of genre-defining filmmakers like Romero and Argento, ensuring their work continues to horrify and delight audiences in the best possible technical showcase.