The Last House on the Left 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's 4K UHD presentation of "The Last House on the Left" boasts a robust HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The UHD version includes HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading, providing enhanced shadow definition and an enriched color palette that subtly but markedly improves the visuals over previous editions. The grainy texture remains a defining characteristic, with its consistency and impact varying, particularly in brighter scenes where it is more noticeable. However, the increase in resolution brings a noticeable enhancement in fine detail levels, especially when lighting conditions are favorable.

This new 4K master, prepared by NBC Universal and graded by Visual Data Media Services, offers significant improvements in shadow clarity and depth, showcasing cleaner black levels and more refined details. Though the heavy grain may not appeal to everyone, it is consistent with the film's original aesthetic and adds to the overall gritty ambiance. The HDR/Dolby Vision treatment notably enriches the differing tonalities within the movie, particularly improving on its characteristic teal and yellow hues, while also intensifying the darker shades of red in the blood scenes.

The inclusion of the Unrated Cut in 1080p retains striking quality, albeit falling short of the enhanced detail seen in the 4K Theatrical Cut. While it continues to present a compelling visual experience with solid contrast and black levels, it is disappointing for fans that this version is not available in 4K. Nonetheless, the Dolby Vision HDR grading in the UHD edition greatly contributes to making this release a standout, despite the inherent limitations of the film's initial production quality.

The audio presentation of "The Last House on the Left" on 4K UHD Blu Ray is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that was also featured in previous releases. Arrow's edition enhances this by providing an additional LPCM 2.0 option. The 5.1 surround track stands out for its consistent immersion, leveraging a wide array of ambient environmental sounds to enhance the viewer's experience, particularly in outdoor scenes. Notably, the claustrophobic interiors, such as the lake cabin, showcase excellent placement of sound effects, heightening the tension and fear. Stephen Coleman's evocative score comfortably occupies the side and rear channels, creating an enriching sonic landscape. Dialogue is rendered crisp and clear throughout, ensuring comprehensibility amidst the film's chaos.

Although the LPCM 2.0 mix is available, it feels somewhat redundant compared to the richer, more dynamic DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. The latter ensures better overall sound performance, with heightened activity in the surround channels contributing significantly to the film's tense atmosphere. Moments such as car crashes produce an impactful "Thoomp!" that resonates deeply—testament to the sound mix's robust low-frequency handling. While an Atmos remix would’ve been a welcome addition particularly for capturing the intensity of rainstorms, utilizing receiver features like NeuralX can somewhat mitigate this limitation by opening up the space and atmosphere further.

Overall, despite its unsettling content, "The Last House on the Left" boasts an impressive audio track. Sound effects are meticulously positioned, from ghastly screams to environmental noises, ensuring every channel is actively engaged. The dialogue remains clean and intelligible, underlining a well-balanced auditory experience that enhances the film's chilling narrative. Optional English subtitles are also available for those who require them.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "The Last House on the Left" comes with a solid array of extras that both new viewers and longstanding fans will appreciate. Director Dennis Iliadis's introduction offers insightful commentary and context for certain scenes, while a new audio commentary by David Flint and Adrian Smith is engaging, albeit somewhat standard. Noteworthy additions include detailed interviews with key cast and crew members such as Sara Paxton, Garret Dillahunt, Carl Ellsworth, and Jonathan Craven, each providing personal insights into their experiences and the film's production. The set also features a brief archival "Look Inside" featurette from 2009, as well as deleted scenes, a theatrical trailer, and an image gallery. Distinctly absent on the Unrated Cut disc, these extras collectively enrich the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Dennis Iliadis: Insightful context provided by the director.
• Commentary by David Flint and Adrian Smith: Engaging, though standard commentary track.
• A River of Blood: Sara Paxton reflects on her role as Mari.
• The Notorious Krug: Garret Dillahunt discusses playing Krug.
• Suspending Disbelief: Screenwriter Carl Ellsworth's motivations and thoughts.
• Reviving the Legend: Producer Jonathan Craven's perspective on the film.
• Look Inside Featurette: Archival content from 2009.
• Deleted Scenes: Nearly nine minutes of removed footage.
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer for the film.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of production images.

Wes Craven’s original "The Last House on the Left" was distinct for its raw, lo-fi ambiance and unsettling narrative, attributes which contributed to its lasting impact in the horror genre. The 2009 remake, directed by Dennis Iliadis, benefits from an increased budget and refined production values, presenting a more polished yet equally intense version of Craven’s vision. Garrett Dillahunt as Krug delivers a chilling performance, alongside Tony Goldwyn and Monica Potter, whose portrayals anchor the film in a believable emotional realism. This film leans heavily into themes of unforgiving parental vengeance, with visceral, graphic scenes that underscore its brutal narrative. The remake diverges from the original’s thematic depth, opting instead to amplify the horror through heightened gore and technical sophistication.

The narrative follows Krug’s escape from custody and his subsequent horrific crimes against Mari Collingwood (Sara Paxton), culminating in her parents’ (Goldwyn and Potter) fervent quest for revenge. The violent acts, particularly the harrowing rape scene, are depicted with an unwavering intensity that some may find excessively graphic. The film's strength lies in its ability to elicit powerful performances from its cast, making the parental retribution feel both justified and cathartic. Critics argue that while the remake lacks the original's poignant commentary on cultural innocence shattered post-Vietnam War, it does succeed in creating a distinct atmosphere of relentless retribution. Ultimately, Iliadis’ take on "The Last House on the Left" stands out for its visceral horror and compelling character arcs, carving a unique place alongside Craven’s classic.

This release from Arrow Video on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray enhances the film’s visual and auditory elements, offering both the Theatrical and Unrated Cuts. The set includes a comprehensive 24-page booklet featuring essays and insights, paired with reversible sleeve artwork for collectors. The meticulous restoration provides a sharper image quality, ensuring that this version of "The Last House on the Left" is presented in its most uncompromising form yet. For fans of brutal horror and intricate character studies, this release is a noteworthy addition to any collection.

Dennis Iliadis' 2009 remake of "The Last House on the Left" may not be the most anticipated film to receive a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray treatment, yet it arrives with notable merit. Arrow Video has excelled in delivering an exemplary Dolby Vision HDR transfer for the Theatrical Cut that genuinely enhances the visual experience. While some viewers might find the heavy grain distracting, it ultimately contributes to retaining the gritty aesthetic of the original. This release is further bolstered by an impressive audio presentation and a wealth of valuable bonus features, making it a comprehensive package for fans of the film.

The remake itself benefits from a solid cast, with standout performances from Tony Goldwyn and Garret Dillahunt engaging in a brutal revenge narrative. Despite some criticism on the film's merit compared to other remakes from the '00s, its visceral and unsettling portrayal of a violent parental revenge fantasy remains impactful. The inclusion of new features and supplemental content by Arrow Video is a significant enhancement, making this version more appealing than previous releases.

As Ken mentioned in his review of the Universal release, this may be a glass half-full, glass half-empty situation for some where both pluses and minuses can be argued when comparing this to Craven's original. This 4K UHD release itself has pluses and minuses, and I'd say reactions to it are going to depend on individual tolerances for at times very heavy grain. Otherwise, technical merits are largely secure and as usual Arrow provides some excellent supplements. Recommended.