Cemetery Man 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Severin Films presents Cemetery Man in a jaw-dropping 4K UHD format, utilizing an HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio. This release, approved by director Michele Soavi, derives from a meticulously restored 4K scan of the Cinecitta negative and also includes a corresponding 1080p AVC encoded version. The film's visuals reveal a dynamic transformation, with the 4K UHD version bringing out exceptional fine detail, especially evident in practical sets, props, and costumes. Primarily illuminated outdoor scenes boast tightly resolved grain fields, while HDR and Dolby Vision significantly enhance shadow definition and overall tonality.

However, the transfer is not without its occasional flaws. Certain scenes exhibit clumpy, yellow grain, more noticeable in darker sequences and during composited effects. Despite these minor detractors, the 4K presentation excels at offering richer and warmer colors compared to previous editions, with primary colors like the vibrant red fabric in the ossuary scene standing out vividly against a generally sepia-hued backdrop. Grain density remains immaculate, with an authentic reproduction of the native film stock's texture, ensuring fine detail levels that contribute to an immersive viewing experience, particularly in day-lit Italian exteriors.

Overall, Severin's Cemetery Man in 4K UHD is a visual triumph. The pristine HEVC encoding on a triple-layer UHD Blu-ray disc ensures high bitrates throughout, eliminating compression artifacts and maintaining visual integrity. The presentation underscores the superior quality of 4K Ultra HD format, making it an essential upgrade for fans and collectors alike. Whether it's the nuanced black levels or perfectly tuned flesh tones, this release represents the pinnacle of how Cemetery Man should be seen at home.

"Cemetery Man" presents a commendable array of audio options, including Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0, all in English, as well as a Dolby Digital 2.0 track in Italian. The Dolby Atmos mix offers a marginally enhanced listening experience with a more refined and tighter soundstage compared to the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The differences are nuanced, with occasional mixing and channelization variations that become noticeable during specific scenes, such as the early knock on Francesco's door. Surround activity is particularly effective during action sequences and effects scenes like the daffy lovemaking scene in the cemetery. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly across all tracks, ensuring intelligibility throughout.

While the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix stands robust on its own, delivering engaging surround effects and solid dynamics, the Atmos track distinctly elevates the immersive experience. It capitalizes on the heightened sound effects, such as the gnarly dismemberment of zombies, enhancing the film's chaotic and humorous atmosphere. Imaging is exceptional with ample activity in side, rear, and overhead channels, providing a multi-dimensional soundscape. The mix during scenes like the extended motorcycle chase offers impressive rumble and directional cues, solidifying the Atmos track's superiority.

Additionally, optional English SDH subtitles and English subtitles in a yellow font are available for accessibility. Although the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix is effective, it is notably a step back from the more advanced formats, recommended primarily for setups not equipped for multi-channel audio. Ultimately, while both the Atmos and 5.1 tracks excel in creating an immersive auditory experience, the former stands out as the preferred choice for those seeking a richer and more enveloping presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Cemetery Man" by Severin boasts a commendable selection of extras. A notable inclusion is the engaging audio commentary by director Michele Soavi and screenwriter Gianni Romoli, presented in Italian with English subtitles. Additionally, you’ll find both the Italian and English trailers in UHD quality. Restored and exclusive to the standard edition, the supplemental Blu-ray offers a series of insightful interviews that delve into the film’s production and legacy. Michele Soavi, Rupert Everett, and Anna Falchi provide illuminating perspectives in their respective segments. An archival making-of featurette further enriches the package, providing historical context. While the standard edition includes substantial content, it does not cover the extensive extras available in the website-exclusive edition.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: By Director Michele Soavi and Screenwriter Gianni Romoli, in Italian with English subtitles. Italian Trailer: 4K quality trailer. English Trailer: 4K quality trailer. All the Graves: Interview with Michele Soavi. Of Love and Death: Interview with Rupert Everett. She: Interview with Anna Falchi. Archival Making Of: Historical featurette on the film.

"Cemetery Man" (Dellamorte Dellamore) is a subversive and enigmatic entry in the zombie genre, directed by Michele Soavi. The film's plot oscillates between dark humor and existential horror, revolving around Francesco Dellamorte (Rupert Everett), the morose caretaker of a cemetery where the dead notoriously resurrect seven days post-burial. Francesco, along with his mentally impaired assistant Gnaghi (François Hadji-Lazaro), is tasked with re-killing the "returners" in a surreal setting filled with grotesque imagery and quirky characters. The narrative, influenced by Tiziano Sclavi's novel and comic series Dylan Dog, unfolds unpredictably as Francesco's romantic fixation on a widow (Anna Falchi) dives into bizarre and erotic territories.

Soavi's direction, coupled with Gianni Romoli's cryptic screenplay, crafts a poignant meditation on life, love, and death, peppered with black comedy and gothic stylings. Rupert Everett's performance shines with charisma, anchoring the film's absurdity in a grim but engaging realism. The film's visual style aligns with the grand tradition of Italian horror, with striking set designs and visceral effects that evoke both laughter and dread. Its surreal narrative structure resembles a fragmented dreamscape where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, often recalling the works of Lucio Fulci in its thematic execution.

Technically, "Cemetery Man" stands as a meticulous piece of genre cinema. It is lauded for its rich character development, compelling performances, and meticulous production values. The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition enhances these qualities, offering crisp visuals that highlight the film’s intricate details and atmospheric compositions. It’s an essential addition to any horror aficionado’s collection, successfully merging horror, humor, and philosophical inquiry into a unique cinematic experience. The film’s playful yet melancholic reflections on mortality are wrapped in a veil of eccentricity, ensuring its place as a cult classic within the annals of horror history.

Michele Soavi’s "Cemetery Man" is a distinctive and stylish horror-comedy that clearly establishes his unique directorial voice, often compared with the influential Dario Argento. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release is noteworthy for its technical excellence, delivering superior picture and audio quality. The film stars Rupert Everett in one of his most memorable performances, embodying a character based on his appearance from the original graphic novel, adding a meta dimension to his portrayal. The blend of black comedy and grotesque romance pushes the narrative into gonzo territory, making it an entertaining ride.

Widely recognized as a hidden gem of '90s horror, "Cemetery Man" masterfully combines elements of quirky romance and zombie horror with a liberal dose of dark humor. The movie is unsettling yet comical, weirdly erotic, and efficiently performs as a top-tier zombie flick. Rupert Everett’s performance anchors the film, balancing the absurdities of the surreal plot, and making it all the more engaging. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release does full justice to the film’s visual flair and complex soundscape.

In conclusion, "Cemetery Man" is a standout entry in the horror-comedy genre, deserving of the accolades it has received over the years. Whether you opt for this streamlined 4K UHD Blu-ray or a fully loaded edition with substantial extras, the core cinematic experience remains exceptional. The nuanced performances, Soavi’s direction, and the high-quality production values make this a highly recommended addition to any collection.