Crimson Peak 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's 4K UHD presentation of "Crimson Peak" offers a stunning upgrade that showcases the film's rich, gothic visuals in impeccable detail. Captured with Arri Alexa XT cameras in ARRIRAW (2.8K) and finalized as a 2K Digital Intermediate, the transfer has been upscaled to 4K resolution and enhanced with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Director Guillermo del Toro personally approved the grading, completed by Fidelity in Motion, ensuring fidelity to his original vision. The result is a breathtaking HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, providing unparalleled clarity and dynamic range.

The meticulous 4K HDR grading significantly heightens the visual splendor of del Toro's complex palette. Warm yellows, cool blues, and deep reds are vividly rendered, lending a new depth to the film's color spectrum. Key scenes, such as the crimson dress worn by Jessica Chastain or the glowing clay pits beneath Allerdale Hall, truly benefit from the high dynamic range, revealing intricate details previously lost. Shadow detail finds improvement as well, with additional information visible in the film's darkest scenes, enhancing its ghostly atmosphere.

Technically, the video encode is near flawless, with high bitrates reaching the upper 90s, negating any concerns about artifacts or compression issues. The upscaled image displays sharper details compared to the previous Blu-ray release, although some inherent softness in CGI remains. Nonetheless, minute details such as fabric textures, architectural intricacies, and lifelike skin tones are exceptionally well-rendered. The Dolby Vision layer particularly excels in delivering perfect contrast and inky black levels while maintaining clean whites and vibrant highlights. Overall, "Crimson Peak" in 4K UHD is a definitive example of how high dynamic range and expert encoding can dramatically enhance the viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Crimson Peak" maintains the excellent DTS:X soundtrack from Arrow’s previous 1080p release, enhancing the film’s compelling audio design. The DTS:X track provides an enveloping sound experience with meticulous attention to directional effects and ambient sound placement, delivering a broad and immersive sound field. From the first few moments, the soundscape is immediate and dynamic, with thudding effects that pan seamlessly overhead and across the channels. Dialogue is primarily anchored in the center but skillfully integrates into the surround mix when needed, ensuring clear and consistent prioritization.

Environmental sounds at Allerdale Hall, such as ghostly whispers, creaking floorboards, and fluttering insects, are rendered with exceptional fidelity, offering a rich aural texture to match the film’s gothic atmosphere. The robust low-frequency effects augment the visual elements, crafting a weighty and ominous presence in key scenes. The DTS:X mix also ensures that atmospheric cues move convincingly through the heights and surrounds, engaging listeners with an expansive hemispheric soundstage.

The release includes English 7.1 DTS-X, English 2.0 DTS-X for headphones, and an English 2.0 DVS track, catering to various listening preferences. Additionally, it features optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. Overall, the DTS:X audio track is a triumph, offering a hauntingly immersive audio experience that perfectly complements Guillermo del Toro's eerie narrative and opulent production design.

The "Crimson Peak" 4K UHD Blu-ray set offers a meticulously crafted collection of extras that will delight fans and collectors alike. This release, featuring elegant packaging and design by concept artist Guy Davis, includes a wealth of supplementary material supported by insightful commentary from Guillermo del Toro himself. From extensive behind-the-scenes footage to in-depth featurettes on set and costume design, each segment provides a rich exploration of the film's gothic aesthetic and meticulous production design. Notably, the inclusion of both audio and visual essays like “Violence and Beauty” by Kat Ellinger, and “Kim Newman on Crimson Peak,” adds scholarly value to the package. Arrow Video’s decision to house the extras on the UHD disc itself allows seamless access without the need to switch out discs. The comprehensive approach ensures an immersive and educational experience for both general viewers and genre enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Co-Writer and Director Guillermo del Toro: Delivers insightful discussion.
• The House is Alive: Constructing Crimson Peak: Extensive making-of documentary.
• An Interview with Guillermo del Toro: Archival interview, previously unseen.
• Allerdale Hall: Four Featurettes: Deep dive into set design.
  • The Gothic Corridor
  • The Scullery
  • The Red Clay Mines
  • The Limbo Fog Set
• A Primer on Gothic Romance: Exploration of genre origins.
• The Light and Dark of Crimson Peak: Analysis of film's color usage.
• Hand Tailored Gothic: Details on costume design.
• A Living Thing: Craftsmanship of Allerdale Hall.
• Beware of Crimson Peak: Set tour with Tom Hiddleston.
• Crimson Phantoms: Featurette on the film’s ghosts.
• Kim Newman on Crimson Peak and the Tradition of Gothic Romance: Genre assessment.
• Violence and Beauty in Guillermo del Toro's Gothic Fairy Tale Films: Visual essay by Kat Ellinger.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection of excised scenes.
• Original Trailers and TV Spots: Promotional material.
• Image Gallery: Production stills and behind-the-scenes photos.

Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak is a masterful visual tapestry that seamlessly blends classic gothic literature with the director’s penchant for fantastical horror. Set in the late 19th century, the narrative unfolds around Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), a wealthy businessman's daughter who becomes entangled with the enigmatic aristocrat Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and his unnerving sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain). The plot thickens as Edith's father's murder catalyzes her marriage to Thomas and leads her to the decrepit and eerily atmospheric Allerdale Hall in England.

From an aesthetic standpoint, Crimson Peak is a triumph. Every set detail—from the exquisite period costumes to the gothic architecture of Allerdale Hall—has been meticulously crafted, creating an immersive experience of decaying Victorian splendor. Dan Laustsen's cinematography amplifies this with rich, stylized lighting and color palettes that accentuate the haunting beauty of the scenery. The combination of practical effects and CGI, while at times jarring, mostly serves to maintain del Toro's distinctive visual style. However, critics noted that this visual feast often overshadowed the narrative, making the storytelling feel secondary to the film's visual elements.

Despite its visual brilliance, the film is hampered by an overstuffed script that struggles to balance its numerous gothic tropes and plotlines. The characters are inconsistently developed, and key story elements are introduced and discarded haphazardly. While Hiddleston delivers a compelling performance, Wasikowska’s portrayal seems lackluster, failing to bring depth to her character. The pacing suffers from a drawn-out prologue and abrupt narrative shifts that detract from the overall cohesion of the story. Ultimately, Crimson Peak emerges as a visually stunning but narratively uneven gothic romance that showcases del Toro’s unparalleled mastery over atmospheric horror while faltering in its storytelling execution.

Guillermo del Toro's "Crimson Peak" is a visually stunning Gothic romance that remains captivating despite its narrative shortcomings. The film, starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain, stands out as a testament to del Toro's mastery in creating richly detailed, atmospheric worlds. The visuals are nothing short of mesmerizing, with intricate production designs and lavish cinematography that are fully brought to life in this new 4K Ultra HD release from Arrow Video.

Arrow's 4K UHD presentation of "Crimson Peak" significantly benefits from HDR/Dolby Vision technology, offering a reference-quality picture that elevates the already splendid visuals to new heights. The DTS:X soundtrack continues to deliver a highly immersive audio experience that complements the film's chilling atmosphere. While the narrative may falter, with some reviewers noting a less than stellar final act or wishing for a more tightly woven plot, the luxurious visual and auditory experiences provided by this release cannot be overstated.

The Limited Edition box set is adorned with valuable extras including a hard-bound book, a poster, lobby cards, and a suite of supplementary materials that align with del Toro's penchant for detailed storytelling. Although no new supplements are introduced from previous 1080p releases, the collection remains an appealing enhancement for those who missed earlier editions. This set not only serves as an excellent addition for collectors but also draws in genre enthusiasts with its remarkable aesthetic allure.

In conclusion, while "Crimson Peak" may stumble in its narrative delivery, it triumphs through its visual spectacle and immersive audio enhancements. Arrow's 4K upgrade breathes new life into del Toro’s richly macabre creation, making it an indispensable item for fans and collectors of high-quality cinematic presentations. Available from May 20th, 2024, this release is highly recommended as a definitive edition for "Crimson Peak" aficionados and new viewers alike.