Crimson Peak 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 91
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Crimson Peak's lush visuals outweigh its weak narrative, with Arrow Video's 4K UHD upgrade shining in HDR/Dolby Vision and appealing extras.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS:X
DTS-HD MA
Video: 95
Crimson Peak's 4K UHD presentation by Arrow Video, approved by Guillermo del Toro, features a stunning HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, boasting exceptional clarity, improved fine detail, vivid color grades, and deep blacks, though the source is an upscaled 2K DI.
Audio: 96
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Crimson Peak' boasts a stunningly nuanced visual upgrade with sharp textures and natural color grading using Dolby Vision/HDR10, while the DTS:X soundtrack delivers a rich, immersive audio experience with meticulous directional cues and substantial LFE, maintaining flawless fidelity and enhancing the film's moody atmosphere.
Extra: 93
Arrow's 4K UHD release of 'Crimson Peak' is a visually stunning and technically impeccable package that enhances previous editions with an array of insightful extras. Highlights include a DTS-X soundtrack that marries atmospheric subtleties with immersive surround sound, an 80-page hardbound book, and comprehensive behind-the-scenes featurettes.
Movie: 83
Crimson Peak’s 4K UHD release, revisiting Arrow's 1080p edition, showcases Guillermo del Toro’s stunningly detailed gothic visuals and haunting aesthetics with enhanced 2160 video, HDR, and Dolby Vision. Despite mixed narrative execution and CGI criticisms, its technical artistry and evocative period design warrant appreciation.
Video: 95
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.
Audio: 96
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.
Extra: 93
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.
Movie: 83
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.
Total: 91
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.
avforums review by Mark CostelloRead review here
Video: 90
This AVF review is made from a PR check-disc sent to us, meaning none of the packaging or enclosed off-disc supplementals were made available....
Audio: 100
Likely to be the very best the film will ever look with its 2K source, that slight softness of a handful of VFX shots aside, this is a remarkably handsome, nuanced and often arresting visual feast, those...
Extras: 70
And that fluidity is matched with its surround and speaker engagement – sounds glide from one speaker to another, filling in the gaps between the speaker cabinets as it goes with phantom sounds to create...
Movie: 60
And while the cast valiantly struggle within the confines of both the script and the stunning sets to make much of a mark – Wasikowska seems caught between feisty and simpering and unable to get a grip...
Total: 70
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Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 90
The increased resolution of this version also brings a better specificity to more "little" items like the breath vapor Wasikowska emits at the opening and the mist in the yellow drenched bathroom scenes,...
Audio: 100
The DTS:X track provides noticeable engagement of all channels from virtually the get go, as the thudding sound effects evident in the opening moments clearly pass overhead and pan from the front to the...
Extras: 100
A Living Thing (HD; 12:12) Beware of Crimson Peak (HD; 7:52) Crimson Phantoms (HD; 7:03) Kim Newman on Crimson Peak and the Tradition of Gothic Romance* (HD; 17:37) features the ebullient critic offering...
Movie: 70
For those wanting more of a plot summary, I refer you to Martin Liebman's Crimson Peak Blu-ray review of that version....
Total: 80
But the film is a riot of production design virtuosity, filled with the kind of grand and at times disturbing visions that have made other del Toro films so memorable....
The Digital Bits review by Tim SalmonsRead review here
Video: 95
It’s also a slightly sharper image, losing some of the softness from the previous Blu-ray, though some still remains, particularly in the CGI....
Audio: 100
The same goes for sound effects, as well as the score, giving the rear speakers impressive fidelity....
Extras: 90
There's nothing included here that wasn’t featured on the previous Blu-ray release, but this is still an excellent set of bonus materials, including the audio commentary with del Toro; The House Is Alive,...
Movie: 70
Gothic romance and horror can be traced back to over a century ago, and these genre trappings have been a useful tool to someone like Guillermo del Toro, who’s used them in both print and on the screen...
Total: 89
It may be lacking, but it’s worth the price of admission for the visuals alone, and is still counted among del Toro’s most beautifully-conceived works....
DoBlu review by Christopher ZabelRead review here
Video: 100
Personally approved by director Guillermo del Toro, the 1.85:1 presentation is drop-dead gorgeous on UHD.A period piece through and through, the color correction subtly shifts from sepia and amber in Buffalo...
Audio: 100
The DTS competitor to Dolby Atmos, Crimson Peak’s meticulous sound design is a great candidate for high-end surround mixing....
Extras: 60
The House is Alive: Constructing Crimson Peak (50:01 in HD) – Someone has made a feature-length documentary from the cast and crew interviews with extensive behind the scenes footage....
Movie: 40
She’s a steady performer who probably shouldn’t be the lead in a big studio film however, lacking a certain presence and charisma necessary for commercial movies....
Total: 75
Guillermo del Toro’s lavish Gothic horror thriller is sheer style over substance with star Tom Hiddleston doing his very best salvaging an ill-conceived final act...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
The Dolby Vision HDR presentation arrives with spot-on contrast and brightness, supplying the gothic atmosphere with brilliant, clean whites and inky rich blacks penetrating deep into the screen while...
Audio: 80
A robust, palpable low-end supplies the visuals with a weighty and ominous sense of presence, and dialogue is precise and well-prioritized with excellent intonation in the performances....
Extras: 100
Four Featurettes (HD) The Gothic Corridor (4 min) The Scullery (4 min) The Red Clay Mines (5 min) The Limbo Fog Set (6 min) Kim Newman on Crimson Peak and the Tradition of Gothic Romance (HD, 18 min) is...
Movie: 80
He unabashedly borrows from the atmospheric tone and mood of genre favorites like The Innocents, Rebecca, Jane Eyre, The Spiral Staircase, and The Uninvited to then fashion something original and uniquely...
Total: 100
While porting over the same demo-quality DTS:X soundtrack and a terrific set of supplements, the UHD edition also comes with a hard-bound book, a poster and lobby cards inside a lovely book-like box, making...
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Actors: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston
PlotIn the early 20th century, Edith Cushing, an aspiring author haunted by her mother's ghost, encounters the charming but mysterious Sir Thomas Sharpe. Alongside his enigmatic sister, Lucille, Thomas appeals for investment in his invention from Edith's wealthy father, but is denied. Amidst growing suspicions and eerie occurrences, Edith falls in love with Thomas and, following a tragic event, marries him. Leaving her familiar surroundings, Edith relocates with Thomas to his dilapidated family mansion in England. The house, known for its blood-red clay that seeps through the walls, seems to possess a life and a darkness of its own.
As Edith adjusts to her new environment, she begins to uncover ghastly secrets hidden within the mansion. She experiences chilling visions and encounters spectral apparitions that appear to be warning her. The Sharpe siblings' intentions grow increasingly ambiguous, making Edith question their motives and her own safety. Battling both the supernatural and the very real dangers surrounding her, Edith's determination to unravel the mysteries of the mansion and its blood-soaked history intensifies, leading her down a dark and perilous path.
Writers: Guillermo del Toro, Matthew Robbins
Release Date: 16 Oct 2015
Runtime: 119 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Mexico
Language: English