Five Nights at Freddy's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 77
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Five Nights at Freddy's UHD boasts reference-quality audio and video, but lacks engaging content and extras, appealing mainly to the diehard fanbase.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 90
Five Nights at Freddy's UHD Blu-ray delivers a generally sharp and clear 4K transfer with intentionally dark, muted aesthetics; vibrant during key sequences with strong HDR10 implementation, but the presentation’s true strength lies in its inky blacks and detailed dark environments.
Audio: 84
The Dolby Atmos track for the 'Five Nights at Freddy's' 4K UHD Blu-ray effectively delivers strong, clear dialogue and immersive atmospheric effects, especially during animatronic scenes with deep bass. Despite some feeling it's underutilized, it excels in moments like the thrilling panning effects and resounding bass during jump scares.
Extra: 53
The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for 'Five Nights at Freddy's' provide a mix of behind-the-scenes insights into animatronics, set design, and the transition from game to screen, offering fans a detailed look at the practical effects and design choices, with contributions from key cast, crew, and even YouTube influencers.
Movie: 56
'Five Nights at Freddy's' on 4K UHD disc arrives with impressive production values, including a Dolby Atmos audio track. Despite an immersive set design that evokes the eerie atmosphere of the game, the film falls short on scares due to its PG-13 rating and excessive focus on backstory and character development over horror elements, ultimately proving predictable and less terrifying than expected.
Video: 90
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Five Nights at Freddy's" offers a solid transfer that effectively captures its intended aesthetic. The 2.00:1 aspect ratio provides a balanced and immersive viewing experience. Despite the movie’s inherently dark and drab design, shot digitally in ARRIRAW format at 6.5K resolution with ARRI ALEXA 65 cameras, the transfer ensures a consistently razor-sharp and clear image. The video performance excels in darker scenes, showcasing inky blacks and absorbing shadows while preserving fine details like cobwebs and clutter. The daylight sequences, notably Mike's dream sequences, feature warm and well-saturated colors that add vibrancy and contrast.
While the overall color palette remains intentionally muted, moments of vivid color punctuate the film, particularly in Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza’s neon signage and animatronics' glowing eyes. These elements provide visual interest amidst the predominantly drab grays, browns, and teals. HDR10 grading enhances these brief splashes of color and maintains strong contrast in brighter scenes. However, it is important to note the occasional flattening of darker scenes due to slightly elevated black levels, likely a result of high ISO captures under dim conditions. Despite these minor shortcomings, the presentation remains true to the filmmakers' dark and creepy intent.
Ultimately, "Five Nights at Freddy's" on 4K UHD Blu-ray isn't demo material for home theaters but offers a pristine and precise visual experience that aligns with its atmospheric narrative. The disc handles the film’s varied environments—from the sunlit outdoor shots to the perpetually dim pizzeria—with impressive consistency and technical proficiency. This makes for an engaging viewing experience that effectively conveys the unsettling atmosphere central to the story.
Audio: 84
The Dolby Atmos audio track on the 4K UHD Blu Ray of "Five Nights at Freddy's" is proficient, effectively capturing the essence of the film's auditory demands. Dialogue clarity and prioritization are exemplary, ensuring clear communication even within the film’s noisier moments. A standout scene features the animatronics' initial activation to The Romantic's "Talking in Your Sleep," where dialogue distinctly overlays the music, gear noises, and ambient activity. Surround sound utilization is noticeable, particularly in the mall scenes and subtle dreamscape nuances, enhancing the overall immersion without being overly flashy.
While some reviewers found the Atmos track somewhat underutilized, it undeniably shines during key sequences in the third act, with heightened surround activity and directional audio. Jump scares are strategically emphasized with stingers from various directions, leveraging the full potential of a horror film’s audio requirements. The track’s powerful bass effectively underscores the ominous footfalls of Freddy and his mechanical companions, adding palpable weight and menace. Panning effects, such as Mr. Cupcake navigating the vents, are meticulously executed, further immersing viewers into the tension-filled environment reminiscent of the game’s sensory immersion.
The audio options available include English Dolby Atmos, Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, and French 5.1 Dolby Digital, with corresponding subtitles. Though opinions differ on the Atmos track's overall impact, it undoubtedly provides a robust and engaging auditory experience for viewers, punctuating the film’s immersive horror elements thoughtfully and dynamically.
Extras: 53
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Five Nights at Freddy’s" provides a rich set of extras that significantly enhance the value for fans of the game and film alike. From detailed behind-the-scenes insights to technical discussions on the animatronics and set design, these features offer a comprehensive look into the film’s production. Interviews with key figures such as Emma Tammi, Jason Blum, and Josh Hutcherson alongside contributions from animatronics experts provide a well-rounded perspective. Though typical in structure, the extras highlight the practical effects and meticulous craftsmanship that bring the Freddy gang to life. Viewers also gain access to exclusive Easter eggs and insights shared by YouTube influencers and cast members.
Extras included in this disc:
- Five Nights at Freddy's: From Game to Big Screen: Behind-the-scenes look with director Emma Tammi, Producer Jason Blum, and cast members.
- Killer Animatronics: Discussions on creating animatronics accurate to the game with industry experts.
- Five Nights in Three Dimensions: Director Emma Tammi discusses the construction and use of immersive sets.
Movie: 56
"Five Nights at Freddy's" marks its arrival on 4K UHD Blu Ray, adorned with a Dolby Atmos audio track and complemented by a Blu-ray disc, slipcover, and Digital Code. It's clear Universal went to great lengths to breathe life into this cinematic adaptation of the famed video game. The disc includes three short but informative 'making of' featurettes that delve into the immersive set design and the intricate animatronics as the film’s principal villains. As a recreation of the eerie, dilapidated Freddy Fazbear's establishment, the film garners high praise for its production value. The set is replete with Skee-ball games, pinball machines, a ball pit, and more, convincingly echoing the neglected charm of a Chuck E. Cheese’s franchise gone awry. Unsettling animatronics with their age and filth intact further heighten the nostalgia-tinged terror.
However, the film falters where it matters most: delivering genuine scares. While the core cast, led by Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Mathew Lillard, and Mary Stuart Masterson, aptly deliver their roles with character-driven narratives, these very elements detract from the film’s primary horror focus. Too much screen time is dedicated to protagonist Mike’s (Hutcherson) psychological trauma and background story involving his brother's abduction and his struggles with daily life. These aspects, while adding depth to character development, disperse attention away from Freddy Fazbear's disturbing potential and the thrill of survival horror that fans anticipated. The pacing suffers as a result, with predictable plot points further diluting suspense.
Regrettably, instead of immersing viewers in the tension-filled hide-and-seek game within Freddy's claustrophobic confines, "Five Nights at Freddy's" sidelines its prime horror setting for extended sequences focusing on Mike’s personal dilemmas and dreamlike flashbacks. This shift undermines the atmosphere of fear and leaves audiences wanting more genuine fright and less exposition. The PG-13 rating also tempers the horror, sacrificing what could have been a gripping nightmare for a more diluted experience, leaving viewers craving the adrenaline-pumping terror promised by both the game and its eerie premise.
Total: 77
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Five Nights at Freddy's" delivers a visually compelling and aurally immersive experience, though the film itself has left much to be desired for both newcomers and ardent fans. The video quality stands out with razor-sharp detail and vibrant color reproduction, offering a pristine and engaging visual experience. Similarly, the audio track delivers reference-quality sound with clear dialogue and deep, resonant bass that effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of the movie. Despite these technical merits, the content of the film falls short of expectations.
While the special effects and set design are commendable, successfully bringing Freddy and his crew to life with startling authenticity, the narrative structure fails to maintain the tension and excitement that fans of the game series might anticipate. The film meanders through various subplots that add little to the central storyline, detracting from the intended horror elements. This deviation results in a pacing that tests viewers' patience rather than evoking suspense or fear, a crucial element for any horror franchise worth its salt.
On the extras front, the disc is surprisingly light, which is unexpected given the film's successful commercial performance. While fans might appreciate what is provided, the lack of substantial behind-the-scenes content or engaging commentary leaves much to be desired. However, if you understand the creators' intentions behind this filmic adaptation and are primarily interested in a high-quality home viewing experience, this 4K release serves its purpose well.
In conclusion, "Five Nights at Freddy's" had all the ingredients for a thrilling horror movie franchise debut but ultimately falls flat due to its disjointed storytelling. While the 4K UHD disc excels in technical aspects, it will appeal predominantly to devoted fans of the game series rather than a broader audience seeking a gripping horror experience.
Blu-ray.com review by Justin DekkerRead review here
Video: 90
Based on the overall aesthetic of the film, we are not presented with much eye-popping color, but both of these environments feature some of the most vivid colors we get in the film, especially seen in...
Audio: 80
It's properly prioritized even in the film's noisiest moments, such as when the animatronics fire up for the first time and perform their programmed pantomime routine to The Romantic's "Talking in Your...
Extras: 80
This is a broad but quick overview covering sets, animatronics, the story, and the desire to do right by the fans of the game.(7:20) Killer Animatronics: We hear from Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Maddock (Chica...
Movie: 60
After having been aware of the premise of this game and seeing a few trailers, I was more than ready to get snuck in the side door of Freddy Fazbear's and join the fans of the game in what looked to be...
Total: 50
Instead, we find ourselves spending more time everywhere but Freddy's dealing with issues and subplots that bore rather than thrill and are more of a test of our patience instead of increasing tension...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 100
I’m truly at a loss for words with this one, it’s pristine and I can only hope that I’d gotten more pleasure out of the film as I did with the way it looks....
Audio: 90
Being a horror film, this does have a few jump scares (I think it’s a rule) that took me by surprise....
Extras: 40
From Game to Big Screen – Feel the frights of Freddy Fazbear’s come alive as the film recreates the game’s world with immersive environments and wild surprises that’ll haunt longtime fans and newcomers...
Movie: 0
Add to that it’s a Blumhouse production, a company known for producing generally scary films, but the PG-13 rating took what little horror there was and toned it down....
Total: 60
I had no idea what to expect other than thinking I was in for a good scare and, well, that simply wasn’t the case....
The Digital Bits review by Stephen BjorkRead review here
Video: 95
Much of the overall design of Five Nights at Freddy’s is intentionally dark, dingy, and drab, and that means that even if there is real 4K worth of fine detail in the image, those details are often barely...
Audio: 95
The cheap jump scares are reinforced by loud audio stingers coming from any and all directions, but there’s also some interesting panning effects like when Mr. Cupcake is crawling through the vents around...
Extras: 50
True to the viral marketing nature of the modern era, there are a few interviews with YouTube influencers who were invited on set to see how well the design work matched that of the game....
Movie: 60
While there’s been some variance as the series has developed, the core gameplay of the original installment trapped players inside the security office of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza at night, being constantly...
Total: 75
That’s a surprisingly slim set of extras for a film as successful (and profitable) as Five Nights at Freddy’s, and this 4K presentation won’t be to everyone’s taste any more than the film itself is....
Director: Emma Tammi
Actors: Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail
PlotA young night security guard, Mike, takes on a new job at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, a once-popular family restaurant that's fallen into disrepair. On his first shift, he discovers that the establishment's main attractions, a group of animatronic entertainers, possess a horrifying secret. As the night progresses, Mike learns through scattered clues and phone messages left by his enigmatic predecessor that these seemingly harmless robots take on a life of their own after dark. Fueled by rumors of mysterious disappearances and dark past events tied to the restaurant, Mike's initial skepticism turns to terror as he struggles to survive the increasingly aggressive behaviors of the animatronics.
Isolated within the labyrinthine corridors and rooms of the deteriorating pizza place, Mike must utilize the limited resources at his disposal to protect himself. He is forced to rely on security cameras, quick thinking, and strategically timed door closures to evade the relentless robotic predators that roam the building. Meanwhile, young Sarah, a relative of one of the restaurant's previous victims, begins her own investigation of the disturbing truths hidden within the walls of Freddy Fazbear's. Her journey intertwines with Mike's ordeal, peeling back layers of deception and corporate conspiracy, as both confront the haunted animatronics' gruesome desires and the possibility that they hold the souls of previous victims seeking release or revenge.
Writers: Scott Cawthon, Seth Cuddeback, Emma Tammi
Release Date: 27 Oct 2023
Runtime: 109 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English