Death Becomes Her 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Death Becomes Her" by Shout Factory showcases a meticulous restoration using the original 35mm camera negative, presented in 2160p HEVC/H.265 at an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This restoration is a technical triumph, offering a high dynamic range (HDR) experience in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision standards. The update substantially heightens the film’s visual depth and clarity, marking a significant upgrade from previous media versions. The presentation maintains an average bit rate exceeding 80 Mbps, ensuring an impressive rendition of the film's surreal and gothic cinematography, which is revitalized with enhanced detail and vibrant color fidelity.

Shot with both Panavision and VistaVision cameras, the film benefits from the innovative use of Eastman EXR 500T 5296 35mm format, alongside Panavision and Nikon lenses, which capture the film’s unique blend of haunting aesthetic and sophisticated visual storytelling. Despite some visual effects showing their age, the 4K scan significantly surpasses previous releases, notably the 2016 Blu-ray that suffered from excessive digital noise reduction. This new version achieves a sharper, more organic look with a well-managed film grain during non-visual effects scenes.

The HDR grading effectively deepens blacks, improves contrast, and extends the color gamut, creating a clean and stable image that stands as likely the pinnacle of "Death Becomes Her" home video releases. Alongside its captivating gothic ambience, this release successfully breathes new life into a classic film, delighting both long-time enthusiasts and new viewers alike with its superior visual quality.

The "Death Becomes Her" 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation offers an impressive array of lossless options, namely English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound and 2.0 stereo. Featuring high-resolution output, the audio tracks deliver superb clarity and immersive quality. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in providing a rich soundstage, enhancing the listener's experience with its expansive depth and intricately defined sound effects. Alan Silvestri's score is a particular highlight, benefiting from the crispness and precision of the audio, which immerses viewers further into the film's atmosphere.

While these tracks are consistent with those provided in Scream Factory's 2016 Blu-ray release, they ensure an authentic portrayal of the original Dolby Stereo experience. The inclusion of English SDH subtitles further enhances accessibility. The 5.1 track successfully expands the score and effects without compromise, using ambient surround channels to enhance action sequences and background nuances formidably. Although an Atmos remix could have potentially offered increased dimensionality in terms of atmospheric aspects, the current DTS-HD options stand solid and deliver a satisfying auditory experience.

Overall, the balance of dialogue, music, and sound effects is well-maintained, creating a robust audio experience that holds up well against contemporary expectations. The dialogue is consistently clear and weighted, ensuring no loss in communication during intricate scenes. While there is room for future enhancements, the existing audio presentation delivers a fine blend of nostalgia and technical prowess that underpins the film’s enduring appeal.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Death Becomes Her" maintain a professional presentation, featuring high-quality packaging with a visually appealing slipcover. The extras, while previously seen on prior editions, offer insightful content but lack cohesive storytelling. "The Making of Death Becomes Her" includes interviews with key filmmakers but is marred by a disjointed narrative structure. The "Vintage Behind the Scenes Featurette" is of particular note, providing a nostalgic glimpse into production. The "Photo Gallery" offers an extensive array of stills, showcasing production and promotional images. Lastly, the disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer. Although the featurettes' quality varies, the collection delivers engaging behind-the-scenes perspectives that fans will appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Death Becomes Her: Features interviews with the cast and crew; lacks organized narrative.
• Vintage Behind the Scenes Featurette: A brief look behind the film's production.
• Photo Gallery: Contains 46 production and promotional stills.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

"Death Becomes Her," directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a hallmark of cult classic cinema. The film boasts performances from a stellar cast featuring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini, each delivering remarkable performances in this screwball horror-comedy. Streep and Hawn revel in their whimsical roles, while Willis exposes his range with one of his finest comedic performances. Rossellini adds a sly comedic flair, complementing the ensemble's dynamic. The supporting cast enhances the film with subtle and engaging contributions, adding fun layers to the production.

The film’s technical achievements are significant, highlighting exceptional contributions from industry luminaries. Dean Cundey's cinematography offers a sublime visual experience, contributing to the film's aesthetic appeal—one reason for its cult status. Arthur Schmidt's editing creates an engaging and energetic pace, integral to the film's charm. The production designs by Rick Carter are top-notch, capturing the gothic and kitsch horror style that mirrors classic genre cinema. Complemented by William James Teegarden’s art direction and Joanna Johnston’s costume designs, the film’s visual elements showcase ambition and attention to narrative themes of beauty and vanity.

The screenplay by Martin Donovan and David Koepp is exceptional, marked by witty dialogue that underscores the film's dark comedy edge. Alan Silvestri’s score adds an energetic and playful layer to enhance the film's manic rhythm. Zemeckis delivers a memorable direction that aligns with his reputation for genre-defining work. Despite initial mixed reviews, "Death Becomes Her" gained acclaim for its innovative storytelling and groundbreaking visual effects, which earned it an Academy Award and solidified its influence in the filmmaking landscape. The film is a masterclass in blending horror and comedy, offering an enduring narrative that resonates with lovers of cult classics.

The 4K UHD release of "Death Becomes Her" offers an outstanding 4K restoration from the original camera negative, presenting a visual experience with enhanced clarity and vividness. Accompanied by lossless audio, this release ensures that both the director's ingenious vision and the performers' exceptional delivery are experienced to their fullest potential. The physical package is augmented by a slipcover and supplementary materials, making it a valuable addition for collectors and fans alike.

However, it should be noted that some content from previous releases does not make an appearance in this version. Absent are a series of unique featurettes and an extensive image gallery that some might have anticipated. Moreover, the substantial amount of deleted and alternate scenes, prominently involving Tracy Ullman's character Toni, remains unrecovered and unexplored across available editions. Such omissions mildly detract from what could have been a more comprehensive deep-dive into the film's production history.

Ultimately, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Death Becomes Her" remains a top-tier offering for enthusiasts of this iconic horror-comedy classic. Despite missing extras, it thrives in its technical execution and presentation quality, reaffirming the film's status as a quintessential cult classic. Whether for its humor, its satirical edge, or its charismatic performances, this release is sure to delight both new viewers and seasoned fans.