The Company of Wolves 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Company of Wolves" makes its mark in the 4K UHD Blu-ray scene with a stunning video presentation that ignites the sensory aspects of its folklore-inspired narrative. The infusion of new life into this cult classic comes from the 2022 4K scan of the original camera negative, promising a viewing experience enriched with Dolby Vision and HDR10 options. Photographed on 35 mm film using Arriflex cameras and spherical lenses, the film's transition to Ultra HD not only honors its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 but elevates it with a contemporary visual opulence. The HDR grading brings out the vibrant tapestry of colors, with an emphasis on bold reds, especially notable in Rosaleen's iconic cape, and achieves a nuanced balance with deep blacks that showcase exceptional shadow detail and perfect contrast. Natural skin tones and period costuming details are meticulously preserved, enhancing the visual storytelling.

The underlying film grain is prominent yet refined, contributing to a visceral film-like texture that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate. This fine grain structure supports sharp details in facial features, monster effects, and the lush, foreboding forest environments, enhancing the atmospheric depth of the film. Despite minor instances of wear such as mild scratches and speckling, the overall integrity of the film’s visuals remains uncompromised, delivering a pristine and organic appearance from start to finish. The video bitrate's exceptional range, peaking frequently beyond 80 to 90Mbps, supports the film's complex visual layers without sacrificing quality, ensuring that the finer elements of the production design and cinematography are prominently displayed.

This release stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of "The Company of Wolves," offering an unparalleled home viewing experience that showcases the technical craftsmanship of its cinematography and the expressive potential of its fantasy elements. The meticulous restoration work ensures that every frame from this imaginative venture benefits from the full dynamic range and color space that modern home cinema technology can offer, setting a benchmark for how classic films can be revitalized for current and future generations to cherish.

The audio presentation of "The Company of Wolves" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is delivered via a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, offering an experience that, while not groundbreaking, provides a well-rounded auditory complement to the visual narrative. The dialogue is satisfactorily clear, with the age of the original recording sometimes perceptible though not detracting significantly from understanding. This clarity in dialogue is underpinned by George Fenton's score, which is rendered with defined instrumentation and emphasis, allowing the music to effectively support the film's foray into fantastical and unsettling territories.

However, it's worth noting that the audio track is a 2-channel fold-down of the original matrix released in Dolby Stereo, which might explain the lack of an immersive multi-channel experience. Despite this, the stereo mix manages to maintain a balance between dialogue, score, and sound effects, ensuring that none overshadow the others. Sound effects and atmospherics are commendable, contributing a well-constructed soundscape that enhances the sense of village life and the lurking dangers of the forest.

While a multi-channel remix might have added a welcome depth to some of the film's more dynamic sequences, the 2.0 DTS-HD mix holds its ground with a balanced and appreciable audio presentation. The inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles also adds value, ensuring accessibility for all audiences. Overall, this audio presentation, despite its limitations stemming from the original recording's age and format, provides a serviceable and sometimes impressively clear listening experience that complements the film’s visual journey into dark fantasy.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray extra features of "The Company of Wolves" offer a rich tapestry of insights that deepen the appreciation of the film. Though the advertised new interview with producer Chris Brown and special makeup effects artist Christopher Tucker is unfortunately missing, what remains is substantive. Commentary tracks provide varied perspectives; the first, a meticulous cutting-edge creation for this release, gives voice to a wide array of contributors, shining a light on aspects such as Anton Furst's integral production design. The second commentary, a lively exchange from a 2005 release, captivates with its depth on influences and thematics. "Where Fairy Tales End" and "Alice in Dreamland" offer indispensable anecdotes from composer George Fenton and actress Georgia Slowe, respectively, accentuating the singular atmosphere and on-set marvels. An image gallery and brief promotional materials round off the extras, together painting a comprehensive behind-the-scenes portrait that fans will surely value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1 with Neil Jordan: Insights from the co-writer/director.
• Commentary #2 with Chris Brown, Micha Bergese, and Kathryn Pogson: A collaborative exploration.
• Where Fairy Tales End: Audio interview with composer George Fenton.
• Alice in Dreamland: Interview with actress Georgia Slowe.
• Image Gallery: A collection of publicity stills and behind-the-scenes images.
• T.V. Spot: Short promotional video.
• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition preview of the film.

Neil Jordan's 1984 cinematic endeavor, "The Company of Wolves," stands as a testament to the thematic depth and visual splendor that can be achieved on a modest budget. The film, co-written with Angela Carter, delves into the intricate weave of folklore, dreams, and the sinister undercurrents of fairy tales, juxtaposing burgeoning sexuality with the eerie allure of the wilderness. Jordan's directorial vision brings to life a fantastical realm where pacing succumbs to the enchantment of mood, setting the stage for a narrative that prioritizes atmospheric tension over straightforward horror. Despite its ambitions, the film occasionally meanders, struggling to maintain a cohesive dramatic thrust amidst its more visually captivating moments.

Set against the backdrop of an 18th-century village, the story follows young Rosaleen (Sarah Patterson) as she navigates a labyrinth of social and supernatural challenges. After the tragic death of her sister by wolves, Rosaleen's journey into adulthood is marked by cautionary tales from her Granny (Angela Lansbury), encapsulating themes of trust, deception, and the primal nature lurking within men. The film skillfully employs metaphor and allegory, inviting viewers into a dreamlike exploration of Rosaleen’s psyche as she confronts literal and figurative wolves, blurring lines between reality and fantasy. The narrative structure, rich in folklore and cautionary tales, creates a tapestry of stories within stories, emphasizing the power and danger of the untamed.

"The Company of Wolves" is an ambitious blend of horror and fantasy that challenges conventional storytelling with its non-linear narrative and symbolic imagery. Jordan's commitment to crafting a visually arresting film results in a remarkable aesthetic achievement. However, this focus on style over substance occasionally undermines the film's narrative cohesion, leaving some viewers adrift in its dreamlike sequences. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing artifact of cinema that rewards patient and introspective viewers with its intricate exploration of fear, desire, and transformation.

The Company of Wolves," presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray by Scream Factory, offers a distinct cinema experience that diverges sharply from its werewolf-themed predecessors. This Neil Jordan-directed film is a peculiar yet meticulously crafted piece, combining solid performances and a visually captivating narrative. Angela Lansbury's portrayal of Granny infuses the film with a mesmerizing quality, highlighting the excellence in acting and character development within this unique tale. Despite its strengths, the movie struggles to achieve a cohesive narrative. Its dedication to technical sophistication and rich symbolism, particularly around the thematic core of Rosaleen's loss of innocence, seems to hinder rather than enhance the audience's emotional investment in the characters and their struggles against a backdrop of sinister, often vague threats.

The film itself represents an unbridled vision from Jordan and his team, free from external influences, which demands a certain adjustment in viewer expectations. Unlike mainstream werewolf movies such as "An American Werewolf in London" or "The Howling," "The Company of Wolves" carves out its own niche. It retells a classic fable with a fresh lens, challenging audiences with its complex layers of storytelling and symbolism. The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition by Scream Factory significantly enriches this experience, offering unparalleled visual quality that accentuates the film's artistry and atmospheric depth. This release is particularly recommended for Neil Jordan enthusiasts and those who appreciate a cinematic experience that deviates from the conventional.

In conclusion, "The Company of Wolves" in 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a visually stunning and thought-provoking viewing experience, albeit with some narrative shortcomings. Angela Lansbury’s standout performance alongside the film's rich visual and thematic complexity makes it a compelling watch. While it may not resonate with fans expecting a traditional werewolf horror flick, it offers a unique and aesthetically rewarding journey for those willing to embrace its distinct narrative approach. The Scream Factory release elevates this experience, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of avant-garde cinema.