Blood Feast 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Synapse Films' release of "Blood Feast" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, running at 98 minutes, introduces the fully unrated cut, including previously omitted explicit content, which certainly gives it an edge for fans looking for the most complete version. This edition, notably enhanced with Dolby Vision, aims to impress with its attention to detail and color fidelity. However, it faces a dichotomy in quality across different aspects of the video presentation. The film's inherently dark narrative and scenes test the limits of visual clarity, especially in dimly lit sequences where the deep black levels are appreciated but also contribute to difficulty in discerning finer details like Fuad's animal mask. The gore, a hallmark of the genre, benefits from improved texture and clarity, showcasing the filmmakers' commitment to visceral imagery against a backdrop of varying degrees of success in color correction and scene definition.

While the 4K UHD presentation boasts a razor-sharp image and deeper black levels, indicative of a digitally filmed production from 2016, it suffers from an inconsistent color palette that ranges from rich reds to desaturated hues, impacting the overall viewing experience. Flesh tones are particularly erratic, ranging from natural to overly bronze, undermining the potential for a more cohesive visual narrative. Although interior scenes provide decent depth and detail captures skin textures and diner outfits effectively, exterior shots around Paris lack sharpness, potentially due to the use of different cameras for mobility purposes. These technical inconsistencies, including noticeable banding and compression issues, suggest that while the conversion to 4K UHD brings certain enhancements, it does not consistently elevate the film beyond its previous 1080P iterations. There's a palpable struggle with maintaining quality across the board: from the bizarre color correction choices affecting the mood and tone, to a fair amount of detail crushing in darker scenes, challenging whether this iconic piece truly benefits from a 4K upgrade.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio mix for "Blood Feast" distinguishably enhances the overall viewing experience by delivering a sound presentation that balances clarity with atmospheric depth. Dialogue is consistently clear, navigating through various accents and more intense vocal performances without compromise. The mix's treatment of the film's score is commendable, as it crystalizes both dramatic and horrific elements, amplifying them with a robust presence that complements the visual mood. While the surround channels are subtly used, they contribute to an enveloping ambiance when it comes to music and certain sound effects, ensuring that even the quieter moments are filled with a sense of space.

Sound design in "Blood Feast" stands out for its fidelity, particularly considering the film's indie roots. The front soundstage is given a broad spectrum to play with, where sound effects, from the distinctly squishy to the unnervingly sharp, are rendered with precision. This crisp execution extends to the more electronic pop elements of the soundtrack, where low-end beats exhibit a satisfying depth without overwhelming the mix. Although the rear channels might not be aggressively engaged, their thoughtful use adds layers to the soundscape, creating a mildly immersive experience that complements both dialogue and music.

This surround mix benefits greatly from a balanced approach, ensuring that every component, from dialogue to the crunchiest of sound effects, has its moment without overshadowing others. The score's ability to maintain its crispness across various moods contributes significantly to the film's atmosphere, supported by an adept handling of both high-intensity scenes and more nuanced auditory moments. Overall, "Blood Feast's" 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio mix delivers an audibly pleasing and technically sound experience that showcases an impressive level of sound quality for an indie production, complete with optional English SDH subtitles that ensure accessibility within its visually scoped presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Blood Feast" goes beyond delivering just the film in stunning quality; it enriches the viewing experience with a comprehensive suite of extras, dive deep into its making and promotion. The "Making of 'Blood Feast'" offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look, blending B-roll footage with cast and crew interviews, revealing the camaraderie and technical challenges on set. The Red Carpet Premiere brings the star-studded debut to life, including notable appearances and insights into the film's impact. Scare Cam presents a lighter side with its prank compilation, whereas the "Tonite" music video adds a unique flavor. The inclusion of Original Indiegogo Promotional Teaser and Theatrical Trailer rounds out the extras, alongside a Synapse Films promo, spotlighting the transition from R-rated theatrical to the eagerly anticipated unrated version, previously exclusive to the festival circuit.

Extras included in this disc:

• THE MAKING OF 'BLOOD FEAST': Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from the set.
• RED CARPET PREMIERE 2018: Coverage of the Beverly Hills premiere.
• SCARE CAM: Prank compilation from the set.
• TONITE: Music video by Chilli Con Curtis.
• ORIGINAL INDIEGOGO PROMOTIONAL TEASER: Early promotional teaser.
• THEATRICAL TRAILER: Official movie trailer.
• SYNAPSE FILMS PROMO: A brief promotional video from Synapse Films.

The 2016 remake of Herschell Gordon Lewis's "Blood Feast," directed by Marcel Walz, attempts to relive the controversial glory of the original 1963 gore-fest with a modern twist. Transplanting the setting from the U.S. to Paris, the film follows Fuad Ramses (played by Robert Rusler) as he moves his family overseas to open Ramses American Diner. However, the plot thickens when Fuad, struggling with financial woes and poor business, succumbs to the seductive influence of the goddess Ishtar (Sadie Katz), embarking on a horrifying journey of murder and cannibalism to prepare a gruesome feast. Despite its attempt at homage, the remake is criticized for its sluggish pace and lack of suspense, often feeling like a colossal bore that struggles to engage its audience in the same way Lewis's original did with its boundary-pushing violence.

Technically, Walz's "Blood Feast" falls short in recapturing the vivid, colorful gore that made the 1963 version a standout. The remake is noted for its drab visuals, possibly a result of budgetary constraints, which fail to convey the moodiness it aims for. Instead, it presents a bland understanding of Fuad's madness, losing much of the personality and adventure that characterized Lewis’s work. Despite attempts at restructuring the story for depth, the screenplay by Philip Lilienschwarz comes across as lacking the original's charm and inventiveness, preferring instead to delve into secondary character dynamics that detract from the core thrill of Fuad's murderous spree.

Critics note that while some graphic scenes in Walz’s version might appeal to genre enthusiasts craving creativity and gore, overall, the film does not manage to evoke the disturbing feel or entertaining gore zone highlights of its predecessor. Characters like Penny dealing with relationship woes rather than focusing on the horror aspects diminish the impact and leave fans longing for more instances of visceral horror reminiscent of the original's daring spirit. The film's pacing is also criticized for its lethargy, undermining the suspense and diminishing the potential impact of its gruesome finale. Ultimately, "Blood Feast" (2016) serves as a nostalgia trip for die-hard fans of the 1963 classic but falls short of delivering a compelling or memorable horror experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Blood Feast" attempts to navigate the complex territory of breathing new life into Herschell Gordon Lewis's iconic, albeit campy, horror cult classic. The film aspires to capitalize on the macabre delight of its predecessor, introducing us to the ghastly culinary ambitions of Fuad, whose descent into madness aims to pay homage to the deity Ishtar through a series of grisly sacrifices. However, despite the ambitious underpinnings and crowdfunded indie horror enthusiasm, the execution teeters on the brink of lethargy, failing to inject the necessary vigor into its narrative or its characters. The lead performances by Rusler and Williams show a commendable effort, with Rusler's portrayal of Fuad's spiraling insanity being a notable attempt to anchor the film's thematic essence. Nonetheless, the supporting cast, comprised mainly of amateurs, scarcely contributes to the unfolding drama, consequently detracting from the overall urgency and impact of the narrative.

Technically, the 4K UHD rendition serves as a double-edged sword: it magnifies the ambition behind this contemporary take while simultaneously casting a harsh light on its narrative and performative shortcomings. This stark clarity, rather than enhancing the viewing experience, unfortunately, underscores the film's inability to resonate on the same visceral level as its source material. The vivid details and enhanced resolution bring Lewis's gore-centric aesthetic into a new era but fail to compensate for the lackluster energy and missed opportunities in storytelling and character development.

In conclusion, while "Blood Feast" in 4K UHD aspires to pay a grand tribute to the original cult classic through a meticulously upgraded visual feast and a premise rich with potential, it ultimately falls short of rekindling the raw, chaotic charm that defined Herschell Gordon Lewis's work. The performance efforts are eclipsed by a lack of depth in character engagement and a storyline that struggles to maintain momentum. In its quest to honor its roots, this rendition serves more as a testament to the challenges of recapturing the unique essence of a genre-defining classic rather than establishing itself as a formidable successor in the annals of horror cinema.