Sliver 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Sliver" marks a significant enhancement from its earlier Blu-ray release, leveraging the capabilities of Dolby Vision under the meticulous supervision of director Phillip Noyce. This update achieves a darker, cooler visual tone that aligns more closely with the director's original noirish intention. The external scenes are more vivid than before, capturing brighter greenery and street details that enrich the setting's realism. Indoor scenes maintain stable hues, with primary colors distinctly rendered, particularly in the intricately decorated apartments and the technology-centric "video lair" with its notable blue undertones.

The video quality benefits from a finely detailed transfer, showcasing crisp facial features and period-appropriate costumes, while the film’s grain offers a sophisticated cinematic texture. The film maintains robust black levels, adeptly handling shadows without suffering from crush, ensuring clarity even in dimly lit or nighttime sequences. Skin tones appear natural, though they occasionally trend towards slight redness without becoming distracting. The Dolby Vision grading also contributes to vibrant color representation across various scenes, preserving both depth and dimensionality in interiors and delivering strong, nuanced shadows and highlights amid dynamic exterior shots.

Returning to its correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio, this 2160p rendition captures the essence of Phillip Noyce and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond’s collaboration. As one of the 1990s' most artistically engaging thrillers, "Sliver" is adeptly represented through a clean, clear image that enhances its visual storytelling. Overall, the UHD release provides a filmic experience that combines technical precision with aesthetic elegance, effectively revitalizing this sleek thriller for modern audiences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Sliver" features a proficient DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix, delivering clear dialogue exchanges throughout various scenes, from hushed encounters to more intense arguments, while maintaining distortion-free clarity. The surround channels are not overly active but effectively contribute to the atmosphere with brief musical moods, city atmospherics, and group activities. The Howard Shore score provides a jazzy undertone, supporting the suspenseful sequences and characterized by sharp instrumentation. The soundtrack ensures crisp, defined vocals, maintaining a consistent quality across different audio elements.

While the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track effectively utilizes channel imaging to maintain a front and center focus, strategic moments employ surround channels, enhancing mood tensions with silence and spatial cues. There is a notable use of silence as a tension builder in fraught conversations. The audio mix maintains well-prioritized levels, ensuring a seamless transition between the dialogue, effects, and musical cues. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 downmix is considered satisfactory for the task, although in-depth testing was not conducted.

In summary, the audio presentation showcases functionally integrated elements that enhance the film's mood and tone. The low-end is mild during violent sequences and techno beats but remains effective in sound effects delivery. Overall, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix offers an immersive auditory experience suitable for both critical viewing and casual consumption, combining clarity with atmospheric support to heighten the cinematic experience without overpowering other audio dynamics.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Sliver" features a rich selection of extras that grant valuable insights into the production. The additions include candid interviews with director Phillip Noyce, revealing behind-the-scenes challenges and candid thoughts on casting and the varied dynamics on set. Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas offers a look into the creative process and the evolution of his career within Hollywood's vibrant scene. Additionally, Colleen Camp shares her enthusiasm and experiences during the film's production, highlighting casting and storyline modifications. The package is enhanced by archival EPK interviews with leading cast members Sharon Stone, William Baldwin, and Tom Berenger, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and promotional materials. Although the infamous original volcanic ending is omitted, the comprehensive extras provide a thorough glimpse into this 90s thriller.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Skinny on Sliver: Interview with director Phillip Noyce.
• Taking Chances on Sliver: Interview with screenwriter Joe Eszterhas.
• Re-Marks on Sliver: Interview with actress Colleen Camp.
• EPK Interviews: Features Sharon Stone, William Baldwin, and Tom Berenger.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Observations of the filming process.
• Alternate Scenes from the R-Rated Edit: Includes additional sequences.
• Image Gallery: Collection of visual art and film stills.
• T.V. Spots: Compilation of four commercials for the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for "Sliver".

"Sliver," a 1993 film directed by Phillip Noyce, emerges as an ambitious yet ultimately flawed attempt at a stylish erotic thriller. Intended as a follow-up to Sharon Stone's breakthrough in "Basic Instinct," "Sliver" shows promise with its voyeuristic premise and a strong cast including Tom Berenger and William Baldwin. The narrative follows Carly Norris, a book editor portrayed by Stone, navigating a world of seduction and mystery in a Manhattan high-rise. However, despite the potent setup, the film unravels, succumbing to the pitfalls of studio intervention, miscasting, and hasty reshoots that mar its initial vision.

Technically, "Sliver" is notable for its intriguing examination of surveillance and power dynamics, punctuated by Howard Shore’s evocative score and a memorable soundtrack. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Vinegar Syndrome highlights the film’s visual allure, offering an opportunity to re-evaluate its aesthetic qualities in high definition. Despite this technical prowess, the film's narrative struggles with coherence—a victim of the competing egos, script alterations, and an ill-suited Baldwin in the role originally intended for someone with a more compelling screen presence.

Ultimately, "Sliver" stands as a relic of '90s cinema where high-concept ideas often faltered under the weight of conflicting creative directions. While some scenes with Stone and Berenger manage to evoke genuine intrigue and chemistry, these moments are undercut by Baldwin’s lack of intensity and the overall disjointed execution. The result is a film that intermittently hits its marks but largely fails to capitalize on its potential intrigue and tension, leading to a viewing experience that can be more curious than satisfying. For fans of the genre and era, this release offers a polished look at a cinematic misfire that sparks discussion about what could have been a compelling thriller.

"Sliver" emerges as a complex attempt at '90s erotic neo-noir, striving for distinction in a genre defined by tension and sensuality. The film faces challenges, notably from the lackluster chemistry between Sharon Stone and William Baldwin. As Zeke, Baldwin doesn't fully commit to the depth and menace the role demands, leaving the character a recognizable creep rather than an enigmatic one. The narrative misses the mark in exploring Carly's psychological journey, making her final choices seem unconvincing. However, director Phillip Noyce injects some atmosphere into the film, bolstered by Vilmos Zsigmond's excellent cinematography and a vibrant soundtrack featuring techno and pop reggae.

Despite its issues, "Sliver" benefits from moments that shine with mystery and suspense, closer in spirit to a giallo than a polished Hollywood thriller. Regrettably, these successful elements are sporadic and infrequently involve both leads simultaneously on-screen. The film is caught in its own production snares—source material, adaptation challenges, and the impact of reshoots—all contributing to the diluted experience it becomes. Yet, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray version is notable for its excellent Dolby Vision transfer, delivering sharp visuals and solid audio quality. For those with an appreciation for what the film attempts, the bonus features provide additional insight and value.

In conclusion, "Sliver" remains a curiosity for those interested in '90s cinema attempts at merging eroticism with noir. Its appeal largely lies in the exploration of what could have been rather than what truly is, making it a choice suited primarily for dedicated fans of the film or genre. The craftsmanship can be appreciated in isolation, but the overall experience remains a mixed cinematic bag.