Freaky 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory delivers a stunning 4K UHD presentation of "Freaky" in 2160p HEVC/H.265, maintaining the original 2.39:1 theatrical aspect ratio. This native 4K encode elevates the viewing experience significantly. The HDR grade, especially, enhances the visual appeal by offering a deeper and more immersive color palette. Darker shades appear more robust while lighter pigments, notably Kathryn Newton's red jacket, pop with pronounced depth. This sharp and organic image clarity makes "Freaky" an exceptional upgrade from its Blu-ray counterpart, showcasing even more detail and positional accuracy.

HDR remains a critical component in this edition, enriching the contrast and amplifying every light source dynamically. The mini-golf, blacklight-lit Halloween scenes illustrate the power of HDR beautifully. While some minor noise persists, inherent to the source rather than the encode, this edition handles it impressively well. Routine color grading enables primary colors to breathe naturally, and flesh tones hold their integrity across varying scenes. Given its faithful reproduction of colors and minimal imperfections, this release surpasses Universal’s already commendable Blu-ray version, making it arguably the definitive home video version of "Freaky."

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Freaky" includes two lossless audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo. Both tracks deliver exceptional clarity and dynamic sound, enhancing the immersive experience of the film. The 5.1 surround sound mix is particularly noteworthy; it effectively uses rear channels to enrich action-horror sequences, making jump scares and ambient noises feel more exciting and engaging. Dialogue remains crisp and clear, ensuring that the vocals stay front and center throughout the movie, while Bear McCreary's score benefits from high-resolution rendering, accentuating the film's emotional and atmospheric layers.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track capitalizes on its range by offering low-end impact during music stings and moments of shock. The soundstage adeptly mimics a more expansive audio environment, with swirling voices and precise panning that heighten fear and suspense. Details such as thunderous body swaps and exaggerated booms from attacks contribute to a visceral aural experience. This sophisticated use of available channels competently supports the horror elements, despite the absence of a Dolby Atmos mix. Shout Factory's utilization of the original Blu-ray’s DTS-HD Master Audio track serves the film exceptionally well, ensuring that every nuance is captured with crystal clarity.

The inclusion of two audio options provides versatility, catering to different listener preferences without compromising on quality. Both audio tracks exhibit strength, clarity, and robustness, with no apparent distortion or artifacts such as crackling or hissing. This release arguably represents the pinnacle of "Freaky’s" audio presentation in home video format, offering an experience that should satisfy both casual viewers and audiophiles alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Freaky" offers a comprehensive set of extras that complement the main feature, providing valuable insights into the film’s production and creative process. Viewers can dive deep into the narrative and technical facets of the movie through an in-depth audio commentary by co-writer/director Christopher Landon, who discusses the origins of the story and the chemistry between the lead actors. The deleted scenes provide additional context to the story, while various featurettes focus on specific aspects like character development and the crafting of spectacular kills. Each featurette offers a succinct yet insightful look at the individual elements that contribute to the film's unique blend of horror and comedy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An in-depth track with co-writer/director Christopher Landon.
• The Butcher Lends a Hand: Deleted scene.
• Charlene Hears a Rumor: Deleted scene.
• Late for the Party: Deleted scene.
• Crafting the Kills: Insights into the film's special makeup effects.
• Split Personalities: Millie vs. The Butcher: Behind-the-scenes with Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton.
• Final Girl Reframed: Exploration of the "Final Girl" trope.
• Christopher Landon's Brand of Horror: Director’s unique approach to blending horror and comedy.
• Freaky Trailers: Theatrical trailers.
• Additional Trailers: Bonus trailers for related films.

"Freaky," produced by Jason Blum, is a refreshingly inventive horror-comedy delivering a novel twist on the slasher and body-swap genres. Directed by Christopher Landon, who co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Kennedy, the film deftly intertwines dark humor and horror elements, evoking both laughter and genuine chills. Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn shine in their lead roles, with Newton effectively transitioning from a vulnerable high school girl to a confident serial killer, while Vaughn’s comedic prowess stands out as he portrays Newton's character trapped in the body of a hulking murderer.

The production values are notably high, contributing to the film’s lively and engaging tone. Laurie Rose's cinematography masterfully juxtaposes vibrant, brightly lit comedy scenes against hypnotic and darker thriller moments, enhancing the film's dual nature. Whitney Anne Adams' costume design, particularly the iconic red jacket donned by Newton, adds depth to the character's transformation. Hillary Andujar's production design and Bear McCreary's energetic score further complement the film, offering a well-rounded aesthetic experience that enhances both horror and humor.

Supporting performances by Celeste O’Connor and Misha Osherovich provide solid grounding to the narrative as Millie's friends navigating the chaos brought about by the body-switch. The ensemble cast, including notable turns by Alan Ruck and Dana Drori, further enriches the movie’s character dynamics. Despite some uneven moments in its balance of laughs and scares, "Freaky" remains a standout for its innovative storytelling and dedicated performances. The film’s playful yet clever riff on classic genre tropes cements Christopher Landon’s reputation for breathing new life into familiar horror-comedy formulas.

"Freaky" is an innovative and immensely entertaining horror-comedy that effectively merges the thrills of the slasher genre with the humor of a body-swap premise. Directed by Christopher Landon, the film showcases an exceptional performance from Kathryn Newton, who masterfully switches between the roles of a sweet, innocent girl and a menacing serial killer. Vince Vaughn's portrayal of Millie is equally compelling, adding layers of humor and depth to the character. The lively and self-aware script ensures that the film remains engaging from start to finish.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Freaky" provides a significant upgrade over its Blu-ray predecessor, thanks to its robust 2160p resolution and impressive HDR (high dynamic range) enhancement. These technical improvements significantly elevate the visual experience, delivering sharper details, enhanced contrast, and more vibrant colors. The lossless audio track further enriches the viewing experience, providing clear dialogue and immersive sound effects that heighten the tension and humor of the film.

The release is complemented by a substantial selection of bonus features, all ported from the previous edition, making it an excellent value for fans of the film. In conclusion, "Freaky" on 4K UHD is a must-own for enthusiasts of horror-comedy and followers of Christopher Landon's directorial work. Its superior technical presentation and engaging special features make this edition the definitive version for collectors and new audiences alike. Highly recommended.