The Church 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Severin Films' 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Church" presents an exceptional video upgrade, utilizing a director-approved 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, transferred in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This new restoration is presented with High Dynamic Range options, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision, enhancing the visual depth and richness of this classic horror film. The presentation consistently maintains a high bitrate of 80 to 100Mbps on a BD-100 disc, which results in a stable and highly organic viewing experience that preserves the film's original photochemical finish.

Detail fidelity stands out distinctly in this version, with finely-attenuated grain that competently retains the cinematic texture without any waxiness affecting facial textures or clothing. The color palette, energized by the new HDR grading, excels in highlighting the intricate details of both church interiors and the vivid intensity of flames, with deep amber hues and compelling specular highlight pops. While some shadows might slightly crush, it is not enough to detract from the overall viewing quality.

"The Church"'s dimly lit ambiance benefits noticeably from this transfer, with profound black levels and excellent contrast evident throughout the film’s darker sequences. The film's presentation surmounts minor speckling issues and occasional rough frames while maintaining a natural appearance thanks to gentle cleanup efforts. Ultimately, this release is a substantial improvement over previous formats, offering a visually captivating experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Church" delivers an intriguing audio presentation across multiple DTS-HD Master Audio tracks, including English 5.1, English 2.0, and Italian 2.0 options. The English 5.1 mix injects a layer of ambience into the soundscape, enhancing the overall auditory experience despite a slightly reprocessed feel. The sound remains clean throughout, with a commendable presence in sound effects and score. Both English tracks exhibit a sonic similarity, as the 2.0 serves as a fold-down of the 5.1. Though the dubbing quality could improve, ambient sound activities are frequent, providing an immersive listening experience.

In contrast, the Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is primarily mono but manages to deliver a notable spread in its score and sound effects. Compared to the English versions, this track presents a thinner profile with higher treble, yet it compensates by offering more natural-sounding dialogue. Despite the simplicity of the stereo mixes, the sound maintains good stereo imaging and, in some opinions, achieves a more natural appeal. One cannot miss the subtle bump in the subs that complements the soundtrack's composition, without overshadowing other elements.

Overall, "The Church" provides a versatile audio blend with particular strengths and nuanced weaknesses across language tracks. This release caters well to both audiophiles and casual listeners seeking diverse soundscapes that bring out the intricacies in each version's auditory experience.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu Ray of "The Church" offer an extensive and insightful dive into the film’s production, providing a comprehensive perspective on its creation. Featuring interviews with prominent figures such as Michele Soavi, Dario Argento, and Asia Argento, the features are a treasure trove for fans and cinephiles. The collection includes detailed discussions on various facets, from screenwriting to set design, complemented by technical insights from special effects and make-up artists. These features uphold a professional tone while engaging the audience with behind-the-scenes revelations and personal anecdotes.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Mystery of the Cathedrals: Interview with Director Michele Soavi.
• Alchemical Possession: Interview with Co-Screenwriter/Producer Dario Argento.
• The Eleventh Commandment: Interview with Co-Screenwriter Franco Ferrini.
• The Ghostwriter: Interview with Co-Screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti.
• Lotte: Interview with Actress Asia Argento.
• Here Comes the Bride: Interview with Actress Antonella Vitale.
• A Demon Named Evan: Interview with Actor Tomas Arana.
• Father Giovanni: Interview with Actor Giovanni Lombardo Radice.
• Monsters and Demons: Interview with Special FX Artist Sergio Stivaletti.
• Holy Ground: Interview with Make-up Artist Franco Casagni.
• Building the Church: Interview with Set Designer Antonello Geleng.
• The Right-Hand Man: Interview with Assistant Director Claudio Lattanzi.
• Return to the Land of the Demons: Interview with Alan Jones, Author of Profondo Argento.

"The Church," directed by Michele Soavi and brought to the screen with the creative backing of Dario Argento, presents a captivating fusion of gothic ambiance and dark storytelling. Initially intended as part of the Demons series, it evolved under Soavi's vision into a standalone film that balances stylistic flair with a richly atmospheric presentation. The film's premise centers around a cathedral built over a mass grave—a setting ripe for horror that comes alive through detailed set designs and moody lighting.

The narrative follows Evan, the new librarian, as he becomes ensnared in the cathedral's dark history. While the storyline can be convoluted at times, this complexity contributes to the film's unique charm within the Italian horror genre. Asia Argento’s role as an enigmatic young girl adds layers to the plot, though character development is not a central focus—the movie excels in creating a surreal universe of horror.

Soavi engages audiences with a mix of practical effects that delight fans of cinematic schlock and horror, delivering unexpected twists and scenes laced with absurdity and occasional campy performances. The film's visual execution stands out, aligning it with Soavi’s later works and distinguishing it from its predecessors in the Demons franchise. Despite its narrative obscurities, "The Church" remains a testament to Soavi's direction and Argento's influence, offering an experience rich in gothic tone and aesthetic allure, ideal for aficionados of Italian horror cinema.

Severin Films presents "The Church" in a stunning 4K UHD format that successfully revitalizes this Italian gothic horror classic. Directed by Michele Soavi and penned by Dario Argento among others, the film's atmospheric visual style is aptly enhanced by the crispness and depth of the HEVC 2160p video transfer. The HDR format, compatible with both Dolby Vision and HDR10, offers a notable improvement in the luminance spectrum, delivering maximum and minimum luminance levels at 1000 nits and 0.0001 nits respectively. This ensures rich contrasts and vivid visuals that accentuate the film's iconic gothic aesthetic. The aspect ratio of 1.85:1 remains true to the original cinematic presentation.

Acoustically, the UHD release does not disappoint, featuring English DTS-HD MA 5.1 for a surround sound experience that envelopes viewers in suspenseful audio design. Complementary audio tracks in DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo for both English and Italian versions provide versatility for audiophiles. Subtitles are available in English SDH and English for the Italian audio, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.

Despite its middle-tier standing within the Italian horror genre, "The Church" delivers enough eerie visuals and shocking sequences to captivate horror aficionados. Severin Films' release significantly elevates the cinematic experience, rendering it the definitive version of this cult classic. In conclusion, while not a masterpiece, "The Church" offers an engaging horror experience with significant audiovisual upgrades that are commendable. This release stands out as an essential acquisition for genre enthusiasts and represents an excellent addition to horror marathons seeking variety.