Rings 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Rings" by Shout Factory, derived from a new 4K master with HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR grading, presents a noteworthy step up in video quality, despite originating from a 2K digital intermediate. This release, upscaled to 2160p HEVC / H.265 with the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen, showcases the film in its most detailed and color-accurate rendition yet. While it might not offer the stark clarity uplift aficionados might hope for from a native 4K source, the meticulous upscale alongside HDR implementation significantly enhances the movie’s cinematic appeal. The HDR enhancement, available in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats, aids in delivering a more robust and visually arresting experience, ensuring that the cinematography's intended muted color palette and nuanced shadows are more vivid and pronounced than in previous releases.

This edition stands out for its high-level detail, faithfully reproducing the movie's intended visual aesthetic with a clean digital transfer that honors the original production quality captured by Arri digital cameras. Although "Rings" does not make leaps in video quality compared to its counterparts in Scream Factory's collection—owing to its original mastering in 2K—the upscale to 4K combined with HDR and Dolby Vision results in superb black levels and contrast, particularly in the film's numerous lowlight sequences. The choice use of Dolby Vision enhances select scenes significantly, granting them a three-dimensional appearance that accentuates every creepy shadow and texture without veering into an overly "video" crispness.

Regrettably, the improvements ushered in with this release might be subtle for some, especially given the film's predilection for darkly lit scenes. The enhanced contrast and shadow detail of the 4K HDR version do mitigate this to an extent, offering a cleaner and more immersive viewing experience than its Blu-ray counterpart. Fans should appreciate the upgraded presentation for what it is—a carefully polished update that leverages HDR technology to bring out the best in the movie’s visual elements, giving those familiar green-overcast tones and delicate details a deserved spotlight. However, those with home displays incapable of taking full advantage of the high dynamic range may find the improvements less impactful, though still an undeniably superior option to previous editions.

The audio presentation of "Rings" on 4K UHD Blu Ray is a testament to the prowess of its DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround sound track. With lossless, high-resolution 24-bit depth audio, the release achieves an immersive sound experience that is both detailed and expansive. The use of the surround platform is judicious, enhancing the film's thematic elements without over-reliance. Dialogue is anchored in the center channel, offering clarity and distinct separation of voices and effects, while the dynamic range and low frequency effects add a solid authority that enriches the auditory landscape. Particularly impressive is the sound design, which utilises subtle background sounds and off-camera cues to create a spatial dimension within the acoustic environment, making every sound effect a notable contribution to the suspense and atmosphere of the film.

The technical excellence of the soundtrack is undeniable, blending state-of-the-art panning and atmospheric sounds to immerse viewers fully. From buzzing insects to the electric energy of the opening plane ride, the audio mix excels in drawing listeners into its world. Despite the absence of Dolby Atmos, the 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio offers an engaging experience with its exquisite sound design and active surrounds. The moody score and pristine dialogue spread evenly across the soundstage, underscored by tight dynamics, further elevate this auditory experience. Optional English SDH subtitles in a white font and a 2.0 Stereo DTS-HD MA option round out the audio offerings, ensuring accessibility and preference accommodation.

Throughout, "Rings" showcases its remarkable 7.1 mix, previously introduced in its Blu-ray release, with the same impactful execution. Dialogues are consistently clear, and Matthew Margeson's score, produced by Zimmer, maintains cohesion with the franchise’s tone. The mix's capability to provide an immersive and bombastically expressive experience—especially noted during the film's memorable airplane opener—cements this audio presentation as a standout feature in an otherwise standard UHD release. This track captures and elevates the essence of "Rings," making it a striking auditory journey that compliments the visual splendor of the 4K presentation.

The "Rings" 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a suite of extras that, while not expanded with new material since the original 2017 release, offers a solid insight into the movie's production and thematic essence. Encased within Scream Factory's six-disc combo UHD and Blu-ray set, titled The Ring Collection, the extras for "Rings" are found on a dedicated Blu-ray disc, leaving the UHD disc focused on delivering the film itself in the highest quality. Amongst this collection of extras, viewers will find an intriguing array of deleted and extended scenes including an alternate ending, which together add substantial depth to the narrative. Featurettes like “Terror Comes Full Circle” and “Resurrecting the Dead: Bringing Samara Back” dive deep into the movie's lore and its horror icon's revival, while “Scary Scenes” highlights the film's most chilling moments. Despite being archival content with no fresh additions, these bonuses are commendably robust and enrich the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted/Extended Scenes: A collection of 14 scenes including an alternate ending.
• Terror Comes Full Circle: A featurette exploring thematic elements of the film.
• Resurrecting the Dead: Bringing Samara Back: Insight into how Samara's character was revived for this installment.
• Scary Scenes: Highlights of the film's most frightening moments.

Embarking on a quest to rejuvenate the Ring franchise after a twelve-year hiatus, 2017’s Rings attempts to adapt the haunted videotape narrative for a digital age. Directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez, this installment diverges from its predecessors by delving into a world where the cursed video has gone digital and viral, thanks to the investigations of a college professor, Gabriel (Johnny Galecki), and his students. Despite the promise of a new direction and the intrigue of digital curses, Rings struggles to find its footing, failing to harness the eerie atmosphere that defined the original. The script, penned by David Loucka, Jacob Estes, and Akiva Goldsman, feels lackluster and replete with thin characterizations, unable to explore the depth or horror that Samara’s curse once evoked.

The production quality of Rings stands as a solitary beacon of achievement in an otherwise disappointing endeavor. With Kevin Kavanaugh’s sleek production design and Sharone Meir’s compelling cinematography, the film captures a modern aesthetic that aligns with its ambition to modernize the series. However, these elements are not enough to salvage the film's lackluster narrative and lack of genuine scares. The casting of likable actors such as Johnny Galecki, Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, and Alex Roe brings a certain appeal to the screen, yet their performances are stifled by the film's inability to provide a fresh or engaging take on the well-trodden path of its horror franchise lineage.

Rings suffers fundamentally from its inability to innovate within its franchise boundaries, instead retracing familiar tropes in an updated setting. The ambition to weave Samara’s curse into a narrative fit for the digital age—a world teeming with smartphones and social media—falls short as it fails to invoke the same level of suspense or fear, drawing criticism for its muddied lore and convoluted plot developments. Despite earnest efforts from its cast and some moments of production brilliance, Rings feels like a missed opportunity to revitalise a franchise that once stood at the forefront of modern horror.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rings," the third installment in the Ring franchise, presents a package that stands out in terms of technical delivery, despite the film's shortcomings in continuing the series' eerie legacy. Shout! Studios has meticulously restored the film to an impressive Ultra HD/1080p video quality, an effort that does not go unnoticed. Coupled with a DTS-HD Master Audio sound, this release is poised to offer the best viewing experience for the film yet. The addition of both legacy and new extras further enriches this release, making it a considerable purchase for dedicated fans of the franchise. The film itself might not add significant depth or novelty to the Ring saga, being criticized as the weakest entry so far, yet its presentation in 4K UHD, enhanced with HDR grading on its native 2K resolution, markedly improves viewing pleasure.

Upon revisiting, "Rings" may feel even less essential to the franchise, lacking the impact of its predecessors and diminishing the eerie charm of Samara as an iconic horror figure. However, for enthusiasts or collectors looking to complete their series in 4K, the overall package offered by this release might still hold value. The film's audio presentation is uniformly praised, ensuring that every whisper and scream in the eerie narrative is heard in crisp clarity. Coupled with a variety of bonus features, this edition provides a comprehensive look at both the film and its place within the wider franchise context.

In conclusion, while "Rings" might not stand as a compelling sequel within the Ring franchise, the technical merits of its 4K UHD Blu-ray release are undeniable. For fans seeking to experience or re-experience the movie in the best quality possible, or for collectors aiming to complete their series, this edition is worth considering. It represents a fine example of how a superior technical presentation can enhance the viewing experience of a film that may otherwise falter in fulfilling the expectations set by its predecessors.