Phenomena 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Phenomena" is a technical marvel, showcasing an exceptional restoration of the original 35mm film captured with Panavision cameras and lenses. A meticulous 4K restoration from the original camera negative, undertaken by Arrow films in 2017, serves as the foundation for this release. The image, presented in a native 3840 x 2160p resolution and the film's original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, achieves remarkable clarity and depth, thanks to the 10-bit video depth and the utilization of HDR10 and Dolby Vision. This release spans two triple-layer UHDs containing all three versions of the film - the Italian cut, the international version, and the "Creepers" edit - each benefiting from the same exacting restoration and HDR grading, offering viewers uncompromised visual fidelity across multiple viewing experiences.

The visual experience of "Phenomena" on this 4K UHD release is nothing short of stunning, reflecting the film's varied palette from the lush greens of Swiss landscapes to the more stylized sequences marked by robust reds and deep blues. Textures are rendered with exceptional detail, allowing for an immersive viewing that accentuates everything from skin surfaces to intricate set designs. Natural skin tones, precise black levels, and tastefully managed highlights amplify the film’s visual appeal without compromising its original aesthetic. Grain structure remains fine and consistent, preserving the film's cinematic quality. Notably, this presentation maintains an excellent balance between authenticity and modernity, inviting audiences into Argento's vision with a clarity that seems both true to its era and surprisingly contemporary.

Dolby Vision enhances already impressive HDR grading, delivering tighter color saturation and a more natural rendition that distinguishes this release. The film’s dynamic range comes to life with vivid definition, showcasing deep primaries and realistic flesh-tones against well-preserved film elements. Scenes are wonderfully illuminated, balancing bright skies and nuanced light sources against dense shadows for dramatic effect. The optical quirks are minimal, ensuring that the special visual elements, like insects swarm or dream sequences, integrate seamlessly without degrading the overall image quality. Superior bit rates across the board ensure stability and consistency, solidifying "Phenomena" in this 4K UHD release as a definitive viewing experience that commendably bridges artistry with cutting-edge restoration technology.

The audio presentation of "Phenomena" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases an impressive array of options across its various cuts, demonstrating a commitment from Arrow to provide a versatile auditory experience. For the Italian 116 min version, listeners are treated to a hybrid Italian/English 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, alongside pure Italian lossless 5.1 and PCM 2.0 versions. This diversity extends to the International cut, which offers its own 5.1 DTS-HD MA and PCM 2.0 tracks, in addition to a unique alternative 2.0 mix featuring varying music cues. The Creepers cut further enriches this selection with two English soundtracks, one in mono and another alternate 2.0 mix. Each variant brings its own flavour to the film's atmospheric soundscape, from heavy metal throbs to the iconic score by Goblin, enhancing scenes with everything from thunderous weather effects to the chilling swarms of the school scene. Despite slight boxiness in some dialogue and occasional sibilance, these tracks remain remarkably clean and stable throughout.

On a technical note, the 5.1 mixes, particularly for the Italian version, offer a thick sound profile that some may find overly weighted but undoubtedly rich, albeit with some dialogue sounding slightly reverberated. Switching to the 2.0 tracks provides a stark contrast, presenting a 'scooped' sound that emphasizes the highs and lows for a completely different audio character. This variation allows viewers to tailor their auditory experience according to personal preference, though it's noted that none of these tracks quite match the immediacy or presence found in top-tier audio presentations like Arrow's own Deep Red 4K set.

Subtitles are thoughtfully provided in both English and English HoH across all cuts, ensuring accessibility for all viewers, regardless of the audio track selected. The meticulous care in crafting these varied audio options underscores an effort to honor the film's multifaceted soundscape, ranging from the whispered subtleties of dialogue to the full-bodied rumble of its heavier musical selections. Although occasional sync issues and minor audio imperfections are noted, they do little to detract from the overall immersive experience offered by this comprehensive audio package.

The Arrow Video release of "Phenomena" on 4K UHD Blu-ray astonishes with a rich collection of extras that thoroughly enhance the viewing experience, albeit with nothing new for those who possess prior editions. Esteemed film historians Troy Howarth, David Del Valle, and Derek Botelho enrich the offering with their insightful commentaries on both discs, delving deep into Dario Argento’s vision, its execution, and its place in cult cinema. The crown jewel, "Of Flies and Maggots," is a feature-length documentary presenting an exhaustive behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Phenomena," garnished with interviews from a broad spectrum of the cast and crew. Additionally, the inclusion of a visually engaging video essay, "The Three Sarcophagi," by Michael MacKenzie, comparing the film's various cuts, alongside trailers, music videos, and a pressbook gallery, rounds out a compelling package for both newcomers and seasoned Argento aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth: Insights from the film historian on the Italian version.
• Audio Commentary by David Del Valle and Derek Botelho: Perspectives on the international version.
• Of Flies and Maggots: A comprehensive 2017 documentary on the making of "Phenomena."
• The Three Sarcophagi: A video essay exploring the differences among the movie's versions.
• Jennifer: A music video directed by Dario Argento.
• Japanese Pressbook Gallery: A collection of pressbook pages.
• Original Italian Theatrical Trailer & International Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailers for the movie.
• U.S. Radio Spots & Theatrical Trailer: Promotional materials for the "Creepers" version.

Dario Argento's "Phenomena," presented in pristine 4K UHD on Blu-ray, marks a fascinating pivot in the illustrious Italian director's career, blending his signature style with a foray into themes and aesthetics that slightly diverge from his earlier masterpieces. The film, starring a young Jennifer Connelly and the seasoned Donald Pleasence, weaves an intricate narrative ripe with Argento’s traditional hallmarks - a melding of surreal horror with a convoluted murder mystery enriched by its unconventional protagonist’s psychic link to insects. This 1985 work encapsulates a period of transition for Argento, melding the grotesque with the gothic while incorporating a heavy metal soundtrack that, although seeming at odds with the visual narratives, creates an oddly harmonious backdrop to the unfolding madness. Notably, "Phenomena" features Pleasence as a wheelchair-bound entomologist alongside his caregiver, a remarkably intelligent chimpanzee named Inga, adding layers of oddity to an already bizarre storyline.

The movie’s narrative eccentricity is mirrored in its visual and auditory presentation. The shift to natural, cooler color palettes and rural settings marks a departure from Argento’s preference for vivid colors and urban landscapes, suggesting an experimentation with new cinematic environments. Additionally, the absence of Goblin's iconic score in favor of eclectic heavy metal tracks underscores this phase of exploration in Argento's career, one that straddles the line between the Italian horror tradition and an emerging global horror sensibility. Despite these changes, "Phenomena" retains the director’s visually arresting style and knack for unsettling horror, although it veers towards a more dreamlike logic than some of his earlier, more cohesive works.

Within the pantheon of Argento’s filmography, "Phenomena" stands out as a polarizing yet undeniably engaging entry that showcases the director's willingness to push boundaries. Its inclusion of three cuts in the 4K UHD Blu-ray release offers viewers insight into the evolution of Argento's vision from conception to final edit. Opting for the 116-minute Italian version provides the most complete experience, enriched by additional scenes that flesh out its climactic finale. While "Phenomena" might not be the quintessential starting point for those unfamiliar with Argento’s oeuvre, it represents a critical moment of synthesis and divergence in his career, making it an essential watch for aficionados of Italian horror and Argento’s complex cinematic legacy.

Phenomena," directed by Dario Argento, represents a period of creative experimentation that tends to divide his fan base. This film, with its mix of seemingly disjointed yet compelling ideas, offers a unique viewing experience that is as confusing as it is captivating. The presence of major Hollywood talents and an unapologetically bold approach to the narrative and visual storytelling ensures that it retains an essential place in Argento's filmography. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Arrow Video only enhances its appeal, offering a visual upgrade that complements the director's stylistic ambitions beautifully. Despite the fact that the additional content mirrors that of previous releases, the package is enriched by Arrow's commitment to preserving and celebrating the film's aesthetic originality, especially evident in the exclusive ‘Arte Originale’ version.

Jennifer Connelly's performance as a young protagonist navigating a bizarre world filled with insects, sleepwalking episodes, and abandonment adds a layer of authenticity to the movie's surreal atmosphere. Argento's technical prowess shines through, maintaining a balance between the film's eccentric narrative thrust and its visually arresting set pieces. The 4K restoration, paired with Dolby Vision and DTS-HD 5.1 audio, elevates the viewing experience, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of Argento’s work as well as collectors of genre-defining 4K presentations. The comprehensive package includes all previous extras, ensuring that new and returning fans alike have access to a wealth of supplementary content.

In conclusion, Arrow Video's 4K UHD release of "Phenomena" presents an exemplary case of how technological advancements in home entertainment can breathe new life into classic cinema. This edition not only showcases the film's distinct blend of horror and surrealism but also affirms its status as a cult classic worth revisiting. Whether for the seasoned Argento aficionado or the casual collector seeking to experience one of his most audacious works in stunning quality, this release is highly recommended. Its enduring appeal lies not just in the improved visual fidelity but in how it captures the essence of a filmmaker at his most inventively unhinged.