Scanners 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation of "Scanners," shot on 35 mm Eastman film stock with a new 4K restoration approved by David Cronenberg, delivers an impressive viewing experience. The 2160p resolution is bolstered by Dolby Vision and HDR10, providing an exceptional visual depth through accurate color resonance and a high dynamic range. The original film’s characteristic rawness and earthy tones are preserved, with flashes of color, notably reds, contributing to a vibrant visual palette. Detail levels remain robust, offering clear textures in skin and clothing, as well as discernible weaves and fine lines in the film's environments. The native 1.85:1 aspect ratio and the HEVC (H.265) codec ensure that the film’s visuals are crisp and engaging.

The UHD release impressively maintains the film’s grain structure, giving it an organic and fluid filmic quality. Though the grain occasionally becomes prominent, it effectively contributes to the film's aesthetic without detracting from image clarity. Shadow detailing is deep, with rich black levels providing a sense of depth while occasionally verging into high contrasts but never overwhelming. Highlights, such as those in the opening food court scene and various daylight shots, benefit from a good white scale push without overexposure or clipping.

The restoration and remastering process has minimized print damage and density fluctuations, resulting in a profoundly cleaner image compared to previous releases. This release succeeds in enhancing the film's unique visual identity while delivering well-preserved textures and details that elevate the overall viewing experience for audiences, showing a skilled balance between preserving original elements and integrating new technological enhancements.

The audio presentation of the "Scanners" 4K UHD Blu Ray offers two distinct soundtracks: the original LPCM 1.0 mono and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The LPCM 1.0 mono track stands out as remarkably balanced, delivering clear dialogue and a well-integrated score. Effects are uniquely prioritized, with a notable presence in bass, although the mid to high frequencies can feel slightly muted, giving the overall soundscape a somewhat thick texture. This track maintains a robust audio experience, ensuring clarity and precision throughout.

Conversely, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix expands the sound field considerably, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the film. While this track delivers crisp dialogue and solid effects with significant low-frequency input, the score occasionally dominates, potentially overshadowing other elements. Nevertheless, the sound is mixed at a higher volume, ensuring that it does not border on being shrill but tends to have a more mechanical feel. The surround channels offer subtle enhancements without distinct separation, ensuring good overall dynamics, although the discrete effects might be perceived as lacking.

In summary, listeners can appreciate the intricacies of both tracks; while the LPCM 1.0 mono offers a more straightforward and coherent presentation, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 provides an expansive stage, catering to varying preferences in viewing experiences.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Scanners" by Second Sight delivers a comprehensive and visually striking package, particularly in its extras. This edition is ensconced in a rigid slipcase adorned with new artwork, making it as appealing visually as it is content-rich. The extras are exhaustive, providing in-depth insights into the film's production and creative processes. There is a palpable sense of professionalism in each feature, ensuring that both aficionados of the film and newcomers will find substantial value. The package includes contributions from key creative personnel, encompassing interviews, audio commentaries, and an exploratory video essay. Additionally, the limited edition features enhanced aesthetics through collectors' art cards and an extensive book with critical essays.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Caelum Vatnsdal, new for this release.
• Audio Commentary: With William Beard.
• My Art Keeps Me Sane: Interview with actor Stephen Lack.
• Method in His Madness: Interview with actor Michael Ironside.
• Bad Guy Dane: Interview with actor Lawrence Dane.
• The Eye of Scanners: Interview with cinematographer Mark Irwin.
• Mind Fragments: Interview with composer Howard Shore.
• The Chaos of Scanners: Interview with executive producer Pierre David.
• Exploding Brains & Popping Veins: Interview with makeup effects artist Stephan Dupuis.
• Monster Kid: Interview with makeup effects artist Chris Walas.
• Cronenberg's Tech Babies: Video essay by Tim Coleman.

"Scanners," directed by David Cronenberg, marks a significant entry in his filmography, showcasing his adeptness in blending science fiction, horror, and paranoiac themes. Released in 1981, the film delves into the eerie world of telepathy and telekinesis brought on by a pharmaceutical anomaly. The narrative is a high-paced trek through corporate espionage and psychic warfare, highlighting the director's preoccupation with bodily transformation and technology-induced dread. Michael Ironside’s portrayal as the villainous Darryl Revok stands out with an intense and captivating performance that complements Cronenberg's trademark unsettling cinematic style. Co-lead Stephen Lack offers a more subdued contribution, aligning with the film's detachment and introspection theme.

The film's production history is reflected in its rushed yet engaging pace. While plot points sometimes feel hurried and underexplored, the concept remains richly imaginative, intertwining themes of human evolution, societal isolation, and the horrors of unchecked scientific exploitation. Cronenberg crafts a foreboding atmosphere supported by Howard Shore's haunting score, which enhances the tension throughout this gritty spectacle.

Despite occasional flaws in pacing and dialogue, Scanners' impact on the sci-fi horror genre is undeniable. Its infamous head-exploding sequence is emblematic of Cronenberg's ability to combine intellectual terror with visceral imagery. The film serves as a precursor to his later, more polished works but remains an essential chapter for its raw depiction of psychic warfare. A compelling entry into Cronenberg's body of work, Scanners continues to resonate with audiences interested in the intersection of cerebral horror and grotesque sci-fi storytelling.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Scanners" from Second Sight Films is a commendable revitalization of David Cronenberg's classic body horror film. The new native 4K restoration significantly enhances the viewing experience, presenting rich details with Dolby Vision that captures the film’s intricate color palette and maintains its essential grimy aesthetic. The original source material is impressively clean, preserving the grain structure that fans cherish. Audio options provide a balanced monaural track or an immersive DTS-HD MA 5.1 experience, catering to varied preferences for sound design.

This new edition also stands out for its substantial extras package, offering both disc-based and supplementary off-disc materials, enriching the audience's understanding and appreciation of the film. The packaging itself is carefully crafted to appeal to collectors, with thoughtful design elements that make it a standout piece in any collection. The inclusion of both 4K UHD and Blu-ray versions ensures compatibility with diverse viewing setups.

In many ways, "Scanners" marks a pivotal point in Cronenberg's career, expanding his thematic and stylistic horizons while engaging viewers with its complex narrative. Although some plot points remain unexplored, they add to the film's mystique, contributing to its enduring legacy. This release reaffirms "Scanners" as a quintessential piece of the director's oeuvre, showcasing his mastery in atmospheric storytelling that continues to resonate today. As such, this 4K UHD edition is highly recommended for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering an unparalleled viewing experience that serves as a testament to Cronenberg's influential work.