Ouija 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 76
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Ouija's 4K UHD release boasts excellent 2160p video and DTS-HD audio, but viewer opinions vary, ranging from high praise for its technical execution to harsh criticism of its lackluster scares.
Disc Release Date
2K Upscale
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 84
Ouija's 4K UHD Blu-ray from Shout Factory impresses with HEVC 2160p upscaled resolution, complemented by HDR10 and Dolby Vision for superior color reproduction and detail. The HDR enhances the viewing experience significantly, delivering razor-sharp detail and solid black levels, making it the best version to date.
Audio: 79
The release features superb DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo tracks, offering exceptional clarity and detail throughout the presentation. Despite lacking Dolby Atmos, the audio is crisp and detailed, providing rich vocals and effective surround ambiance in line with standard horror-film mixes.
Extra: 56
The 4K UHD release of 'Ouija' offers two new audio commentaries by Director Stiles White and Producer Brad Fuller, a reversible cover-art sleeve, and several brief but insightful legacy bonus features. However, the dual commentary tracks may feel redundant, as the Director's insights overshadow the Producer's contributions.
Movie: 76
Ouija, despite commendable efforts in cinematography and score, ultimately falls short with its formulaic approach, predictable scares, and lackluster performances, making it a tedious 89-minute experience.
Video: 84
Arriving on 4K UHD from Shout Factory, Ouija is presented in HEVC / H.265 2160p in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.40:1 widescreen. This release offers an upscaled 4K UHD transfer enhanced with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, resulting in a visually stunning presentation. The HDR implementation is particularly noteworthy, providing significant improvements over the standard dynamic range on the original Blu-ray. The dynamic range between light and dark elements is well-managed, contributing to a heightened sense of realism and a more engaging viewing experience. The color reproduction is rich and organic, showcasing fine details in the production design and bringing out natural textures, such as the actors' facial pores.
Moreover, the black levels are deep and consistent, with no noticeable compression or artifacts, even in the film's darker scenes. The clarity and detail afforded by the 4K resolution, despite being an upscaled presentation, are impressive. This presentation captures subtle details that were less evident in previous formats, making it the best version of Ouija to date for fans and enthusiasts. For those seeking the definitive visual experience of this horror film, this 4K UHD release is an exceptional upgrade.
Audio: 79
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ouija" includes English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo options. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, while already available on the previous Blu-ray, remains superb with exceptional detail and clarity throughout the entire audio presentation. Despite the absence of a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, the quality of the DTS-HD Master Audio is outstanding, delivering crisp and detailed sound that ensures an immersive auditory experience.
Horror genre enthusiasts will appreciate the track’s ability to deliver shocks and overcome silent moments with sudden jolts of energy, a characteristic prevalent in horror mixes. The vocals are rich and clear, with surround sound providing adequate ambiance to enhance the overall atmosphere. While the audio presentation doesn’t deviate much from typical horror mixes, the impeccable execution ensures that it complements the film's tense and eerie mood effectively, maintaining engagement without significant flaws.
Extras: 56
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ouija" impresses with a range of extras that enhance the viewing experience. Notably, the package includes two new audio commentaries—one by Director/Writer Stiles White, who delves into the origins of the project and various production details, and another by Producer Brad Fuller, offering a different perspective on the film’s development. The disc also comes with a reversible cover-art sleeve, providing an alternative visual aesthetic. Additionally, a selection of legacy features explores the background and making of the movie, including interesting tidbits about the ouija board itself, casting insights, and creative challenges in adapting a board game into a film.
Extras included in this disc:
- NEW Audio Commentary featuring Director/Writer Stiles White: Discusses the project's genesis and critical reception, including production details.
- NEW Audio Commentary featuring Producer Brad Fuller: Provides insights from the producer's viewpoint.
- The Spirit Board: An Evolution: Examines the history and evolution of the ouija board.
- Icon of the Unknown: Cast and crew discuss their involvement in the film.
- Adapting the Fear: Covers how the board game was adapted into a film.
- Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.
- Ouija: Origin of Evil Trailer: Trailer for the sequel.
Movie: 76
"Ouija" is an entry in the horror genre that offers a mixed bag of elements. Produced by genre stalwarts Jason Blum and Michael Bay, the film stars Olivia Cooke, who delivers a committed performance as Laine Morris. Cooke's portrayal is one of the movie's highlights, showcasing her ability to imbue her character with a sense of charisma and urgency, essential for keeping the narrative engaging. The premise revolves around the traditional Ouija board, which the characters use to communicate with the other side, leading to a series of haunting experiences. While the film aims to emulate the mood and tone of Japanese horror, it falls short in delivering sustained chills or deep character development.
From a technical standpoint, "Ouija" boasts commendable cinematography by David Emmerichs, whose use of dark and gray overtones enhances the eerie atmosphere. Ken Blackwell's editing attempts to invoke a slow-paced, J-Horror-inspired rhythm that adds a layer of unease, though it may come off as dragging for some viewers. Barry Robison's minimalist production design and Mary Jane Fort's effective costuming contribute to creating a chilling ambiance that is visually coherent with the genre. Anton Sanko's original score complements the horror elements well, deftly balancing fright and drama through its composition.
Despite competent technical craftsmanship, the film's screenplay by Stiles White and Juliet Snowden feels lackluster, with one-dimensional characters and predictability in the plot. Directed by White in his debut role, "Ouija" shows potential yet ultimately fails to captivate with genuine scares or emotional depth. While some elements like cinematography and Cooke's performance are noteworthy, the overall execution leaves much to be desired, especially for viewers seeking more substantial horror experiences.
Total: 76
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ouija" presents a mixed experience for viewers and collectors alike. On one hand, the technical aspects of the release are impressive; the 2160p video quality benefits significantly from HDR implementation, showcasing increased detail and vivid color range. The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is equally engaging, providing an immersive auditory experience that enhances the film's eerie atmosphere. Olivia Cooke’s performance stands out, offering a compelling reason for fans and potential viewers to delve into this release.
However, the film's content itself has drawn criticism. While some appreciate its horror elements inspired by Japanese filmmaking and find enjoyment in its unsettling tone and style, others feel it falls short in delivering genuine scares or originality. The lack of impact and perceived absence of talent are points of contention, leaving some viewers disappointed. Comparatively, there are stronger horror and supernatural films available that offer a more satisfying experience.
Overall, "Ouija" in 4K UHD is a polarizing release. While it offers notable technical upgrades and a strong performance by Olivia Cooke, its effectiveness as a horror film is debatable. Those with a penchant for high-quality home viewing experiences may find it worth adding to their collection, especially if they are fans of Cooke. However, those seeking a groundbreaking or truly terrifying horror film might want to explore other options.
Blu-ray.com review by Neil LumbardRead review here
Video: 90
Color reproduction is all the more impressive and there is a good degree of detail present between the light and dark elements of the transfer....
Audio: 90
The release does not provide a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and instead sticks to the already-excellent DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack)....
Extras: 90
Adapting the Fear (HD, 3:47) Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:27) Ouija: Origin of Evil Trailer (HD, 2:30)...
Movie: 80
Cooke certainly is a commanding presence and she provides all of the right ingredients to keep the tone of the film efficient and worthwhile....
Total: 80
The release offers a huge improvement in regards to the video quality with excellent HDR implementation and added detail....
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt Brighton and Matt MaloufRead review here
Video: 90
For those that have been pining away for the definitive, best-looking version of this film – look no further....
Audio: 80
There are a few good scenes with some rich sound, but by and large this is your standard horror-film mix....
Extras: 30
First up is a track with Co-Writer/Director Stiles White who discusses the genesis of the project, its critical “reception” (if we can call it that) as well as the usual caveats: shooting locations, casting...
Movie: 0
The last thing you want from a horror film is for it to be boring, but Ouija does just that....
Total: 40
There are far better horror, or for that matter, supernatural flicks to check out before this dud....
Director: Stiles White
Actors: Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff
PlotAfter the mysterious death of her friend Debbie, a teenager named Laine convinces her group of friends to use an ancient Ouija board to communicate with her and say their final goodbyes. Laine, her boyfriend Trevor, her sister Sarah, Debbie's boyfriend Pete, and their friend Isabelle find the board in Debbie's house and begin to use it in an attempt to reach her. Despite their skepticism, the group becomes concerned when they contact a presence known as "DZ". Strange events start to happen, and Laine feels an otherworldly presence following her. They soon learn the rules of the Ouija board: never play alone, never play in a graveyard, and always say goodbye. As they delve deeper, it becomes clear that they've opened a door to the spirit realm that they do not understand.
Laine becomes determined to uncover the mystery behind the Ouija board and the spirits they have awakened. Her investigation leads her to the previous inhabitants of Debbie's house and an old woman named Paulina, who provides cryptic warnings about the dangers of contacting the other side. Laine is driven to find out what happened to Debbie and why the spirits are unsettled. As their encounters with the supernatural become increasingly dangerous, Laine and her friends realize they must confront the spirits if they hope to put things right. Their perseverance leads them down a dark path as they search for a way to close the connection they've accidentally opened.
Writers: Juliet Snowden, Stiles White
Release Date: 24 Oct 2014
Runtime: 89 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English