The Mist 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Mist" by Lionsgate Films marks a noteworthy update for enthusiasts, offering both color and black and white versions with HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfers in a 1.85:1 ratio. Despite some mixed feelings about the consistency of the visual enhancements, it's an engaging experience to compare the two. The updated transfers reveal more nuanced details, from costume fabrics to store labels and texture in practical effects. However, the grain quality and interaction with the mist effects differ between versions; the color transfer sometimes presents a chunkier grain, notably affecting the mist's appearance with a yellow tinge, compared to the smoother grayscale transitions in the black and white version.

Technical fidelity varies within these transfers. The original Blu-ray release hinted at an untouched master with signs of digital ringing and sharpened details that slightly dilute overall detail, suggesting an older master was used for this 4K debut. Conversely, the addition of Dolby Vision enriches color saturation, notably improving flesh tones and environmental hues, despite occasionally introducing chroma noise due to the film's inherent grain structure. Black levels and density see significant improvement, enhancing the film's dimensionality and brightness within the mist-enshrouded scenes.

The black and white Director's Cut stands out for its cleaner, more natural grayscale over previous releases, displaying a nuanced spectrum from deep blacks to brilliant whites without overexposure. Details are sharper, and the film grain appears more natural, avoiding past disc compression issues. While some CGI elements remain less convincing across both versions, they integrate slightly better in the black and white version. Overall, both the color and black and white 4K Dolby Vision presentations offer substantial improvements over any prior release, providing fans with a visually compelling experience that honors the atmospheric essence of "The Mist.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Mist" impressively leverages the Dolby Atmos track, setting a high bar from the beginning with meticulously placed thunderclaps that feel as though they are truly emanating from the Atmos speakers. This precision in audio placement extends beyond the impressive storm effects, permeating even the less visually intense scenes with consistent surround activity that enhances the sense of panic and chaos unfolding within the story's locale, especially evident during the cacophonous sequences in the store. The track's use of aggressive Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) adds a visceral layer to the experience, starting with startling moments like a giant tree crashing through a window and continuing with both fun and frightening panning noises produced by the film's monstrous entities. Mark Isham's score further enriches this auditory landscape, skillfully distributed through the surround channels to complement the onscreen action seamlessly.

Transitioning into a deeper examination of this Atmos mix reveals its supremacy over previous versions, such as the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix. The upgrade to Atmos brings an unmatched bass response that fully immerses viewers in the film's atmosphere, with scenes involving the dread-inducing warning sirens at the grocery store standing out due to their enhanced rumble and overall impact. The intricate sound design ensures that dialogue remains clear amidst the chaos, preventing any auditory disconnect even during the most intense sequences. While height channels are used sparingly, their moments of engagement, such as when a spider creature traverses a car's roof, are nothing short of spectacular, showcasing missed opportunities for their more frequent utilization in creating an enveloping sound field.

Each audio review emphasizes the nuanced improvements brought by Atmos technology, highlighting how it elevates an already reference-grade 5.1 mix to new heights of auditory immersion. The Atmos track's adept handling of subtle environmental sounds adds layers of depth to quieter moments, contributing significantly to the film's suspenseful build-up. Furthermore, LFE channels receive notable attention, offering a stronger and more pronounced rumble that perfectly complements the horror film's tense atmosphere. Through careful detailing and execution, "The Mist" in its 4K UHD Blu-ray incarnation showcases an exemplary use of Dolby Atmos, making it a compelling reason for audiophiles and film enthusiasts alike to prefer this version over others for its superior audio presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Mist" not only upgrades the viewing experience with both color and black-and-white versions of the film on 2160 resolution but also retains the wealth of extras that fans have appreciated from its previous 1080p releases. This four-disc set includes passionate commentary tracks by Frank Darabont and Denise Huth, which delve into the making of the film, Darabont's deliberate choice in the controversial ending, and a comprehensive view into the cut character development scenes. The set is enriched by discussions between Stephen King and Darabont, offering insights into their collaborative process, though somewhat lacking in new material for returning fans. A standout is the near 40-minute making-of featurette alongside specialized focus on practical and CGI effects, providing a well-rounded perspective on the film's production challenges and creative successes. The physical package is complemented by digital copy access and a slipcover, making it a worthwhile upgrade or addition to enthusiasts' collections.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary track featuring Frank Darabont and Denise Huth.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: With optional commentary, offering a deeper look into the characters’ development.
• A Conversation with Stephen King and Frank Darabont: A 12-minute discussion between the author and the filmmaker.
• When Darkness Came: An exhaustive behind-the-scenes making-of piece.
• Taming the Beast: Focused on the creation of a key scene inside the grocery.
• Monsters Among Us: Exploring the practical creature effects used in the film.
• The Horror of it All: A dive into the CGI effects and their implementation.
• Drew Struzan: An Appreciation of the Artist: A brief tribute to the renowned poster artist.
• Webisodes: Short features on filming specific scenes.

Frank Darabont's adaptation of Stephen King's The Mist presents a thrilling study of humanity under siege in a small-town setting, with its 4K UHD Blu-ray release offering an exceptional visual and auditory experience that honors the film's dark themes. Despite a modest budget and a cast devoid of blockbuster stars—with notable performances by Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden—the movie thrives, showcasing an impressive ensemble that enhances its tension-filled narrative. The film intelligently navigates the survival horror genre, adding depth through social commentary, aligning it with classics like Night of the Living Dead, but with a distinct post-9/11 American context. Its analysis of societal breakdown, class discrimination, and religious fervor under crisis is as relevant today as ever, particularly in an era marked by global pandemics and political polarization. The choice to offer the movie in both color and Darabont's preferred black and white in this release emphasizes the stark, unforgiving nature of its story, increasing its emotional and psychological impact.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray transfer delivers with clarity that enhances both versions of the film, color, and black and white, offering viewers a visceral experience of the mist’s encroaching terror. The attention to technical specifics, such as disc sizes and formats, ensures a high-quality viewing experience that matches the film's bleak ambiance perfectly. What sets this release apart is not just its technical merits but how it underlines Darabont's fearless narrative choices, particularly the film's polarizing conclusion—a daring move that either shocks or awes with its grim boldness. The ending challenges viewers in a manner few films dare, questioning survival's value and humanity's essence through its heart-wrenching finale.

This 4K UHD edition is a testament to The Mist's enduring appeal, amplifying its chilling atmosphere and profound themes through superior video quality and presentation. It’s a comprehensive package that not just horror enthusiasts but also cinephiles will find indispensable for understanding how the film operates on multiple levels: as a creature feature, a societal critique, and a harrowing exploration of human nature under extreme conditions. The release proves The Mist, sixteen years on, remains a poignant reflection on fear, desperation, and the complexity of human behavior, making it more than just a survival horror flick—it's a compelling dissection of the American psyche post-tragedy.

The Mist" emerges as a cinematic jolt to the system, delivering a soul-stirring conclusion that cements its place among the unforgettable heavyweights of horror. In its 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, Lionsgate has achieved a commendable feat, offering both the starkly compelling black and white version favored by director Frank Darabont and the original theatrical color release. The package is bolstered by the inclusion of all previously available supplemental content across the 1080 discs, ensuring that aficionados and newcomers alike are treated to a comprehensive cinematic experience. Technically, the release shines, notably through the introduction of an outstanding new Atmos audio track that elevates the already potent atmosphere of the film. This blend of technical finesse and narrative intensity comes highly recommended.

A fusion of social critique and monstrous terror, "The Mist" stands tall as an exemplar of early 2000s studio craftsmanship. Its bleak, unyielding narrative and innovative thrills distinguish it in a crowded field of horror, earning it a distinguished spot for its narrative audacity and technical prowess. Lionsgate's 4K release is nothing short of masterful, presenting a 4-disc set that includes 4K and 1080p versions of both the theatrical and director’s cut editions, adorned with visual enhancements that breathe new life into both. While the release retains all previously issued bonus features, a sentiment for fresh supplementary material remains the only unquenched desire among its audience. Nonetheless, this release represents the definitive edition for dedicated fans and stands as an essential addition to their collections.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Mist" manages not only to pay homage to its source material's chilling essence but also elevates it through superior technological upgrades and careful preservation of bonus content. It presents an ideal blend of artistic vision in both visual presentation options, backed by an enhanced auditory experience. While wishes for new extras linger, the overall package affirms its indispensability for horror enthusiasts and cinematic collectors alike, making it a highly recommended acquisition.