5 HORROR CLASSICS YOU NEED IN 4K
As a horror fan in my mid-30’s, it’s almost embarrassing to think about how many times I’ve had purchased the same films in various improving formats. VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, and now 4K. For whatever reason, I’m compelled to own the newest format for some of my favorite films despite what is best for my wallet, and probably my relationships…
Anyway, if the above sounds even remotely like you then you’re in the right place. You see, I don’t want to upgrade every film when it gets re-released in the most current format. Hell, I’ve come to find that some films receiving the white-glove treatment are vastly inferior to the luxurious overhaul they receive. I’m not hating on this, as any horror fan would agree one fan’s trash is another fan’s favorite Funko pop (and don’t get me started about how Pops are the toy version of “the tethered” from “US” which is why they are making everyone into one...don’t @ me).
So the question remains; for the horror fan who wants the best possible looking version of their favorite film, which ones are worth double, triple, or even quadruple dipping for in glorious 4K?
Below are 5 examples of superb audio and visual transfers of some of your favorite films. These are presented in order for the sake of your wallet, and your enjoyment. I might suggest that for those being extra cost-conscious, to hold off on upgrading any old releases until you have a proper audio setup to enjoy some of the enhanced sound options. Half of the reason to upgrade these older movies is to get a close to theater-like experience for your eye’s and ear’s (which can be a huge help during a global pandemic), and even with the cheaper 4K visual options, the audio plays a bigger role than you think in making the upgrade worthwhile. If this is your first time buying these, definitely splurge for the best version out there and all of these links will take you right to DIABOLIK DVD (whenever possible) to purchase!
#5 - “ZOMBIE” (1979)
BLUE UNDERGROUND
Love his work or hate it it’s hard to dismiss the importance of Fulci’s notorious and unofficial sequel George Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead” (more on that later...hint hint). For those unfamiliar with its greatness, “Zombie” has a very light plot to the tune of a zombie-filled boat arriving in NYC prompting a group of people to travel to a remote island to discover the source of the undead cargo. It’s best not to spoil this one, but it has some of the most iconic zombie imagery of the past 60 years and some truly gag-inducing gore scenes that churn stomachs still in 2020!
Film aside, the 4K master and Dolby Atmos soundtrack are an absolute blast. If you would have told me 20 years ago I’d get to watch the underwater shark/zombie scene in the most pristine video and gold-standard audio mastering I would have told you to give me a rip of whatever you’re smoking. For a film such as this, it’s rare to see such loving treatment heaped upon it so my plea to horror fans in upgrading this comes more from a place of scarcity than anything else. Who knows if we will ever get another version of this film in an age where streaming services are creating more content than we have time to consume.
Do yourself the favor and grab this amazing disc to enjoy the best way possible. It comes loaded with the same features as the previous BLUE UNDERGROUND release, sans the CD soundtrack for those who snagged the limited edition copies.
#4 - “DAWN OF THE DEAD” (1978)
SECOND SIGHT
You’re probably wondering why this one doesn’t have a link to buy, and the truth is this one could be a bit elusive at the moment. SECOND SIGHT out of the UK recently released an outstanding 4K set containing three different versions of the film, but it’s sold out. Your best chance is likely going to be the second-hand and/or auction market for now, but if you can this is one you should definitely add to your collection!
Up until recently, the glorious Anchor Bay DVD set was the penultimate way to experience George Romero’s groundbreaking classic. Various versions were released in newer formats both in the US and in Europe, but they failed to present all of the different cuts of the film in one great package the way the Anchor Bay set did. I still have mine, in fact, it’s a beautiful set. This set from SECOND SIGHT not only has all of the versions of the film in a new 4K presentation with Dolby DTS-HD 5.1 and Mono audio tracks, but it also has heaps of bonus features alongside some new ones and collectible booklets to boot.
While this set may cost you quite a pretty penny, hence why it’s later on this list, it is a worthy investment for one of the most important horror films of all time. Hopefully, we will see another version of this release manifest in the way of a standard-run set or even another distributor here in the US sometime in the near future.
#3 - “BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA” (1992)
COLUMBIA PICTURES
Okay, so this one goes to Amazon. Usually, I try to support the local video stores, but sadly they did not carry this title. That said, this should be in your collection if you’re considering the upgrade to 4K! For my money, this is the best version of Dracula out there, and it’s always been a visual feast for the eyes!
To those who weren’t old enough to catch this one during its initial run, this is Francis Ford Coppola’s bloody and beautiful take on the world’s most famous literary vampire. The stars of this show, of which there are many, are the scenery-chewing roles of Count Dracula (played masterfully by Gary Oldman) and Van Helsing (the eccentric Sir Anthony Hopkins) and the lush imagery. It looks even better in 4K, and the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio elevates all the epic music and action held within.
I can’t say enough about this film, and for those who have seen it, you likely can understand why. It’s a film that begs to be seen in the best possible format possible to enjoy all the detail and attention paid to the sets, sounds, costumes, and creature designs. Whether you agree that this version reigns supreme above all the others that have come before it, few will give you the experience that this 90’s classic guarantees.
#2 - “JAWS” (1975)
UNIVERSAL
A film that should need no introduction, even to the youngest fans in the genre. A classic for more reasons than one, and a film that still stands the test of time even 45 years later! A simple story about a small beachside town that is being terrorized by a great white shark and pursued by the local sheriff and resident Ahab. Directed by Steven Speilberg based on the novel by Peter Benchley it plays host to the most memorable shark attacks on celluloid and has one of, if not thee, most well-known theme songs of all time.
Presented in 4K and in both Dolby Vision HDR10+ the 1975 film has never looked better. What’s most fascinating to me about these transfers of older films is that they don’t compromise the integrity of the film’s appearance and yet the films look better than they ever have. Such is the case here, and I’d be hard-pressed to find someone who prefers any other version of this film moving forward.
The same can be said of the Dolby Atmos track (and TrueHD 7.1 track) which perfectly leverage this audio format to create a sense of vast space and imminent danger during the scenes at sea. The aforementioned theme song and supporting score are delightfully moving about the soundscape to further enhance the mood and tension that is so precisely building to the film’s climax. For some this is a Top 3 film, and this release is the benchmark for how to make classic films thrive in modern formats.
#1 - “SUSPIRIA” (1977)
SYNAPSE
I did not think this would be the film to make me fall in love with the 4K format, but it’s also a total no-brainer. Having seen the previous SYNAPSE Blu-Ray remaster both in the theater and at home pre-COVID, it isn’t easy to imagine how that theater experience could ever be replicated at home without a proper theater-like arrangement. I live in NYC, and space is at a premium and a full-on theater room is just not in the cards for me, but a boy can and will dream. So on a rainy day, I popped in this 4K disc and was blown away by the sheer number of times I shivered with joy.
You know that shiver. The one that gives you goosebumps because something is just so right. That’s what this 4K disc is like for Dario Argento’s pivotal Italian classic. The story of an American girl who becomes the desire of the resident witch who presides over a prestigious German dance academy is a surreal trip that uses sound, lighting, and beautiful yet brutal violence to engage you right from the very start.
The visual and audio presentation here is the best examples of how to create an immersive experience at home. While the film looks amazing, and this is again credit to the wonderful work done by the SYNAPSE team on prior releases (when will you guys do DEMONS and DEMONS 2 wink wink nod nod), it’s the sound that sells this in every regard. Those familiar with Golbin’s score know just how much of a role it plays in this film, to the extent it is almost a character of its own and the film wouldn’t be the same without it. The whispers and bells dance behind and all around you, immersing you in the same paranoia plaguing our protagonist, Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper). It cannot be understated how much more enjoyable this film is due to the use of the Dolby Atmos audio track, and I’m giddy to experience it again very soon!
So that’s it, that’s the five for now! There are plenty of other great releases both past and in the future, so if you like this please leave a comment below!
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