Below 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Below" offers a visually mixed experience, navigating the intricacies of its 2002 origins with modern technological enhancements. The release utilizes a new HDR/Dolby Vision master sourced from a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative, presented in a 1.85:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) format. This technical overhaul brings forth impressive color fidelity, with the Dolby Vision grade proficiently managing contrast between deep shadows and intense highlights. The visuals are notably lush and stable, and the colors, particularly in elements like indicator lights and flares, have a vivid presence that enhances the atmospheric tension.

While the image quality reveals remarkable detail and image stability, the presentation walks a fine line between clarity and artificial sharpness. Some scenes exhibit a sharpness that could suggest digital refinement, potentially detracting from an otherwise engrossing visual palette. The film's darker sequences benefit from excellent delineation and depth, though brighter scenes occasionally suffer from an overly refined appearance. Controlled grain is perceptible throughout, with certain underwater and visual effects sequences betraying their age through visible scanlines and dated CGI elements such as stagnant cloud textures.

The 1080p Blu-ray also stemming from the same 4K scan, presents a slightly harsher visual experience, further emphasizing the sharper textures. Although the differences aren't drastic, the native 4K presentation more effectively communicates the filmmakers’ original intent, making it the superior choice for viewers sensitive to stylistic digital enhancement. Ultimately, this release may polarize; some will appreciate the hyper-real clarity, while others might long for a more traditional filmic softness.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "Below" is equipped with two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. This offering leverages atmospheric sound design to enhance the chilling ambiance effectively. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track excels in delivering a surround sound experience that captivates with its dynamic intensity. Notably, it manages directional panning with expertise, capturing the haunting whispers and clanging noises within the submarine environment. Despite the occasional repetitiveness in sound effects, the immersive soundscape maintains clarity, ensuring dialogues are pristine and easily comprehensible.

In the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, audio elements showcase an impressive range of dynamic contrasts and extended low frequencies that add depth to the auditory experience. The precision in handling spatial audio cues from various channels contributes significantly to the tension and atmosphere of "Below," vividly recreating the confines of a submarine adventure and the mysteries lurking underwater. Meanwhile, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo mix provides a robust alternative, preserving essential audio elements though with less spatial detail than its 5.1 counterpart.

Overall, the audio presentation on this release maintains a professional standard, successfully delivering an engaging and technically accomplished auditory experience that complements the film's thematic intent.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Below" offer a concise yet intriguing selection of supplemental materials that effectively enhance the viewing experience. Notably, the audio commentary, featuring director David Twohy and a remarkable ensemble cast, including Matt Davis and Zach Galifianakis, is both engaging and informative. It provides valuable insights into the creative minds behind the film. The archival featurette "The Process" allows viewers an inside look at the production with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, offering context to the cinematic choices made. The inclusion of three deleted scenes, viewable with director commentary, further adds depth by revealing alternative creative directions considered during filmmaking. Lastly, the vintage U.S. trailer immerses viewers in the original promotional atmosphere of the film. Although no new features are included, the existing content remains compelling.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging session with director David Twohy and key actors.
• The Process: Archival making-of featurette at Pinewood Studios.
• Deleted Scenes: Three scenes with optional director commentary.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer.

David Twohy's 2002 film "Below," released on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, offers a visually immersive reimagining of the traditional submarine thriller, albeit with mixed results. Set during World War II aboard the USS Tiger Shark, the narrative embroils viewers in a claustrophobic journey underscored by supernatural tension and wartime paranoia. The story unfolds as the submarine rescues three survivors from a U-boat attack, catalyzing a series of eerie events that propel the crew into suspicion and fear. This blend of horror and historical drama struggles with coherence, driven by a screenplay co-penned by Lucas Sussman and Darren Aronofsky alongside Twohy.

Cinematographer Ian Wilson provides a visually curated environment through chiaroscuro lighting, offering moments reminiscent of film noir to enhance the film's horror elements. While initial attempts to balance horror with war intrigue are promising, "Below" wrestles with an underwhelming execution, revealing discernible plot holes and a fragmented narrative lacking suspenseful intricacy. The film's atmosphere, reliant on conventional auditory effects and average visual techniques, sometimes seems more suitable for modern streaming productions than invoking traditional cinematic allure.

Acting performances stand out amidst the script's shortcomings, with Bruce Greenwood and Olivia Williams leading a cast that convincingly portrays the pervasive dread and paranoia of a capsizing crew. Zach Galifianakis delivers an unexpectedly controlled performance as Weird Wally, adding depth to the ensemble. Despite casting efficacy and occasional visual wonder, "Below" falls short of leaving an indelible mark in the submarine thriller genre. The film offers an intriguing glimpse of potential through its fusion of horror and suspense but is ultimately constrained by an uninspired narrative execution.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Below" from Kino Lorber showcases a striking visual upgrade, meticulously restored from the original camera negative. Adopting a Dolby Vision format, the enhanced resolution elevates the film’s atmospheric tension and visual storytelling, framing it within a rich 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Paired with English DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, this release provides an immersive auditory experience that accentuates the film's eerie ambiance and gripping suspense, accompanied by English SDH subtitles.

Despite initial divisive opinions, 'Below', directed by David Twohy and co-written with Darren Aronofsky and Lucas Sussman, is notable for its taut screenplay and compelling performances that breathe life into the thriller’s submarine setting. The film departs from conventional genre tropes, trying to balance psychological depth with thrill. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it may not rank traditionally among the finest of submarine films yet demands reevaluation for its distinct approach and cinematic craftsmanship.

In conclusion, While "Below" may fall short of pioneering status amidst its peers, this new release allows for a reexamination of its merits. The 4K restoration is praiseworthy, enhancing the visual and auditory aspects substantially. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate this release, which captures the essence of what makes the film an intriguing watch. It may not be universally acclaimed, yet "Below" deserves recognition for its achievements in visual presentation and atmosphere.