Carrie 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's release of Carrie (2013) on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray presents a notable upgrade from previous editions, offering the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 without an upscale, sourced directly from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. While it was initially finished with a 2K Digital Intermediate for theatrical prints, the 4K UHD disc does not suffer from any artificial enhancement, boasting a native 2160p transfer enhanced with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible), promising a richer visual experience. The movie, shot on an ARRI ALEXA camera with ARRI Raw captured on Codex Digital, benefits immensely from this treatment, showcasing warmer skin tones and crisper blacks that provide a substantial improvement over the MGM Blu-ray version, particularly in darker scenes or where lighting is subdued. With an average video bitrate of 85.0 Mbps, and peaking at 94.0 Mbps, the clarity and detail are significant, especially when compared to the previous releases.

The addition of Dolby Vision brings out lush primaries, accurate flesh tones, and a vividness that surpasses the Blu-ray version, offering a compelling reason to upgrade. Despite certain scenes showing a softer appearance that one might expect from an upscale rather than a native 4K scan, the overall sharpness and detail in both close-ups and exteriors present a noticeable improvement. The grain structure added enhances the film's gritty aesthetic without detracting from the viewing experience. Blacks are deep, aiding in creating depth, though they do not achieve total blackness in Carrie’s home scenes, which prevents the image from reaching the utmost level of contrast available in some 4K presentations.

The process behind the new 2160p transfer might raise questions, especially given the film's original digital shooting and 2K DI finish, suggesting some form of upscale. However, this transfer delivers cleaner details and a sharper image quality that, while not a transformative difference from the 2013 Blu-ray, positions it as a visually superior option. The HDR grading is where the transfer shines, allowing for a brighter and more dynamic color palette with richer primaries and more nuanced shades of red, particularly noticeable in the iconic pig's blood scene. The careful attention to black levels and white balance adds depth and dimensionality to the image. For enthusiasts debating an upgrade or those yet to own Carrie in their collection, this release offers the most robust presentation to date.

Scream Factory has outdone itself with the audio presentation for the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Carrie," offering both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround (3698 kbps, 24-bit) mix, identical to MGM's offering, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo downmix (2027 kbps, 24-bit) for those preferring a more traditional soundscape. The audio clarity across these tracks is commendable, with dialogue crisp and discernible, although Julianne Moore's softer tones may require a closer listen. The 5.1 mix utilizes discrete surround channels effectively, enhancing ambient sounds and action sequences with noticeable separation that engages the satellite speakers robustly. Special mention goes to the meticulously crafted low-frequency effects (LFE), from the palpable pulsations in intense scenes to the rich bass that anchors both the score and contemporary tracks featured in the film, making full use of the front channels.

Marco Beltrami's scoring takes a divergent path from the original, injecting both freshness and volume into "Carrie's" auditory experience. Balancing classic horror motifs with nuanced musical layers that tenderly support the narrative's emotional arcs, the soundtrack, augmented by pivotal tracks from Haim, Portugal. The Man, and others, enriches the storytelling through its dynamic range and base depth. However, it is in the film's climactic moments where the audio design truly shines, intricately weaving the diegetic and non-diegetic elements to craft a fully immersive experience. The infra-bass and surrounds work in concert during Carrie’s telekinetic onslaught, with each object’s trajectory and impact meticulously placed within the soundscape.

Despite the absence of an Atmos track, which remains a noted shortfall among enthusiasts, the existing 5.1 mix leaves little to be desired, standing its ground as a testament to quality sound engineering. The audio mix excels in encapsulating the intensity of the film’s more vigorous sequences while maintaining an atmospheric presence in quieter moments, leveraging every channel to full effect. Whether it's the subtle creaks in tense scenes or the enveloping chaos of Carrie's prom night fury, the surround activity and LFE bring a tactile sense of dread and tension that is both engaging and terrifyingly delightful. In sum, while the 2.0 mix offers a satisfactory auditory experience, for those equipped to indulge in the 5.1 surround setup, it promises an unparalleled auditory journey through this horror classic.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Carrie" comes packed with a comprehensive suite of extras that enhance the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike. Scream Factory and Ballyhoo Motion Pictures contribute fresh insights with new video essays and interviews, alongside ported content from the original MGM Blu-ray release for a thoroughly detailed look at both the legacy and the latest adaptation of Stephen King's novel. The dual-disc set is highlighted by Director Kimberly Peirce's audio commentary, providing an uninterrupted dive into the film's adaptation, casting decisions, and thematic explorations. Notably, new interviews with production designer Carol Spier and author Joseph Maddrey add depth, uncovering the intricate design work and broader contextual analysis of "Carrie's" story. While the package misses the chance to juxtapose the alternate ending directly with its theatrical counterpart, the inclusion of deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and a humorous telekinetic coffee shop surprise create a rich archive for exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Kimberly Peirce: Insightful commentary covering adaptation, casting, and film themes.
• NEW The Devil’s Hand: Designing Carrie: Interview with Carol Spier discussing her production design.
• NEW They’re All Going to Laugh At You: Adapting Carrie: Interview with Joseph Maddrey on adapting Stephen King's novel.
• Alternate Ending w/ Optional Commentary: A different conclusion to the film with director's commentary.
• Deleted/Alternate Scenes w/ Optional Commentary: A compilation of cut scenes with an option for directorial insights.
• Creating Carrie: Making-of featurette including interviews with cast and crew.
• The Power of Telekinesis: Brief featurette focusing on the telekinetic powers depicted in the film.
• Tina on Fire Stunt Double Dailies: Behind-the-scenes footage of a key scene.
• Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise: Publicity stunt video related to the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for "Carrie".

Kimberly Peirce’s 2013 adaptation of "Carrie" is a contemporary iteration that straddles the line between a faithful homage to Stephen King’s novel and an allegiance to Brian De Palma’s iconic 1976 film. While Peirce aimed for a closer adaptation of King's original work, studio preferences leaned towards mirroring De Palma's rendition, resulting in a film that intertwined elements from both sources. This influence is evident in the screenplay’s retention of dialogue from the 1976 version, despite Lawrence D. Cohen being credited as the primary writer without directly contributing to Peirce's project. Cinematically, Peirce forges her path with a distinct visual style, opting for the Scope 2.39:1 aspect ratio compared to De Palma’s spherical 1.85:1, and steering away from De Palma’s signature techniques like the split-field diopter and split screens, demonstrating both a respect for the original film and a desire to offer a fresh perspective.

The modern adaptation notably diverges in its exploration of bullying, reflecting today’s digital age with the incorporation of cyberbullying themes, presenting a pertinent update to the story's timeless message about social cruelty and isolation. However, the film’s reliance on heavy CGI and an intensified sound design detracts from its realism, particularly in its portrayal of Carrie’s telekinetic powers, which are visually amplified to a grandiose scale, transcending the subtlety of her abilities into overt spectacle. Such extravagances create a dissonance between the film's more grounded depiction of teenage life and its climactic supernatural frenzy, underscoring a missed opportunity to balance spectacle with the story’s inherent emotional depth.

Performance-wise, the reinterpretation boasts commendable efforts from Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore, who bring depth to their roles amidst script limitations that constrain their characters' development compared to their 1976 counterparts. The supporting cast presents a mixed bag, with some performances outshining their originals, while others fall into caricature. This unevenness in character portrayal is mirrored in the film's treatment of its thematic elements, oscillating between nuanced explorations of societal issues like cyberbullying and religious fundamentalism and a predisposition towards heightened dramatics. Peirce’s adaptation, while not devoid of merit especially in its attempt to communicate with a new generation, struggles to reconcile its innovative ambitions with the shadow of its predecessors, resulting in a film that is visually and contextually modern yet thematically tethered to its origins.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Carrie" (2013), directed by Kimberly Peirce, receives a mixed but ultimately positive review. While the film itself may not reach the iconic status of Brian De Palma's 1976 original, it stands as a commendable effort within the realm of Stephen King adaptations and late 2000s to early 2010s remakes. The main cast, notably Judy Greer, delivers quality performances, though the film occasionally suffers from underwhelming writing and an overemphasis on visual effects that border on excessive. Despite these narrative and stylistic critiques, this rendition of "Carrie" has aged well, benefiting from a decade's perspective to appreciate its place within the genre. The technical presentation of this release is highly praised, with Scream Factory’s 2160p video offering a notable upgrade in colors and details compared to the MGM edition. The audio remains top-notch with the same lauded 5.1 mix, ensuring that the film’s sound design, despite being occasionally overdone, is delivered with the clarity and impact it deserves.

On the extras front, while all previous special features are carried over, including a well-curated collection of archival and new bonus materials, there's a minor disappointment in the lack of new presentation options for these extras. Additionally, fans' long-standing hopes for a director's cut with all footage from initial test screenings remain unfulfilled, leaving a gap in what could have been an ultimate edition of the film.

In conclusion, despite its few shortcomings in both the original film’s execution and the missing potential for a more expansive director's cut, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Carrie" (2013) earns a solid recommendation. It strikes an impressive balance between visual upgrade and audio quality, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and fans of the genre. While it might not offer enough to justify a purchase for those satisfied with previous Blu-ray versions, for enthusiasts eager to experience the best possible presentation and those who appreciate the film's nuances within Stephen King's cinematic canon, this release represents a significant enhancement worth considering.