4K Ultra HD – US Edition – Lionsgate Films – 92 min – April 23, 2019
Video format
• Intermediate Master: 2K
• Standard HDR: Dolby Vision
• Ratio: 1.66
Soundtrack
• English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Subtitles
• English
It is brought to the attention of our dear readers as well as the viewing equipment specified and used by each tester of the MaG team, the rendering may differ from one installation to another, whether or not it is calibrated, as well as personal preferences and expectations may influence the rating. Moreover, the images in the article are not representative of the edition tested.
Work – Witch, are you there?
1630, New England. William and Katherine, a devout couple, established themselves at the limit of civilization, leading a godly life with their five children and cultivating their plot of land in the midst of a still wild expanse. The mysterious disappearance of their newborn and the sudden loss of their crops will quickly lead them to stand against each other...
A macabre horrific tale about witchcraft in surgical staging, masterful interpretation and glaucous atmosphere, whose criticism of religious fundamentalism and advocacy for female emancipation make it a classic of the genre.
IMAGE – Let's walk through the woods...
Jarin Blaschke's sublime photography (unsaturated earthy colours, very diffuse lighting and low contrasts) is even better restored by this UHD Dolby Vision transfer.
The overall definition that is slightly enhanced seems more solid, the details are more precise (cloth fibres, wooden furniture, leaves in trees), the colorimetric palette is much more desaturated (faces are paler) while bringing a hint of heat to the whole and solidifying the primary (green vegetation and scarmosis blood), the contrasts have been improved thanks to lighter whites and darker blacks (the darkest corners are now more visible), and the light sources are manifested with more natural (light of day, shine of clouds, glow of candles and lamps).
Despite the furtive presence of a very light crenelage and sudden (and non-voluntary) darkening of a plane, these images of a sinister beauty are particularly good in the atmosphere of the places.
SON – « I will guide thy hand »
An intimate but no less dynamic mix when worried music by Mark Korven gets angry.
Next to this, there are natural atmospheres (wind, rustling trees) but above all voices well put forward. When to the surround channels, even if most often discreet, they help to detail the apparent possession of the places.
CONCLUSION – Abra-cada-paranoia!
Tormented by an invisible evil (to different forms) whose shadow is constantly hovering, this family drama which has the gift of inducing fear by the doubts (caused by isolation and fundamentalism) that it sows is even more stifling in 4K Ultra HD (cf. the coldness of the climate). Do not be influenced by your convictions and face the trials of life!
Artistic note
9
Video quality
8
Audio quality
8
0
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