6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
In present day, a decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, Anthony and his partner move into a loft in the now gentrified Cabrini. A chance encounter with an old-timer exposes Anthony to the true story behind Candyman. Anxious to use these macabre details in his studio as fresh grist for paintings, he unknowingly opens a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifying wave of violence.
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo, Vanessa Williams (I)Horror | 100% |
Thriller | 25% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French (Canada): Dolby Digital 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
2021's Candyman is not a remake of the frightening cult favorite 1992 film of the same name but rather a continuation of the story established in the original. As it is, exploring the universe under multiple lenses, this 2021 version blends keen social insight with visceral horror in a well blended experience that is rightly, and satisfyingly, more focused on characters and narrative rather than slasher Horror. What could have been an excuse for repetitive scenes of severe bloodletting and physical trauma is instead a contemplative exploration of the human condition within a terrifyingly gruesome prism.
The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc.
Candyman is a stunner on Blu-ray and the picture is just as impressive on UHD. Universal's 2160p/HDR
presentation amplifies the image's already impressive visual credentials with boosts to resolution and color dynamics. First, the HDR grading: the
picture enjoys the usual benefits, including a series of more vivid tones and deeper blacks. Darker scenes are a bit more absorbing here, such as during
a scene around the 10-minute mark when Troy tells the story of Helen Lyle and Cabrini-Green that really sets the plot in motion. In daylight, the level of
tonal authenticity, clarity, depth, and vividness are excellent, bordering on breathtaking. The picture is not necessarily so colorfully dynamic as to stand
out for raw color splash, but the HDR grading certainly renders the full spectrum within the movie's purview about as well as can be expected. Add
bolstered whites and superior skin tone precision and this is a terrific color presentation. Not to be outdone is the clarity and texture. The picture is
dynamically clean; even the lowest light noise is rendered much more efficiently to the point that it's barely in evidence beyond the most
challenging
scenes. Image stability and crispness are top of the charts and raw detail is presented with a command of clarity beyond the Blu-ray's capabilities.
Intimate facial features are far more lifelike here, city details are remarkably precise, and gore effects are every bit as squeamishly delicious as they
should
be. The clarity here is the big winner; the picture is silky-smooth and resplendently fine. For as good as the Blu-ray is, this one is clearly its superior
and the best way to watch the film.
Engaging, immersive, delightful, perfect all well summarize Universal's Dolby Atmos soundtrack accompanying Candyman on UHD. The track fires on all cylinders, delivering one of the most engaging, balanced, and intense listens of the year; if "track of the year" where a thing on Blu-ray.com it would be an upset if this one didn't win. The track is every bit as prodigious as listeners could reasonably want. Musical engagement is top tier, extending with seamless width, depth, and complimentary top layer usage to make a wonderfully tight and immersive listening experience. Clarity is off the charts and the low end depth in support is terrific; the subwoofer's usage and balance and impact cannot be underscored. There are some prodigious overhead audio elements during an elevator scene at the 41-minute mark, offering very deep and loud and prominent top end extension, perfectly fitting into the scene's dynamics. Additionally, heavy saturating rain pelts the top end in the 64-minute mark to excellent effect. There are a few incredibly potent gunshots at the film's end. These are hands down the most intense and realistic examples of movie gunfire one is going to find; it nearly rivals the real deal for not only loudness but realism. The track further offers excellent spatial awareness and clarity to a crowded gallery and wonderful living, breathing detail to city exteriors. Dialogue is every bit as perfect as it can be. This is a beautifully designed and implemented soundtrack, easily one of the best of the year.
Candyman includes an alternate ending, deleted scenes, and a handful of featurettes. A Blu-ray copy of the film and a Movies Anywhere
digital
copy code are included with purchase. This product ships with an embossed slipcover.
What Candyman does well is to speak to audiences coming to the movie for different reasons. Gore hounds will certainly find enough blood to their liking but audiences seeking a reprieve from mindless slashers will find the film to be reflectively intelligent, overtly and subtly alike. With imaginative filmmaking, expert performances, and a team committed to building a full film rather than a partial linear experience, this is one of the better genre films of the past few years. Universal's UHD is outstanding. While the disc could stand to house a few weightier extras, what is here is fine and the A/V presentation is practically above reproach. Highly recommended.
Collector's Edition
1992
2019
Extended Cut
2021
Collector's Edition
1988
2022
2022
2012
Collector's Series
1999
2018
1986
2019
2013
2020
Uncut
2007
1978
2019
2023
Collector's Edition
1990
2016
Collector's Edition
1991