Cuckoo 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Cuckoo 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Cuckoo is a compelling horror-thriller with social commentary. Starring Hunter Schafer in the leading role. Co-starring Marton Csokas, Dan Stevens, Jan Bluthardt, and Jessica Henwick.

Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) has recently moved against her will to a new home in the German Alps. Now living with her father, Luis (Marton Csokas), Gretchen finds herself meeting the eerie Herr König (Dan Stevens). Herr König becomes strangely interested in her mute half- sister Alma.

As events unfold, circumstances become eerie and scary as tension mounts in Germany. A secret might reveal a more sinister side of Herr König and his allies. Can Gretchen survive while staying in the German Alps?

The performances from the cast are well done. Hunter Schafer delivers a fantastic performance. There is a lot of compelling humanity in the performance by Schafer. Schafer delves into the role with a clear passion and dedication to the character. A remarkable performance all around. Dan Stevens gives an especially memorable and impressive supporting performance. Supporting characters Henry (Jan Bluthardt) and Beth (Jessica Henwick) are also given moments to shine.

The score composed by Simon Waskow (Luz, Night After Night) is well done and adds a lot of tension throughout the film. Waskow did a terrific job as composer and the music plays a big role in the filmmaking. The score is eerie, fun, and sublime.

The cinematography by Paul Faltz (Luz, Immaculata) is remarkable and adds so much to the film. The visuals play a big role in the storytelling. Faltz is a terrific cinematographer and someone with a keen visual sensibility that is undeniable. There is so much to appreciate about the effort and what it brings to the table.

Edited by Terel Gibson (Ready or Not, Hawkeye) and Philipp Thomas (Berlin Alexanderplatz, Teenage Angst), Cuckoo is a well-paced thriller, too. The editing makes the filmmaking flow well. The pace is remarkable throughout. The tension mounts and builds all the way to the finale.

The production designs by Dario Mendez Acosta (Luz) impress in spades, too. The designs make the world of the story come to life. The eerie atmosphere makes the film all the more visually unique.

The costume designs by Frauke Firl (Antichrist, Hannah Arendt) are well done. The costumes seem perfect for each character. The lead character costume designs are especially compelling and are perfectly utilized throughout the film.

Written and directed by Tilman Singer (Luz), Cuckoo is a thrill ride with plenty to offer audiences. Cuckoo is a fun and exhilarating experience. There is a lot of tension throughout the thriller and the horror film elements add plenty of suspense, too. Singer is a talent and Cuckoo showcases the filmmakers visual sensibilities and passion for storytelling well.

Cuckoo 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on 4K UHD by Dazzler Media, Cuckoo is presented in 2160p HEVC / H.265 in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The 4K UHD presentation is robust and engaging. An incredible looking presentation with impeccable color reproduction and HDR. The HDR10 grade is fantastic and adds so much visual splendor to the storytelling. A first-rate encode throughout.

Cuckoo 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The release sounds crisp throughout. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. The score is well reproduced and is superbly integrated into the sound design. A beautiful sound mix that is well reproduced on the release.

Cuckoo 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The first print run comes with a nice o-card slipcover.

On disc supplements:

Trailer (HD, 2:24)

Making Of (HD, 5:33)

Interview with Hunter Schafer (HD, 10:13)

Interview with Production Designer Dario Mendez Acosta (HD, 5:01)

Interview with Costume Designer Frauke Firl (HD, 7:49)

Cuckoo 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Cuckoo is an exhilarating thrill ride. A first-rate horror-thriller from beginning to end. A fantastic showcase for the talent of Hunter Schafer. Hunter Schafer delivers a brilliant performance. The presentation is incredible and the 4K UHD visuals are stunning throughout. The lossless audio is engaging. The release comes with a nice selection of bonus features, too. Highly recommended.