Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.5 |
| Video |  | 5.0 |
| Audio |  | 4.5 |
| Extras |  | 4.0 |
| Overall | | 4.5 |
Curse of Chucky 4K Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Martin Liebman August 24, 2023
Scream Factory via Shout! Factory has released the 2013 franchise Horror film 'Curse of Chucky' to the UHD format. New specifications include
remastered
1080p (Unrated cut) and 2160p/Dolby Vision video. Audio options include 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless. A selection of new and returning
extras are
included. Scream Factory offers two cuts of the film on the Blu-ray disc: 'Unrated' (1:36:40) and 'R-Rated' (1:34:36). The UHD disc includes only the
unrated cut. The film was originally released to Blu-ray in 2013 via Universal.
He's back! From the filmmakers that brought you Chucky comes the terrifying return of the pint-sized doll possessed by the spirit of a notorious
serial killer. When a mysterious package arrives at the house of Nica (Fiona Dourif), she doesn't give it much thought. However, after her mother's
mysterious death, Nica begins to suspect that the talking, red-haired doll her visiting niece has been playing with may be the key to the mounting
bloodshed and chaos. The return of America's favorite toy, voiced again by Brad Dourif, is full of blood-splattered thrills and chills.
For a full film review, please see Kenneth Brown's writing accompanying the original 2013 Universal release by clicking
here.
Curse of Chucky 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The digitally photographed Curse of Chucky arrives on Blu-ray, once again and this time via Scream Factory, with a pristine 1080p transfer
which, for the "unrated" cut, is sourced from a new 4K master. The previous Blu-ray received a perfect rating, and this version likewise scores the same.
The digital image is clean and pristine with nary a speckle of intrusive noise or a sign of encode problems to be found. The picture is crystal clear with
sharp and
accurate details at every turn, even in the plethora of lower light shots scattered throughout the film. Clarity holds in distance and in close-up alike,
such as when seeing broad views of the home interiors or close-ups of mouths during the soup eating scene. Colors are full and capable, offering first
rate depth and punch. Balance is excellent and colors are dialed in to a perfect contrast and temperature setting. Whites are crisp, blacks are very deep,
and skin tones are healthy.
The 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD is just as much of a stunner. However, it's more of a finessed upgrade over the Blu-ray than it is an overhaul. The 2K
digital
intermediate offers less opportunity than the previous film-based elements to shine on the format, but there is no mistaking that the digital content
finds amplified clarity and stability at this resolution. Details are sharper textures are firmer, and the image brings out the very best in faces, clothes,
and environments. The Dolby Vision grading offers superior yield in all areas, including bright primaries and added depth to shadows. Colors are vivid
and bold with pleasant neutrality of temperature and contrast. Whites are vivid and skin tones are refined and stable. This is a superior version, but
viewers cannot, and will not, go wrong with either image.
Curse of Chucky 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
Scream Factory brings Curse of Chucky to Blu-ray and UHD with a pair of audio options: 2.0 and 5.1 lossless DTS-HD Master Audio
presentations. The 5.1 track offers, of course, the fuller listen, with robust depth, excellent spatial engagement, fluid stage movement, and precise
positional accuracy. The track offers clarity in abundance to all elements, from music to booming thunder, from screams to hushed dialogue. The spoken
word is clear and center positioned. It is always well prioritized. The 2.0 track offers similar core characteristics for detail and robustness, albeit, of
course, without the added benefit of the fuller surround engagement. Still, voices are clear and image to the center and the more potent effects are
suitably rendered and refined within the confines of the 2.0 configuration. Listeners cannot go wrong either way.
Curse of Chucky 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
The included Blu-ray disc houses all of the supplements outlined below. The UHD disc only includes the audio commentary track. Supplements
marked as "new" are newly produced for this release. Coverage of the carryover content can be found by clicking here. No digital copy code is included, but the studio does
ship the film with a non-embossed
slipcover.
- Audio Commentary: Writer/Director Don Mancini, Head Puppeteer/Associate Producer Tony Gardner, and Actress Fiona Dourif.
- NEW! Andy's Secret Return -- Alex Vincent on Curse of Chucky (1080p, 7:03): The famed franchise actor talks up his work in
the franchise's early years, disappointment to not return in future installments, his life in the years following his appearance in the film, the
franchise's legacy, and his return.
- NEW! It's Got a Death Curse -- Tony Gardner on Curse of Chucky (1080p, 7:41): Gardner speaks on the film's place in the
franchise, the poor reception of Seed of Chucky, puppeteering and animatronics, challenges, and
more.
- NEW! Twist of Jill -- Danielle Bisutti on Curse of Chucky (1080p, 13:13): The actress recalls her experiences working on the
film: auditions, family history with the franchise, her character, story and themes, and more.
- Playing with Dolls: The Making of Curse of Chucky
- Living Doll: Bringing Chucky to Life
- Voodoo Doll: The Chucky Legacy
- Storyboard Comparisons
- Deleted Scenes
- Gag Reel
- TV Spot
- Trailer
Curse of Chucky 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
Curse of Chucky takes a darker turn for the series, exploring a depth of character and deeper mood and atmosphere not previously found in the
franchise. It's
still playful, at ties, and bloody throughout, but more balanced in overall presentation. It's definitely not a film in the style of its 80s origins. This new
Blu-ray/UHD combo looks and sounds terrific. A quality selection of new and
returning extras are included. A delight for fans.
