Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Frenzy 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Justin Dekker November 17, 2023

Universal has released Alfred Hitchcock's 'Frenzy' (1972) to the UHD format. It is available individually (this release) or as part of a five-film boxed set along with 'The Man Who Knew Too Much', 'Rope', 'Topaz', and 'Torn Curtain'. 2160p/HDR video and DTS-HD Master Audio is available for this and all releases in the set, and the legacy special features are brought forward onto these new discs.

For a review of the film, please refer to the previous release of 'Frenzy'.

Frenzy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Frenzy has had a rather unfortunate history on home video, with previous DVD releases and the previous Blu-ray being as murky and scruffy as a London back alley. Needless to say, I was more than a little surprised to bear witness to the transformation that has been accomplished with this 4K disc. It's as if I'm really finally able to not just watch, but see the movie for the first time. Skin tones are natural and healthy-looking, with fine lines, wrinkles, and incredible detail visible on the actor's faces and hands. Fabric texture is sharp and realistic, whether it be a dress, a suit, or a potato sack. While much of the color palette in this film is more muted either as a design choice or as a product of the era, they are nicely saturated. Primaries, when they appear, are vibrant, rich, and really pop. Blacks are deep and enveloping but never rise to the level of crushing out detail. To wit, the video presentation is as sharp as Robert Rusk's tie pin.

Frenzy 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Like the video presentation, the audio track seems better as well. On this two-channel DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track dialogue is handled well and is understandable and perfectly audible for the entirety of the film. From screams to whispers, you won't find yourself reaching for the remote to rewind and figure out what word or sentence was missed. It's very predominantly center-focused which is typical for a dialogue-heavy film, but directionality is good when things are tracking to the right or left or happening off-screen. Sound effects seem realistic and appropriate for the era of the film as well. The score does a wonderful job supporting the on-screen action, enhancing the atmosphere but never dominating. Things seem pretty well-balanced and free from any real issues. It's a very solid audio experience for a talky movie from the 1970s.

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

All of the previous special features are brought forward to the 4K disc and are as follows:

The Story of Frenzy (SD, 45 minutes)

Production Photographs (SD, 17 minutes)

Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3 minutes)

For a detailed look at the special features, please refer to the previous release of 'Frenzy'.

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

With strong horror elements, fine performances, some very black humor, and a high level of grittiness, Frenzy has long been one of my very favorite Hitchcock films. It may not have the star quality of actors like Stewart, Grant, or Andrews, but the cast assembled here is fully committed and utterly convincing. As a fan of Doctor Who in all of his/her incarnations it's also a treat to see a middle-aged Bernard Cribbins pop up in a small but important role. The primary thing holding back my full enjoyment of the film in the past has been the transfer. But those days are done. Every bit of glitz in the fine restaurant and every speck of dirt and grime in the desperate living rooms and streets can really be seen. Inexplicably, Frenzy has the finest transfer in the set which may just help win over a few more fans. The audio track is great as well, and the special features are lively and entertaining. Frenzy is Strongly Recommended to existing and soon-to-be fans alike.