7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A research team finds a mysterious cylinder in a deserted church. If opened, it could mean the end of the world.
Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jameson Parker, Victor Wong, Lisa Blount, Dennis DunHorror | 100% |
Thriller | 23% |
Supernatural | 19% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
All Dolby Atmos tracks have a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit) core
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Making his move into larger studio productions during the 1980s, director John Carpenter endured a few box office failures, effectively throttling his rise in industry ranks. Looking to get back to his low-budget roots and obtain more control over his projects, Carpenter turned the late 1980s into an experimental period, with 1987’s “Prince of Darkness” the first of a one-two punch (the other being 1988’s “They Live”) where the helmer made a choice to explore his interests in the world around him. “Prince of Darkness” has the kind of grand title that promises supreme genre chaos, but the master moviemaker doesn’t go furious with his tale of Satanic evil in a jar, electing to go cerebral with the work, which merges the slow-burn exploratory habits of a Hammer Films production with the scientific specifics of a college lecture.
Screenshots are sourced from the Blu-ray disc.
Shout Factory brings "Prince of Darkness" to UHD with a 2160p viewing presentation (2.35:1 aspect ratio), offering the film in Dolby Vision. It's a nice
upgrade from the previous Blu-ray release,
and the 4K viewing experience delivers an appealingly cinematic look for the movie. Grain structure
remains intact with a few "softer" areas here and there, but overt blockiness is avoided. Detail delivers a crisp examination of production achievements,
including rooms decorated with metallic equipment and church decoration. Facial particulars are textured, securing age and homeless wear and tear,
while make-up efforts are distinct, really showing off the nuance of certain flesh-shredded effects. Colors deliver a darker palette as the action goes into
the church, but the glowing emerald swirl of Satan juice is potent, along with period costuming and hair color, with Lisa Blount's red mane vivid.
Skintones are natural. Exteriors supply rich greenery. Delineation remains stable, dealing with darker outfits and shadowy corners of action with slight
solidification at times. Highlights are tasteful but not explosively bright. Source is in excellent condition.
The 7.1 Dolby TrueHD mix shows authority from the very beginning, presenting a deep, rumbly synth crawl, hitting listeners with a crisp understanding of scoring cues. Instrumentation is precise, with suspense offerings pushing out into the surrounds, supporting the film's tightening level of suspense. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, handling exposition needs and scenes of panic without distortion. Sound effects are defined, capturing the wetness of evil and possession horrors. Surrounds do well with atmospherics, including room tone and shuffling community intimidation outside the church. Some separation effects are detected. Note: The UHD contains a 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix, which is not present on the Blu-ray.
UHD
As a career change, "Prince of Darkness" presents some prime Carpenter, left to do what he wants with a semi-baffling script that lives for interpretation. There's plenty of exposition to keeps things understood, but the picture resides in a menacing space of immediate threat and apocalyptic uncertainty, giving it a distinct atmosphere even when it struggles with pace and performance. "Prince of Darkness" is a weird one, but it remains a pure Carpenter viewing experience, filled with gorgeous genre filmmaking and a refreshing interest in the unexplainable.
Collector's Edition
1987
Collector's Edition
1987
Collector's Edition | Exclusive White and Red Splatter 7" Vinyl
1987
Collector's Edition | Sacred Bones Records Exclusive | Clear and Green Splatter 7" Vinyl
1987
Collector's Edition
1980
1985
2007
1988
1981
2010
Collector's Edition
1984
70th Anniversary
1953
1971
1995
Unrated Theatrical and Rated Versions
2013
Collector's Edition
1981
Unrated Edition
2008
Collector's Edition
1994
2002
2018
4K Restoration
1981
1980
Collector's Edition
1978
Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride
1973