Scream 4 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Scream 4 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman June 9, 2026

Note: Lionsgate is once again employing what might be called a "two pronged" release strategy with Scream 4 in 4K, mimicking earlier releases where interested consumers could choose between a wide release in standard packaging and a Lionsgate Limited release with SteelBook packaging. Unlike Dogma 4K (and Dogma 4K), however, this time there are actual differences in the supplementary content available. Lionsgate's wide release of Scream 4 4K offers all of the "legacy special features", while this Lionsgate Limited edition has new exclusive bonus content in addition to the previously available supplements.

Scream 4 had a 1080 release courtesy of Starz / Anchor Bay in 2011, and Martin Liebman's Scream 4 Blu-ray review of that release offers plot information, a list of supplements and an analysis of the technical presentation.

The Scream 4 4K Blu-ray review of the wide release offers some screenshots from the 1080 disc in that package. This review offers high res photos of the SteelBook packaging.

Scream 4 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Scream 4 is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Lionsgate with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.39:1. Marty gave absolutely top notch marks to the old 1080 release, but as I've mentioned with regard to presentations I've personally had to revisit when they've been rereleased in upgraded versions, when you don't have anything to compare them to, you can be "flying blind" so to speak in terms of reaction. Both the 1080 and 4K UHD presentations included in this release show some considerable differences, especially in color timing, from the old Starz / Anchor Bay offering, and I'd certainly argue for the better when compared to the old release. I've tried to come close to reproducing some of the screenshots in Marty's old review so that those interested can do side by side comparisons, but in both resolutions and dynamic ranges, yellows are significantly lessened, something that's especially noticeable in some of the outdoor material with regard to things like flesh tones. The palette has some nice highlights courtesy of the HDR / Dolby Vision grades, and kind of interestingly there's a somewhat cooler look to some of the purplish tones that introduce Courteney Cox and Neve Campbell. While both of these transfers preserve the at times highly stylized soft and effulgent appearance that Wes Craven overtly aimed for, detail levels are routinely excellent, at least in the better lit sequences, and some of the fine detail on the horrifying carnage Ghostface wreaks may be stomach churning for some. I frankly wouldn't argue that the HDR grades provide a wealth of new shadow detail, and there are some fleeting moments where Ghostface's black costume can blend in with darker backgrounds. Grain can definitely be on the chunky side against brighter backgrounds, something that's probably even more evident in the 4K presentation.

Scream 4 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Along with the 4K video upgrade, there's also a new Dolby Atmos track on both discs which provides a really satisfying immersive experience. There are some really fun surround effects in the film, along with unexpected "startle" moments like the sudden burst of a telephone ringing, not to mention some of Ghostface's "shenanigans". In that latter regard a couple of the slice and dice scenes offer some good verticality, if fleetingly, along with well placed "traditional" surround effects. Marty mentioned a certain lack of "oomph" in the old disc's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presentation, something that frankly may be more mix related, especially in terms of scoring. Dialogue and the all important near "voiceover" from Ghostface are presented without any issues. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

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

Note: As with many Lionsgate Limited releases in particular, some of the so-called "legacy special features" were not offered on the original 1080 disc. More information on the supplements that were included on that release can be found in Marty's review, linked to above.

• Exclusive Lionsgate Limited Content

The Meta of Scream (HD; 16:49) offers an overview (there's a pun in there somewhere) from author Ashley Cullins.




Rebooting the Franchise: Scream 4 Revisited (HD; 16:29) offers a kind of sweet set of reminiscences from a number of participants.




Ghostface Revealed! (HD; 7:25) includes an interview with Roger L. Jackson, who voices the character.




Wes Craven: The Maestro of Scream (HD; 9:54) is an archival interview with Craven.

• Legacy Special Features

Feature Commentary with Director Wes Craven and Cast Emma Roberts, hayden Panettiere and Neve Campbell




The Making of Scream 4 (HD; 10:30)




Deleted and Extended Scenes with Optional Commentary (HD; 26:02)




Gag Reel (HD; 9:21)




EPK B-Roll (HD; 17:23) offers some fun candid footage on the set.




EPK Soundbites (HD; 32:55) brief snippets of comments from various participants.




Junket Interviews (HD; 18;44) is another compendium of interviews, some somewhat hilariously with Courteney Cox covered in blood makeup.




Trailers (HD; 3:47)




TV Spot (HD; 00:32)

The SteelBook is on the minimally designed side, with a side view of Ghostface on the front panel and a little message to Sidney on the rear, all with a kind of blue black high gloss background. The interior panels offer a photo of Neve with a knife (which might make a good band name). A digital copy is included.

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

Scream 4 seemed to put the lie to the perception that there is frequently a law of diminishing returns with repeated sequels, even if it might be jokingly stated that Scream, Scream VI and Scream 7 may have reinforced that very perception. Technical merits are first rate, and this addition offers a few new enjoyable supplements to augment the "legacy" supplements. Diehard fans of this film are probably going to want to opt for this version over the wide release. Highly recommended.