Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		0.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Addiction 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman December 4, 2024

Just in case your everyday Hallmark movie may not be your holiday viewing cup of tea, Arrow is revisiting its prior 1080 release of The Addiction, in this new 4K UHD release that advertises itself as offering a "brand new 4K restoration from the original camera negative", even if Arrow's insert booklet verbiage may suggest this was sourced from the same 4K scan done for their 1080 release (more about that below). This release does port over some generally very enjoyable supplements from that release.

For my thoughts on the film and Arrow's 1080 presentation, please head over to my The Addiction Blu-ray review

The Addiction 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: This release does not include a 1080 Blu-ray, so these screenshots are taken from the 4K UHD disc and downscaled to 1080 and SDR. Color space in particular is therefore not accurate, and I recommend those interested to look at some of the screenshots in our The Addiction Blu-ray review for a probably better representation of the palette. Since this release does not include a 1080 disc, the 2K video score above has been intentionally left blank.

The Addiction is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Arrow Video with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 1.85:1. Arrow's insert booklet offers the following information on the transfer, information that duplicates at least in part that which was included with Arrow's 1080 release and which I reprinted in the video section of our The Addiction Blu-ray review, and which may indicate the same initial 4K scan done for Arrow's 1080 release was utilized again for this one, although this verbiage does include new information about the HDR and Dolby Vision grades, as well as some audio remastering:

The Addiction has been exclusively restored by Arrow Films and is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with stereo and 5.1 audio.

The original 35mm camera negative was scanned in 4K 16-bit resolution and MPI / Warner Brothers. The film was restored in 4K and graded in HDR10 at R3Store Studios, London. Dolby Vision grading was compelted by Fidelity in Motion, Florida.

The stereo and 5.1 mixes were remastered by Þorsteinn Gíslason.

Any "newness" factor aside, this is a really stunning looking 4K UHD presentation, and one which may prove, if subliminally, that you don't need bright Technicolor blandishments or whiz bang special effects and/or CGI to craft a really memorable viewing experience in 4K. I mentioned in our review of Arrow's great looking 1080 presentation that Ken Kelsch's sumptuous black and white cinematography had some of the most impressive chiaroscuro I've seen outside of more traditional noir, and HDR/ Dolby Vision measurably aid in defining the luscious contrast Kelsch's evocative lighting can employ. I frankly might not argue too strenuously that HDR / Dolby Vision really improves sometimes near nonexistent shadow detail, but that perhaps speaks to the incredibly deep blacks this presentation offers. Detail levels are quite striking in close- ups. I've been on record repeatedly as not always liking the look of grain in the higher resolution and dynamic range that 4K UHD discs offer, but I found the grain field in this presentation to be really appealingly organic looking if, yes, quite heavy on occasion.

The Addiction 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

This 4K disc offers the same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 options that Arrow's 1080 release did, and while Þorsteinn Gíslason's remastering is typically excellent, I'd be hard pressed to isolate any significant differences in the sound between the older 1080 disc and this one. The urban environment tends to give the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix more ambient presence than the LPCM 2.0 mix, but the sound design here is not so relentlessly showy that those only able to access the stereo mix will really be missing much. The film's sometimes weighty dialogue and Joe Delia's score are both rendered cleanly and clearly. Fidelity is fine throughout the presentation, and there are no issues with damage, dropouts or distortion. Optional English subtitles are available.

The Addiction 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio Commentary by Abel Ferrara is moderated by Brad Stevens (see below) and is kind of goofy, but worthwhile for true Ferrara devotees.


• Talking With the Vampires (HD; 30:55) is a fun new documentary by Ferrara featuring interviews with Christopher Walken, Lili Taylor, composer Joe Delia and cinematographer Ken Kelsch.


• Interview with Abel Ferrara (HD; 16:19) features the director sitting on a couch and discussing the project.


• Appreciation by Brad Stevens (HD; 8:47) is a really well done (if awfully brief) overview of Ferrara and this film.


• Abel Edits The Addiction (HD; 8:43) offers rare footage of Ferrara in the editing suite working on the film's final cut.


• Gallery (HD)


• Trailer (HD; 00:36)

Additionally, Arrow provides another nicely appointed illustrated insert booklet with an essay by Michael Ewins and an archival interview with Abel Ferrara. While the keepcase is black, there is a reversible sleeve. Packaging features a slipcover.

The Addiction 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The allegory in The Addiction may be kind of hackneyed, but even granting that perceived deficit, this is an often arresting and at times disturbing film, one that has real power at its center courtesy of a beautifully modulated performance by Lili Taylor. Arrow's new 4K UHD release of the film offers top notch technical merits and some very enjoyable supplements. Highly recommended.