6.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
A young woman abducts and subjects a doctor to various sexual torture acts whom she holds responsible for the death of her boyfriend.
Starring: Brett Halsey, Corinne Clery, Blanca Marsillach, Stefano Madia, Paula MolinaErotic | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Italian: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English, English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 4.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Severin Films released The Devil's Honey on 1080 disc several years ago, and is now returning to the well (and/or honey pot) for a 4K UHD upgrade. Severin ups the allure ante for Lucio Fulci fans in particular by also offering a newly discovered audio interview with the director as one of the two new supplements appended to bonus features ported over from the 1080 release. Both the 1080 and 4K UHD versions are sourced from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative.
Note: Screenshots are sourced off the 1080 disc included with this release.
The Devil's Honey is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Severin Films with an HEVC / H.265 2160p transfer in 1.85:1. A 1080 disc of the
feature (and supplements) is also included, with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. The back cover of this release states the presentation is
"now scanned in 4K from the original negative". Both the 1080 and 4K UHD presentations are rather interesting when compared to Severin's older
1080 release. Both of these new versions are better suffused and at times quite a bit darker (compare screenshot 3 in this review with screenshot 4 in
my older review for just one good example). At times color timing shows noticeable differences, with this new version being a bit less yellow than the
older one, but at other times I'd argue the color timing is very similar. Another similarity to Severin's older version is the extremely thick,
mottled grain field, especially in some of the recording studio material, but also scattered pretty liberally throughout the rest of the presentation. Grain
can recede in the most brightly lit outdoor moments and even some of the better lit interior moments, but it is thick and often clumpy to the
point of almost
looking like macroblocking at times, and for that reason alone, my hunch is some may prefer the new 1080 resolution to the 2160, since all of the
chunkiness (which is often accompanied by yellow and/or blue chroma effects) is only increased in 4K UHD. Both versions still show some damage,
including at least one long lasting purple-blue scratch running the length of the frame a bit right of center (see screenshot 4). I frankly wouldn't argue
that HDR adds a huge difference to the 4K UHD presentation, though some of the summery yellow tones in the latter half of the film may be a bit more
buttery. One way or the other, suffusion on both versions is noticeably improved from the older 1080 version. My 1080 score for this new version is
4.25.
This release offers DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono tracks in either Italian and English, both of which sound identical to my ears with the LPCM 2.0 Mono offerings on Severin's first 1080 release. Both tracks show clear signs of having been post dubbed, as tends to be the case with many Italian features. The Italian track has notably higher amplitude and an at least somewhat clearer high end than the somewhat muffled sounding English language track. The English language voice work is pretty inartful. There's passing but never overly problematic age related wear and tear, including clear pops and cracks as both tracks begin, along with what almost sounds like a bit of tape wobble during some of the sax drenched music. Other cues show just slight distortion, something that's perhaps a bit more noticeable on the Italian track since it's louder and has clearer highs. Dialogue also resonates more clearly on the Italian language track. Optional English subtitles are available.
4K UHD Disc
If you're a Fulci fan, you may have some idea of what you're in for with regard to The Devil's Honey, but this intentionally provocative film may be stronger on shock value than it is on anything overly analytical or "meaningful" (despite an attempt at a little poetic philosophy as the film comes to a close). Both video and audio encounter passing hurdles, but generally speaking this new transfer at least shows some better saturation, even if grain can still be incredibly thick and some damage has still escaped the restoration gauntlet. The supplementary package is outstanding, which may add to the allure for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.
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