StudioCanal

A woman waits for her husband’s return from the war, living an isolated existence behind the locked doors and drawn curtains of a secluded mansion. 

Alejandro Amenábar’s 2001 Gothic ghost story is a revelation in 4K, its picture absolutely popping thanks to HDR, and a Dolby ATMOS audio track that showcases creaks and groans from the many corners of your living room.

It’s 1945 in the Channel Islands and three strangers turn up at the door of Nicole Kidman’s Grace and her two sickly children. Right from the outset, something is off, with the director carefully revealing just what is going on. And even if you remember what those twists are from a previous viewing, you can spend the time picking up the clues that are there if you can spot them.

The HDR lifts the darkness – there is a lot of black in this film. The children are sensitive to light, and often there will be a single light source in the frame, with the picture benefiting from the crisp rendition of the multiple shades of grey to black. There is noticeable grain, but it is acceptable

This release features a new 51-minute look back at the movie and a feature on the soundtrack. There are also features from previous releases.

Verdict: The blacks are blacker, the shadows are more defined, and the soundscape even creepier. A significant upgrade to an excellent film. 10/10

Nick Joy

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