The Conjuring 4K Ultra HD

"The Conjuring" tells the true story of world-renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Loraine Warren (Wilson, Farmiga) who were called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most horrifying case of their lives. In helping the family haunted by a demonic force, they find themselves trapped in their own horrifying nightmare. (Gary Reber)

Special features include the new featurettes "Scariest Of Them All" (HD 07:47) and "Reflections On The Conjuring" (HD 06:45, three archival featurettes: "The Conjuring: Face-To-Face With Terror" (HD 06:39), "A Life In Demonology" (HD 15:39), and "Scaring The '@$*??%' Out Of You" (HD 08;04) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate. The setting is an isolated old farmhouse that is haunted. The imagery is not consistent in terms of resolution. Resolution is generally softly focused, with fine detail limited to close-ups. While the picture often exhibits softness, at other times, the imagery appears sharper. Resolution during closeups fairs better but still not on the level of fine detail expected. Facial features such as lines, beard stubble and hair appear to exhibit a bit more detail. The color palette exhibits natural hues though colors are mostly awash with modest tones. Often the interior is bathed in low-level light and dark, virtually black shadows. Flesh tones appear natural throughout. Outdoor scenes exhibit natural light and a saturated color palette. HDR contrast is generally good. Back levels are deep and solid. Shadows, at times, reveal depth and revealing shadings, but other times are veiled in deep blackness as they spill down the walls and across the floors of the farmhouse and its mysterious basement. This enhance the sense of horrific foreboding. The lighting design is very effective with bright spot effects to counter the darkness as much of the picture is shadowy dark, which heightens the sense of demonic terror. Textures are generally discernible. The cinematography and production design effectively creates a spooky and intensely terrifying visual atmospheric palette. Visual effects and makeup effects are incredibly eerie and create horrific imagery. Overall, the imagery is decent and satisfying with delineation limited and not particularly distinguished for a 4K Ultra HD presentation. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is atmospherically driven, with nuanced sonics and dynamic bursts to support the demonic mayhem. Sound effects are convincingly realistic, whether nuanced or pronounced. The soundtrack delivers immense intensity and frights, Bass transients are powerful. Low frequencies are active throughout. The .1 LFE channel is very active with incredible powerful extension and rumbling effect to sub-25 Hz frequencies. Imaging throughout is discretely directional with all manner of frightening sound effects moving cross-channel throughout the sound field to intensify the evil haunting of the Perrons' farmhouse. Surround energy is powerful and aggressive. The scene of the exorcism ignites the sound field with unbelievable intensity and powerful surround envelopment. The music is created primarily with a synthesizer, which deliver a bass-centric eerie presence whose soundstage is wide and deep, with aggressive surround envelopment. Dialogue is intelligible throughout and the screaming is loud and intense. This is a truly scary holosonic® soundtrack that delivers frighting tension, foreboding atmosphere, and compelling suspense, all with intensity. (Gary Reber)