Perdita Durango 4K Ultra HD (Dance With The Devil)

"Perdita Durango" ("Dance With The Devil") is the "amoral love story" filled with human sacrifices, kidnapping, murder, fetus trafficking and the dogged DEA agent (Gandolfini) on the trail of it all. (Gary Reber)

Special features include six featurettes: "On The Border" (HD 28:12), "Writing Perdita Durango" (HD 16:43), "Dancing With The Devil—An Appraisal By Film Scholar Dr. Rebekah McKendry" (HD 12:57), "Narcosatanicos: Perdita Durango And The Matamoros Cult" (HD 18:14), "Candones de Amar Maldito: The Music" (HD 21:13) and "Shooting Perdita Durango" (HD 04:54) and a trailer.

The 2.35:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD HDR10/Dolby Vision picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm film stock using Arriflex cameras and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format. Credited as "restored in 4K," this is a wild and crazy viewing experience with varied picture qualities. Grain, however, is never objectionable. Generally, when the imagery is set in more brightly lit outdoor segments the picture appears naturally hued, such as the desert settings in Mexico. Otherwise, color fidelity is stylized with saturated hues that exaggerate natural densities, such as a scene involving fire and smoke. In these cases, hues are vividly rendered. The wider color gamut is particularly exaggerated in numerous scenes, including the opening nude scene with Perdita and a leopard and other scenes, with an emphasis on yellow and red hues, such as blood. The nighttime scene in downtown Las Vegas is very colorful and glaring. HDR contrast is good with deep black levels, generally revealing shadow delineation, and highlights that are nicely illuminated. Perdita's white blouse particularly stands out. Resolution is excellent throughout with fine detail exhibiting closeups of facial features, particularly skin pores, hair and complexions. Clothing is well defined from shoes on up. Object textures project the reality of the settings. This is a visually arousing experience with wild colors and intense imagery. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack is a bit compressed in segments that should be wider. Dialogue is the focus with at times generally good spatial integration, while at other times the ADR is wanting, The language shifts from English to Spanish with English subtitles. (Both English and Spanish tracts are options.) At times the dialogue is difficult to understand. Atmospherics are realistic. The music score is varied and active throughout with good spatial dimensionality extending to the surrounds. The music features great percussion and is often rhythmic with good bass extension. However, the .1 LFE is virtually never used. Sound effects are not exaggerated and sound natural such as gunfire. This is a wild and crazy holosonic® soundtrack that nicely supports the compelling storytelling. (Gary Reber)