The Addiction 4K Ultra HD

In "The Addiction," a New York philosophy grad student turns into a vampire after getting bitten by one, and then tries to come to terms with her new lifestyle and frequent craving for human blood with her perspective on the nature of evil and humanity. Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary by Director Abel Ferrara, "Talking With The Vampires" 2018 documentary (HD 30:55), 2018 interview with Abel Ferrara (HD 16:21), 2018 interview with Brad Stevens (GD 08:37), the featurette "Abel Ferrara Edits The Addiction" (HD 08:42), original trailer, image gallery, reversible sleeve and illustrated collector's booklet.

The 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 film stock in black and white using Panavision camera systems and sourced from a new 4K master Digital Intermediate format restored from the original negative negative by Arrow Films. Film grain is generally smooth but not objectionable. The production design and cinematography are visually compelling. Picture quality is terrific looking with a dynamic gray scale. HDR contrast is striking. Black levels are solid black. Shadows are deep and revealing. White levels appear natural in illumination strength. Resolution is revealing of fine detail throughout, especially during closeups. Facial features reveal skin pores, lines and hair. Settings and objects are realistically textured. Clothing is also well defined. This is an outstanding black-and-white film that exhibits compelling visuals, though the horrific impact would have been far more intense had it been in color. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is the preferred version compared to the LPCM 2.0 version. The soundtrack is dialogue focused and intelligible throughout. Dialogue can be both well integrated spatially and unnaturally forward sounding. Atmospherics provide excellent realism for the settings and sets. Sound effects are subtle for the most part but enhance realism. The music is orchestral and at times other genre such as hip-hop. Surround energy is essentially a low level extension of the front channels. The surrounds provide generally good supportive envelopment. This is a well-crafted holosonic® soundtrack that delivers the story's emotional impact. (Gary Reber)