'Lord Of Illusions' 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review - Clive Barker Makes Magic A Reality In Bloody Supernatural Thriller
Harry D'Amour (Scott Bakula, Quantum Leap) is a private detective on a seemingly routine investigation in Los Angeles. But Harry gets more than he bargained for when he encounters an enigmatic performer (Kevin J. O'Connor, Deep Rising) whose amazing illusions captivate the world … but are they really just illusions? Harry isn't so sure as he is thrust into a nightmare of murder and deception from the dark beyond.
Famke Janssen (GoldenEye, X-Men) also stars in this thrilling supernatural mystery. Barker's illuminating Director's Cut is now presented in Ultra High-Definition with all-new Special Features.
For thoughts on Lord Of Illusions, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:
Video Quality
Scream Factory presents Lord Of Illusions on 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a stellar 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a new 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative with Dolby Vision/HDR. This release contains Clive Barker's Director's Cut of the film, but the theatrical cut is not provided. There is also no accompanying Blu-Ray provided like the label typically provides. The film was previously released by the label on Blu-Ray in 2014 from a dated master. We do not have that release to compare the level of improvement, but we can say with some degree of certainty that this is the best the film has ever looked. The natural film grain remains faithfully intact and brings out all of the unique flourishes in the background. The grain resolves exceptionally with nothing ever feeling splotchy even within the shadowy environments.
The deployment of Dolby Vision/HDR for dazzling and pinpoint color output elevates things to ideal levels when it comes to depth and nuance. Audiences can now discern much more shadow detail with figures properly defined instead of blending into the unformed background. Black levels are first-rate with nothing in the way of crush or banding present even in the dark corridors. Highlights are firm with no semblance of blooming in the brightest moments. This disc handles every subtle environmental change with ease. There are no egregious digital anomalies such as compression artifacts or any other such shortcomings. There are some cool, disgusting practical effects at play, but you will also spot some dated digital effects that do not hold up well. This is accurate to the source, though, and not an issue with the transfer. All specks of damage have been cleaned up thanks to the restoration. This presentation is a knockout from the team at Scream Factory.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio track which both accomplish everything you could want. The score from Simon Boswell has never sounded clearer and more full of life, and it is used deftly to establish the tone of the story. There is never a moment when it threatens to overshadow the competing sounds, and it maintains a respectable balance so that dialogue comes through crisp and clear. This narrative typically delivers a multifaceted approach to sound design that becomes very immersive with the surround mix. Both tracks provide a capable soundscape that accurately captures the artistic intent with a fidelity that is effortlessly translated. Environmental sounds such as fire and gasps from the crowd are rendered well alongside everything else. There do not seem to be any egregious instances of age-related wear and tear. Scream Factory has put forth a great effort for fans. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
Audio Commentary:
Director Clive Barker provides a very informative commentary track in which he discusses the film in minute detail from his motivations with the disturbing opening credits, his additions to the director's cut, and the journey to the ending.
Flesh Is A Trap: Scoring Lord of Illusions – Interview with Composer Simon Boswell:
A new 22-minute interview with the composer in which he discusses his background and career around the time of this production, working with Clive Barker, inspirations for the tone of the score, and more.
Drawing Boards – Interview with Storyboard Artist Martin Mercer:
A 12-minute interview with the artist who discusses getting involved with the project, working with Barker to bring his world to life, memorable moments, and more.
A Gathering of Magic:
An 18-minute vintage featurette that takes a look at the production of the film through interviews with writer/director Clive Barker, producer JoAnne Seller, and actors Scott Bakula, Famke Janssen, and Daniel von Bargen.
Original Behind-The-Scenes Footage:
A 62-minute collection of footage that shows some on-set interviews and attempts to create some of the most grotesque moments of the film.
Deleted Scenes:
A nearly four-minute glimpse at some footage that didn't make the final cut in an unfinished form and commentary from Clive Barker.
Photo Gallery (15:53)
A Note from Clive Barker:
A two-minute text screen message from the director.
Theatrical Trailer (1:05)
Final Thoughts
Lord Of Illusions is somewhat more straightforward for a Clive Barker film, but that does not mean it does not have an edge to it. The gritty film noir about deadly illusionists has many disturbing moments that fit right in line with the output from the filmmaker, and even the presence of some dated special effects does not undercut this. Despite our general appreciation of his work, we are not sure if Scott Bakula was the right choice for the lead, but all of the character actors are suitably memorable. It is a mixed bag of a film, but it is well worth the journey into madness. Scream Factory has provided the film with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that boasts a first-rate A/V presentation and a welcome collection of special features. Recommended
Lord Of Illusions (Collector's Edition) is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Scream Factory has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
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