‘Spawn: Limited Edition’ 4K UHD Review (Arrow Video)
Stars: Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo, Martin Sheen, Theresa Randle, Nicol Williamson, D.B. Sweeney, Melinda Clarke, Miko Hughes | Written by Alan B. McElroy | Directed by Mark A.Z. Dippe
Todd McFarlane is an amazing comic artist who brought new life to the beloved character of Spider-Man. But in this generation, people probably best know him as the creator of the supernatural anti-hero Spawn, which was also brought to life on the big screen back in 1997. While not praised by critics, it has become a cult classic for fans. Now, 28 years after its original release, Arrow Video have decided to bring this film to 4k for the first time ever!
Al Simmons (Michael Jai White) is a top-tier Black Ops agent, ruthlessly efficient and fiercely loyal–until he’s double-crossed and executed by his commanding officer, Jason Wynn (Martin Sheen). But Simmons is resurrected by the devil Malebolgia and becomes Spawn, a demonic antihero with terrifying powers. Caught between Earth and the Underworld, Spawn is determined to exact bloody revenge on Wynn, and must choose to serve his new infernal masters or fight for the salvation of his immortal soul.
Spawn is a fun, dark and Shakespearean story. Michael Jai White is amazing as the anti-hero, whilst John Leguizamo literally embodies Violator – he is so funny and entertaining. Then the rest of the cast is spectacular as well, highlighted by Martin Sheen and D.B. Sweeney. But let’s not deny the obvious here: the CGI of this film is pretty bad. But if you can get past that, this film is pretty entertaining.
Spawn has been transferred to 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and is in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio tracks are the original English DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio and lossless stereo audio options. Finally, there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Arrow Video have restored both the Director’s and the Theatrical Cut of this film in 4K from the original camera negatives. I own the original Blu-ray, and watching this new 4K in comparison, the picture quality is mind-blowingly crisp and clean. Now, in addition to a wonderful 4k restoration of this film, Arrow Video have added some amazing Bonus features. Take a look at what has been added to this deluxe edition of Spawn:
DISC 1 – DIRECTOR’S CUT
- Brand new audio commentary with comic book expert and podcast host Dave Baxter
- Audio commentary with Todd McFarlane, Mark A.Z. Dippé, Clint Goldman, and Steve Williams (1998)
- Hell’s Perfect Son, a brand new interview with actor Michael Jai White
- Spawn Support, a brand new interview with actors Melinda Clarke and D.B. Sweeney
- The Devil’s in the Details, a brand new interview with animatronic creature and special makeup effects artists Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero
- The Devil’s Music, a brand new interview with music supervisor Happy Walters
- Order Out of Chaos, a brand new interview with editor Michael Knue
- Todd McFarlane: Chapter & Verse, an archival featurette from 1998 in which Spawn creator Todd McFarlane reflects on how the film adaptation stacks up against his original comic book vision
- The Making of Spawn, archival behind-the-scenes featurette
- Preview: Todd McFarlane’s Spawn – The Animated Movie
- Theatrical trailer
- Scene-to-storyboard comparisons
- Original Todd McFarlane sketches
- Spawn concept and sketch gallery
DISC 2 – THEATRICAL CUT
- The 4K Theatrical Version of the Film.
Now I love the bonus interviews and featurettes. These take this 4K release from good to great! But beyond all these on-disc bonus features, Arrow Video added physical bonus features as well! Take a look at these bonuses:
- Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
- Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by John Torrani
- Double-sided foldout poster featuring two original artwork options
Spawn has always been a guilty pleasure film for me. Yeah, I know it has its shortcomings, but sometimes you can’t account for what you are entertained by. So, when I saw that Spawn was arriving on 4k I was excited and now I can say, after watching it, I am impressed.
***** 5/5
So if you love Spawn as much as I do, well, you need this 4K in your collection. The Arrow Video 4K limited edition UHD will be released on October 6th.
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