Gretel & Hansel

"Gretel & Hansel" is the nightmare behind the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. A long time ago in a distant fairy tale countryside, a young girl leads her little brother into the dark woods in desperate search for food and work, only to stumble upon a nexus of terrifying evil. (Gary Reber)

Special features include a storybook, upfront previews and a Movies Anywhere digital code.

The 1.55:1/1.72/2.67:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a Sony Bravia Z9D 4K Ultra HD HDR display, upconverted to 2160p with greater resolution and luminance, was photographed digitally using the Arri Alexa Mini camera system and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. While the picture is weirdly framed at 1.55:1, with an introductory prologue matted at 2.67:1 and 1.72:1, it is wonderfully stylized with a focus on shadowy imagery and lighting. The color palette is earthy with rich and warm hues. Brown hues are often reflected from a fireplace or filtered sunlight. The woods appear dark with intricate nuanced hue shadings. Fleshtones are natural and reflect complexion tones from the lighting. The production design is visually stunning. Contrast is effective and stylized. Blacks are deep and shadows, which dominate the imagery, are revealing. The imagery is bathed in natural light enhanced with overcast skies, dark shadows, thick fog, and other atmospheric effects. Resolution is excellent. Nuanced fine detail is exhibited throughout in facial features, skin conditions, lines and hair. Textural detail is nuanced as well as clothing and objects. This is a captivating and stunning visual experience presented in three different aspects ratios, which frame the haunting production design. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding when engaged, with an effective holosonic® spatially dimensional soundfield. Otherwise, this is a largely quiet soundtrack and is dialogue focused. Atmospherics envelop the soundfield with haunting effect. Sound effects enhance the dark mood and provide sharp energy. Foley sound effects are precise. The music score is somber and dynamic, and comprised of orchestra-type instrumentation and synthesizer-produced sounds. Along with the atmospherics, the music extends discretely to the surrounds. At times, deep bass is powerful with extension to sub-25 Hz. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with generally good spatial integration. Additionally, there is sporadic narration and "supernatural" whispers. This is a well-crafted soundtrack that effectively sets the mood for evil in a creative telling of a classic. (Gary Reber)