Scream VI 4K Ultra HD Review

THE MOVIE — 3/5

Plot Synopsis: Four survivors (MELISSA BARRERA, JENNA ORTEGA, JASMIN SAVOY BROWN, MASON GOODING) of the Ghostface murders leave Woodsboro behind for a fresh start in New York City. However, they soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when a new killer embarks on a bloody rampage.

Quick Hit Review: The Scream franchise has had its ups and downs with the first being a clear classic and its sequel a solid follow-up while the completion of the trilogy, Scream 3 was a rather large step back featuring one of the weaker and lamer Ghostface killer in the series. Then came Scream 4, tackling internet fame, and Scream (2022) introducing a new set of characters alongside the OGs, that I enjoyed though being the first without the late Wes Craven at the helm, wasn’t great but certainly watchable and I did like the additions of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega.

Now comes Scream VI, this one without franchise stalwart Neve Campbell bowing out over her contract, and… it was okay if not the weakest, perhaps along the lines of Scream 3 dare I say. I did like this one was probably the bloodiest of the series and Barrera and Ortega were the highlights, and this does have a decent cold opening featuring Samara Weaving in the Drew Barrymore esque role, however the killers identities reveal was pretty convoluted.

Beyond that, like a Marvel movie, it’s really difficult for some major players to survive despite seeing them being brutally stabbed (i.e. no consequences). When I saw these characters live at the end, it made me laugh; there’s subverting expectations and then there’s stupidity, and this is the latter.

The rest of the actors were alright. Courtney Cox returns as Gale Weathers, reverting back somewhat to being a cold-hearted reporter, though would make sense given Dewey’s death in the last movie, but it feels like her time in the franchise is coming to an unsatisfying close. Meanwhile, the Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding return and were rather forgettable while the movie introduces us to Dermot Mulroney as a detective investigating the Ghostface killings, Jack Champion as a fellow college classmate to Ortega and Liana Liberato as a roommate and Mulroney’s daughter. Oh, and Hayden Paneterie returns as Kirby, surviving Ghostface’s attack in Scream 4, now an FBI agent tracking the Ghostface killer(s).

Directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett return to helm Scream VI along with James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick to script duties. While I can appreciate their passion of the series and some fun easter eggs thrown in especially in the Ghostface “theater”, it appears to be a challenge how to keep this franchise fresh, and being meta can only take you so far, with the mystery element becoming less and less intriguing. That said, I still found parts of Scream VI to be rather good and it’s not a complete waste of time.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 4/5

This release comes with a slip cover and Digital HD redemption code. There is no Blu-ray disc included.

Audio Commentary — Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick & Executive Producer Chad Villella

Death Comes to the City (7:57) — This featurette looks at taking the story from small town America to NYC.

The Faces of Death (14:10) finds the core cast discussing the return of their characters.

More Meta Than Meta (10:22) — This is a look at the franchise as a whole from new to legacy characters.

Bloodbath at a Bodega (4:53) examines the more notable scene in the movie.

An Apartment to Die For (7:30) looks at the set piece of the apartment and choreography of the fight/kills.

The Night Train to Terror (6:18) — This is a breakdown of the subway sequence.

Theater of Blood (10:52) — Lastly this featurette looks at the finale.

VIDEO – 4¾/5, AUDIO – 4¾/5

Scream VI comes to 4K Ultra HD and is presented with a 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and a 2160p high-definition transfer with aid by HDR10 (and Dolby Vision). Detail on this is actually not half bad considering how much of the film takes place either at night or in a dark setting. Skin tones appear well balanced and black levels are stark and show no signs of artifacts. I can’t say this is a phenomenal looking 4K movie and with no Blu-ray included, I can’t say how it compares, but as is, it’s a solid looking picture.

The movie includes a strong Dolby Atmos track that brings the kills to life with every stab and screams reverberating throughout my home theater. Dialogue does come across with good clarity alongside the hip soundtrack and basic score composed by Brian Tyler and Sven Faulconer.

OVERALL — 3½/5

Scream VI, while satisfying enough as a horror-slasher time-waster, is one of the weaker entries and is probably on par with last year’s addition, so if that one wasn’t to your taste, this one might not change your mind on the current filmmakers.