Scream 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

This looks... fine. Scream does not show the traits of a new 4K scan, although compared to the messy Blu-ray, it's better. This transfer looks like film, preserving the fine grain structure cleanly. All signs of sharpening and edge enhancement are gone too. It's the resolution lacking punch, leaving Scream softened, only moderately defined, and detail follows suit. Texture jumps in close, if still only average.

Decent color produces a few primaries that stick out. Mostly it's sedate, if natural. Flesh tones bloom, saturated enough to make use of the Dolby Vision palette.

Minor enhancements to contrast brighten the early scenes before things take a turn for the main characters. Peak highlights reach a reasonable potency, if less than other discs. The HDR pass stays reserved, amplifying but not exaggerating. Black levels do okay too, holding up as needed, but only on occasion hitting the deepest depth. Scream's transition into 4K uses a cautious touch at best. It's worth upgrading but only because the Blu-ray was so lackluster.

Audio

In DTS-HD, this sounds like the same mix from the Blu-ray. Much of the energy jumps from the score, showing off range to sell the shocks. Directionality focuses mostly on the stereos. Windows and doors shatter in specific channels, suggesting an aural space that matches the video. School PA announcements fill each speaker.

Peak highs sound rough, the treble strained enough to indicate age - but far older than 1996. When the killer first catches Drew Barrymore, the screams come across pale, flat, and stained. Fidelity isn't an issue anywhere other than those major peaks. Even the music sounds great.