Alligator 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Astonishing. After sitting on DVD for years, Alligator makes the jump directly to 4K and the result is absurdly perfect. Joining Blue Underground's ranks in resurrecting schlock horror, Scream Factory delivers the most pristine image possible. Flawless grain replication rates among the best on this format, resolving the 35mm stock to produce a totally transparent transfer. Dirt and damage disappear. Alligator looks new.

The result is detail topped by more detail. Alligator's texture looks exquisite. Facial definition excels by way of the source material's sharpness. Absurd resolution reveals everything and anything. Medium shots show the same complexity as close-ups.

Given a Dolby Vision treatment, black levels in the sewers never drop below the purest density. There's no crush unless the cinematography calls for it, preserving shadow detail and then depth. Generous but natural enhancements to brightness boost sunlight glistening from the waves, or spotlights underground. Deep color enhances flesh tones, borderline too much so, but that's looking for something to call out. Primaries perform consistently, vibrant, dense, and vivid.

Audio

Mono DTS-HD admirably keeps the track's inherent precision intact. A minor flatness in the dialog shows the age to little detriment. Peak treble strains during major action, but also minimally. Given the audio needs to process echo-y sewers, blending running water and important conversations, the end result deserves praise for holding this together.