The Mummy 4K - A Curse with a Familiar Flavor

After Evil Dead Rise, Lee Cronin once again tackles another great horror classic, but he does so without chasing the tradition of films dedicated to The Mummy. At the center of the story is still a family forced to deal with an evil that creeps into the home, transforming affections into a threat.

The story begins in Egypt, where the disappearance of young Katie forever marks the lives of her parents. Years later, the child is found in inexplicable circumstances, and her return home coincides with the beginning of increasingly disturbing events. Cronin builds tension by exploiting the protagonist's ambiguity, a presence capable of alternating fragility and apprehension without constantly resorting to the most showy effects.

Possession with heavy echoes from the past

The atmosphere works and there are some moments lightened by well-dosed dark humor, but the film struggles to emancipate itself from the models that preceded it. References to The Exorcist emerge with a certain clarity, both in the construction of the possession and in the confrontation with faith, making some passages all too familiar.

While maintaining a good pace and convincing performances, The Mummy prefers to move in known territories rather than seeking a truly personal path. The result is a hybrid and at least partly enjoyable horror, destined to leave a less profound impression than the premises suggested.

Shot digitally at native 8.6K resolution (Sony CineAlta Venice 2), the 4K transfer benefits from cinematography enhanced by HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Original image format 2.39:1 (3840 x 2160/23.97p), HEVC encoding on a triple-layer BD-100. High detail even in the background, deep shadows, and a color palette that enhances the gloomy atmosphere.

The high bitrate ensures a stable image, free of artifacts even in the most demanding sequences, such as the initial sandstorm or the long corridors of the dwelling where much of the story takes place. The darker tones and deliberately pallid nuances help to strengthen the film's visual identity, while prioritizing atmosphere over spectacle.

The original track Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (16 bit) with (11) ATMOS objects is a benchmark, with a wide and enveloping soundstage enhancing every single effect. Creaks and noises coming from every direction help to create a constantly unsettling atmosphere, while the subwoofer kicks in decisively, supporting supernatural events and musical passages. Charismatic dialogues from the center channel, with substantial output from the robust surround channels.

The Italian track Dolby Digital 5.1 (640 kbps) offers a generally sufficient rendition, with clear dialogue and decent diffusion of discrete elements, although clearly inferior to its English counterpart.

Among the extras are primarily Lee Cronin's audio commentary (unfortunately not subtitled), followed by a making-of (11'), a focus on practical effects (8'), a special (6') dedicated to the production and themes of the film, as well as 7 deleted scenes (10'). Italian subtitles are available for the rest.