Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Rating: R
Film: 4/5
PlotBorn as an 18th-century lord, Louis (Brad Pitt) is now a bicentennial vampire, telling his story to an eager biographer (Christian Slater). Suicidal after the death of his family, he meets Lestat (Tom Cruise), a vampire who persuades him to choose immortality over death and become his companion. Eventually, gentle Louis resolves to leave his violent maker, but Lestat guilts him into staying by turning a young girl (Kirsten Dunst)—whose addition to the "family" breeds even more conflict.
My ThoughtsNeil Jordan’s adaptation of Ann Rice’s 1976 novel is faithful to the source. I read the novel in the 90s and when the film came out, I thought the producers absolutely nailed the casting. Cruise was the perfect Lestat—seductive, dangerous, and evil, and the film remains very entertaining today. Although this isn’t a genre that I typically gravitate toward, it’s a film I’ve revisited many times over the years since its 2008 Blu-ray release.
Although it’s been over 30 years since its theatrical release, the film holds up beautifully. The performances are excellent and compelling and the emotional complexity of Lous and Lestat’s relationship remains compelling even though you know how things are going to turn out. Claudia’s story arc is heartbreaking and a young Kirsten Dunst wasn’t overwhelmed with the complicated character. Seeing the fabulous production design, costumes, and cinematography gives the film a timeless quality that makes it an easy rewatch, especially in 4K.
As one would expect, Warner’s new 4K scan is outstanding. It boasts both Dolby Vision and HDR10 and the difference between it and the legacy Blu-ray are immediately noticeable. This is a movie that is defined by low-lit interiors, candlelit rooms, and nighttime exteriors, and the HDR grading handles all of them without breaking a sweat. Black levels are deep without crushing detail, and shadows are revealing and deep. The film grain looks entirely natural giving the image a rich, cinematic texture. Detail is off the charts, especially in facial textures, clothing, and really highlight the ornate interior environment. Well done Warner Brothers!
The new Dolby Atmos track is quite good as well and improves the already robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix from the Blu-ray. The overhead speakers give the soundstage more height and richer ambience. Dialog is always crisp and intelligible, the score envelops the room, and the environmental effects gives you that “being there” atmosphere. Furthermore, the LFE is tight and impactful without overwhelming the rest of the track.
Video 10/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:- Audio Commentary – Director Neil Jordan
- Introduction – Anne Rice, Neil Jordan, Antonio Banderas
- NEW! Eternal Night and Deadly Light
- NEW! Interview With the Vampire: Creating the World
- In the Shadow of the Vampire
- Lestat, Louis and the Vampire Phenomenon
- NEW! Deleted Scenes
- Digital Copy
ConclusionUsually when a book is adapted to film there seems to be something missing from the story that always made the book better. In this case, I really can’t find any fault with the adaptation. Sure, the movie doesn’t have the character depth of the book, but it captures the spirit perfectly. I always wanted a sequel, but given the star power of the film it would probably have been prohibitively expensive. Regardless, this is a film that I don’t seem to get tired of and Warner’s excellent restoration will make revisits even easier. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized
Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
0 Replies
5 Views