‘It: Welcome to Derry’ 4K review: Home theater fans get a gorgeous, grotesque fright
by Joseph Szadkowski · The Washington TimesAn origin story of Stephen King’s horrifying clown came to devilish light and delight on Max last year in a TV series now available in a 4K, 3-disc set with It: Welcome to Derry: The Complete First Season (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, rated TV-MA, 1.78:1 aspect ratio, 515 minutes, $44.98).
Eight episodes explore the citizens of the small town of Derry, Maine, in the early 1960s, immersed in racism, bullying and abusive relationships while also dealing with a military presence on its outskirts conducting mysterious research.
However, the townsfolk have a much bigger problem when children start disappearing, and a group of younger students (Clara Stack, Matilda Lawler, Amanda Christine, Blake Cameron James, Arian Cartaya) begin to look for their missing friends.
All of this leads to the emergence of a shape-shifting cosmic entity known as Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard), a creature that feeds on fear and human flesh.
Equally fun is that military subplot introducing the complex character of Airman 1st Class Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk), a younger version of the telepath played by Scatman Crothers in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic version of “The Shining.”
“It” film series maestro Andy Muschietti co-conceived the series that guarantees at least one monster and jumpscare in every episode, and it is not for the faint of heart.
Skin of a human face coming to life on a lampshade, a one-winged baby mutant demon and a talking tentacled dad head reassembled after spilling out from broken pickle jars are just some of the nightmares for those who dare to watch the happenings.
Now, if the overall plot sounds slightly familiar, then watching a group of the “loser” kids riding their vintage bikes down a desolate street will make it tough not to think of its similarities to “Stranger Things.”
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However, let’s be real here, Mr. King had cornered the market on the adventures of young social misfits far earlier than Netflix’s popular sci-fi horror show.
Considering the extension of the “It” universe and the continued historical appreciation of the canon, I’ll pick “Welcome to Derry” over “Stranger Things” any day.
Now, just another word of caution for those bothered by violent imagery: The series does not hold back on Pennywise’s ferocious attacks as well as irate White folks’ retribution on Black people, with children being part of the collateral damage from both villains.
4K in action: The ultrahigh definition, screen-filling presentation offers a rich look into this period piece filled with vintage vehicles, costuming and props, but unfortunately, this makes the grotesque creatures so much more realistic.
Best extras: An informative look at every episode called “Inside Derry” explores the production down to the gross visual effects, with not only comments from all key cast and crew but plenty of behind-the-scenes footage.
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The eight segments deliver a combined documentary (roughly 50 minutes) well worth watching for fans.
Also, viewers get three featurettes covering a short overview of the production (6 minutes), Mr. Skarsgard becoming Pennywise through makeup and performance (3 minutes) and the human-generated horrors of Derry (9 minutes).
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Joseph Szadkowski
jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com
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