Congo (2024)

Description

Congo – Blu-ray Disc Review

Vinegar Syndrome  | Region A | 108 min

Disc Specs (Blu-ray)

• Disc Type: BD-50
• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Codec: AVC
• Audio:
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
• Subtitles: English SDH
• Region Coding: A (locked)

VIDEO QUALITY: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

This is not just a re-pressing of the older Paramount Blu-ray from 2014. Vinegar Syndrome’s new 2024 scan from the 35mm OCN (original camera negative) has been ported to this Blu-ray as well—and it absolutely crushes the older disc.

Visual Breakdown:

• Color Accuracy: Colors are vibrant and rich, particularly in the jungle scenes. Greens pop, and skin tones look much more natural compared to the old VC-1 encoded transfer.
• Detail: Sharp, clear, and filmic. Fine detail in jungle foliage, stonework, and costumes remains impressively intact for a 1080p disc.
• Grain & Cleanliness: Maintains a fine film grain structure with virtually no signs of DNR or compression. Very little aliasing or artifacting.
• Comparative Note: The Blu-ray holds up extremely well against the 4K disc, losing only in shadow depth, dynamic range, and minute texture precision.

If you’re not running a 4K setup, this Blu-ray is the definitive way to watch Congo in HD—massive upgrade from the previous release.

AUDIO QUALITY: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

Same mix options as the 4K disc—both DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 stereo are included.

Highlights:

• Dialogue: Crystal-clear, even when accents are thick or jungle ambiance is heavy.
• Surround Use: Jungle scenes are immersive with rustling leaves, chirping birds, and erupting volcanoes spreading through the surrounds.
• LFE: Solid bass response during action sequences—gunfire, the hippo attack, and the volcano rumble all deliver.
• Music: Jerry Goldsmith’s adventurous score is full and well-balanced across the channels.

SPECIAL FEATURES (All on Blu-ray Disc)

All supplements are housed on the Blu-ray, with extensive new and archival content:

Featurettes & Extras:

1. A Crash Course in Ape School (HD, 49:44)
   • Deep-dive into the suit work and animatronics from the crew behind Stan Winston Studio.
   • Interviews with gorilla performers Misty Rosas and Nicholas Kadi.
   • Fascinating insight into how Amy and the gray gorillas came to life.
2. Withstand the Test of Time (HD, 13:07)
   • Makeup effects team talks crushed heads, tribal body paint, and how far to push PG-13 gore.
3. Congo: Journey into the Unknown (SD, 24:49)
   • Vintage 1995 promo doc hosted by Martin Sheen.
   • Features on-set footage, creature design, and jungle logistics.
4. Image Gallery (7:34)
   • Still photos, concept art, posters, and BTS shots.
5. Teaser Trailer (SD, 1:24)
6. Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:30)
7. Audio Commentary
   • By author Kelly Goodner & filmmaker Jim Hemphill.
   • Fun, fan-focused track that acknowledges the film’s camp while appreciating its practical artistry.

FINAL VERDICT

This Blu-ray disc completes a stellar package from Vinegar Syndrome. While the 4K disc is the showcase format, this 1080p disc holds its own with excellent video, rich audio, and loads of extras.

If you’re collecting for archival value or don’t yet have a 4K setup, this Blu-ray alone is worth the price of admission.

Best Blu-ray version of Congo ever released.

Perfect companion to the 4K disc in the combo pack.

Skip the 2014 Blu-ray—this version buries it.