Prophecy (1979)

Description

Prophecy (1979) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Disc Type: 4K Ultra HD (BD-100)
️ Release Date: May 20, 2025
️ Distributor: Kino Lorber
‍♂️ Genre: Horror | Sci-Fi
️ Runtime: 102 minutes

️ VIDEO – 4.5/5

Codec: HEVC / H.265
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (OAR: 2.39:1)

Kino Lorber’s new 4K restoration of Prophecy from the original camera negative is a significant visual upgrade over past Blu-ray releases. Forest vistas, close-ups of characters, and especially daylight outdoor scenes now exhibit far greater detail and depth. Grain is organic and well-managed throughout, and the Dolby Vision grading enhances the lush greens of the Maine wilderness while lending more intensity to the monster’s night assaults.

Some shadow details in darker scenes are slightly flattened under Dolby Vision, and occasional density fluctuations remain noticeable in the darkest areas, but overall, this is a remarkably crisp and filmic presentation. Paramount’s remastering work pays off—this is the best Prophecy has ever looked on home video.

Highlights:

• Foggy forest chase sequences
• Mercury-contaminated river scenes
• Close-ups of the mutant creature

AUDIO – 5.0/5

Tracks:

• DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
  Subtitles: English SDH

The new 5.1 track adds atmospheric dimension to this once-limited soundscape. You’ll hear branches crack, rushing water, and sudden attacks swirl through the rear channels, giving the wilderness a more immersive presence. Dialogue remains clean and centralized, while Leonard Rosenman’s unsettling score benefits from improved fidelity and dynamic range.

For purists, the original 2.0 track is included and still sounds strong—direct and punchy with minimal distortion.

Standout audio scenes:

• Mutant creature attacks in the forest
• Storm sequences and campfire scenes
• Investigative moments with tribal chanting and environmental clues

SPECIAL FEATURES – 4.5/5

️ Available only on the Blu-ray disc:

• ️ New Commentary by Bryan Reesman & Max Evry
• Archival Featurettes (2019, from Shout Factory):
  • All of Our Sins (Talia Shire – 19 min)
  • Bearing Up (Robert Foxworth – 19 min)
  • Bear and Grin It (David Seltzer – 13 min)
  • Hard to Bear (Tom Burman – 20 min)
  • Prophecy Prodigy (Allan Apone – 22 min)
  • The Man Behind the Mask (Tom McLoughlin – 22 min)
• Vintage Radio Spots (3 min)
• ️ Theatrical Trailer (2 min)

Note: The 4K disc includes only the film and new audio commentary. All video extras are on the included Blu-ray.

✅ FINAL VERDICT – 4.0/5

Prophecy may be a confused creature feature with lofty environmental aims and an unintentionally goofy monster, but Kino Lorber’s 4K presentation is anything but a mess. The stunning transfer, solid audio, and comprehensive archival extras make this release a recommended pick for fans of cult horror, Frankenheimer completists, and anyone building a retro horror 4K collection.

Recommendation:
For collectors, this is a mutant must-own. The movie may be flawed, but this disc isn’t. ☢️