In this intense, edge-of-your-seat horror film from acclaimed director Alexandre Aja (Crawl, The Hills Have Eyes) — now in blood-soaked 4K — college classmates Marie and Alexia escape to a secluded farmhouse for the weekend to prepare for their exams in peace and quiet. But in the dead of night, silence turns to dread when a stranger knocks on the door, and the girls are dragged into a merciless nightmare where death is not the worst fate awaiting them.

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Video Quality

High Tension has been given a marvelous 2160p HDR10+ transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio presented from a 4K remaster approved by director Alexandre Aja as first created and seen on the Second Sight 4K UHD Blu-Ray release overseas last year. The feature was shot on film, and this new master retains a fine layer of grain to bring out a more textured appearance. The color grade gives the film a bit more of a desaturated appearance to fit the harsh nature of the narrative. Even when dialing back the saturation, the application of HDR10+ takes this film and displays every hue to its intended shade, such as the deep red of the buckets of blood. Black levels get the biggest benefit with nearly nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights are not hindered with blooming. The disc is to be commended for its handling of contrast.

The new master features some complexities within the unforgiving lighting, the rustic production design, and the memorable outfits that render with greater care than ever before. This world feels especially three-dimensional thanks to the more convincing depth of field. The level of minute detail and clarity on display is commendable as the photography soaks up the unique elements of the crafts. This extends to more of the stomach-churning elements such as the unbelievably gory makeup effects. This presentation represents every goopy with great immediacy. This transfer displays nothing in the way of damage or unwanted digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such nuisances. Lionsgate has treated this one as well as possible.

Audio Quality

This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with the original French language track in DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio, along with the English dub in DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio. While we appreciate that there is an English dub option for those who first experienced the movie this way, the French track should be considered the ideal choice for artistic purity. The relatively sparse dialogue comes through clearly in the center channel without being overshadowed by any sound effects or music. The movie showcases some gnarly moments that add weight to the low end such as the roar of a concrete saw.

The track has a deliberate sense of directionality with sounds always emerging from the appropriate channels. The unnerving and complex sound design is just as important to the movie as the visuals, and this track brings it to life with impeccable skill. The film is replete with environmental effects that engage the surround speakers, making you feel as if you are in the thick of the chaos. There are no issues with fidelity or damage to the track. This audio presentation is in good shape thanks to Lionsgate. Optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are provided.

Special Features

This release is available exclusively at Lionsgate Limited. It is presented in a sleek new SteelBook that is quite fetching in person. The SteelBook features a removable lenticular slipcase creatively displaying the title of the film in gory fashion. The artwork underneath shows the same animated saw gorefest which extends to the the rear artwork. The interior sports a photo of one of the most bloody moments in the film. Video of the SteelBook can be found at the top of this review.

Audio Commentaries: Three commentary tracks are provided that offer valuable insights into the creation of the film from two different timeline perspectives.
- Audio Commentary #1 (New): Film Lecturer Dr. Lindsay Hallam
- Audio Commentary #2 (Legacy): Director Alexandre Aja and Writer Grégory Levasseur
- Audio Commentary #3 (Legacy): Alexandre Aja and Actor Cécile De France (Select Scenes)

An Experiment in Suspense – Interview with Director Alexandre Aja: A nearly 36-minute interview with the filmmaker in which he discusses the numerous names of the film, the origins of the feature, collaborating with Grégory Levasseur, the casting of the feature, his original idea for the ending, the special effects work, and much more.

The Man in the Shadows – Interview with Writer Grégory Levasseur: A 19-minute interview with the writer in which he discusses his background with Alexandre Aja, the production process, getting the right makeup effects artist, attempting to map the logic of the film, and more.

The Darker the Better – Interview with Cinematographer Maxime Alexandre: An 18-minute interview with the director of photography in which he discusses meeting Aja and Levasseur, shooting the film on the minuscule budget, the abstract nature of the lighting, the fun of shooting a death scene, and more.

The Great French Massacre – Interview with Special Effects Artist Giannetto De Rossi: An 18-minute interview with the effects artist in which he discusses getting involved with the project, what inspired him to sign on to the picture, the challenges of working without a good assistant, creating fake blood, and more.

Only the Brave – Film Critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas on High Tension: A nearly 14-minute visual essay that explores the subversion of the “final girl” trope.

Archive Interviews: A trio of older interviews is provided in which the main figures discuss their time making the film.

- Actor Cécile De France (22:58)

- Actor Maïwenn (5:48)

- Actor Philippe Nahon (5:28)

High Tension – The Making of a Survival: A 38-minute archival documentary that captures the creation of the film.

Legacy Special Features: This new disc carries over some archival features from the 2010 Lionsgate Blu-Ray

- Haute Horror – The Making of High Tension (23:47)

- Building Tension (8:14)

- Giannetto De Rossi: The Truth, the Madness, and the Magic (7:42)

Final Thoughts

High Tension is a bloody, suspenseful nightmare that finds the kills executed with a degree of ruthlessness that leaves you a bit dazed at first, even if films have continued to up the ante over the past few decades. Alexandre Aja crafted a really visceral experience with this early outing, but there is a key element to the journey that will either make or break the movie for most audiences. While I personally didn’t hate a major turning point in the film, I will admit it is a touch illogical and regressive to certain communities. Setting that aside, there is a ton to admire for those who want an extremely gory and thrilling viewing experience. Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray set featuring a terrific A/V presentation and a invaluable assortment of special features. If you are a fan of the film, this is not to be missed. Highly Recommended

High Tension is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray exclusively through Lionsgate Limited.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Lionsgate Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.