Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sarah Michelle Gellar star with Freddie Prinze, Jr., Ryan Phillippe and Johnny Galecki in this terrifying tale of teenage suspense. After an accident on a winding road, four teens make the fatal mistake of dumping their victim’s body into the sea. Exactly one year later, the four friends’ deadly secret resurfaces as they’re stalked by a hook-handed figure looking for more than just an apology…
For thoughts on I Know What You Did Last Summer, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
The new 25th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray of I Know What You Did Last Summer offers a substantial uptick in quality over the accompanying ancient Blu-Ray from nearly 15 years ago that may have been pleasing by the standards of the day, but has been in need of an upgrade for some time. Fans have been blessed in this regard with a brand new 4K scan of the original camera negative in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio in 2160p HDR/Dolby Vision. Longtime readers will know how fond we are of Sony not only tackling their catalog in 4K with gusto, but nearly always delivering a level of quality that is hard to top.
This fresh transfer sports a picture that has sumptuous film grain that resolves perfectly without being clumpy or unnatural. Even the darkest environments and the toughest gradients do not betray the picture with loose grain or banding, a feat not always so easily accomplished. As usual, Sony has stayed away from any digital tinkering on this transfer, so this disc is free of DNR, compression artifacts and other encode issues. The modern production design, makeup and landscapes are presented with perfect clarity and texture. Take a look at the inside of Melissa’s house to see an array of minute details that are visible thanks to the 4K resolution. The costumes and textural output on display is simply marvelous to behold with everything rendering without any issues. Skin tones appear way more complex and natural than the Blu-Ray with healthy doses of fine detail apparent on faces such as pores.
One of our favorite aspects of this transfer is in the implementation of Dolby Vision/HDR. This format really establishes a greater command over the contrast between light and dark, which is especially helpful in a horror movie. The black levels are especially nifty in this presentation, maintaining a deep and inky look with grand detail. The highlights are likewise more defined with the bright sun more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Colors are more complex, natural and accurate to what was crafted by the creative team. This is a hearty upgrade which fans should really love exploring.
Audio Quality
This 4K UHD Blu-Ray upgrades the audio with a Dolby Atmos track that gives the film an expansive soundscape with a real sense of place and character. Audio purists should not worry, though, as the 4K UHD Blu-Ray provides the original soundtrack in glorious lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio. The previous Blu-Ray release was Dolby TrueHD 5.1, but there does not appear to be a seismic difference between the two. Both of these tracks on the 4K UHD really deliver in their own ways, but we are glad that Sony is one of the companies who realize original audio should be a choice for fans who want it while still delivering something special for audiophiles.
With the Atmos track, you can tell from the opening moments of ocean waves against rocks that this track is a beast. Throughout the film, you are treated to activity that extends to the surrounds, rears and overhead speakers to make the world feel more three dimensional and all-encompassing in a way that elevates the thrills. The sounds up above mostly come in the form of environmental effects such as seagulls and rain, which does transport you quite capably. The low end effects from the subwoofer kick into gear and give many moments extra weight to enrich the experience. The film really satisfies when it comes to the music, as the soundtrack evokes a sense of nostalgia for audiences of a certain age, never faltering when it comes to fidelity. Atmospheric sound effects are rendered accurately within the mix so that directionality is never an issue. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting overwhelmed by the music or sound effects. The original DTS-HD 5.1 track is obviously not quite as all-encompassing as the Atmos track, but it handles the material exactly as you would want with stability and power. Sony brought their A-game with this one.
Special Features
4K UHD
- Deleted Scenes: Seven unused scenes totaling five minutes are provided here in very rough quality. Most of these are random throwaway moments, but there is an alternate ending here that does not pack the punch of the theatrical ending.
- My Own Summer – Interview with Director Jim Gillespie: A new 30-minute conversation with Gillespie over Zoom in which the filmmakers discusses his background, getting into the film business, flying relatively under the radar with the studio, the talent who almost starred in the film, the disagreements he had with the studio, deciding how violent to go with the material and more.
- He Knows What You Did – An Interview with Actor Muse Watson: A new 15-minute interview in which the actor discusses his colorful career, his dedication to playing an unhinged character, amusing moments with famous friends and more that makes for a unique listening experience.
Blu-Ray
- Audio Commentary: Director Jim Gillespie provides a pretty solid commentary track in which he answers various questions from the moderator about the production of the film, shooting on location, changes he insisted on making from the script, working under time constraints, happy accidents when it came to casting, and much more that makes for a good listen.
- Director’s Short Film – Joyride: A ten-minute short film is provided by Jim Gillespie which centers heavily on a man who finds himself locked in a trunk, and all of the crazy things connected with this event. This is provided with optional commentary from Gillespie.
- Now I Know What You Did Last Summer: A 27-minute featurette in which the cast and crew discuss the draw of the source material, the process of translating it to the film, the casting of the characters, subverting audience expectations, the relationship between the performers and the director, and much more.
- Music Video – “Hush” by Kula Shaker: The three-minute video for the song is provided here in standard definition in Dolby Digital 2.0.
- Theatrical Trailer: This nearly two-and-a-half minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
I Know What You Did Last Summer may not hold the artistic acclaim of some other formative slasher films of the ‘90s, but it remains a great deal of fun for the type of horror movie it is trying to be. Gore fiends will not be impressed by what this one has to offer, but that was never the intent. Instead, you have a group of attractive young people building up distinct caricatures as they get themselves into a ridiculous situation that gels with a major studio sensibility in that it feels like a rollercoaster ride rather than a nightmare. The dialogue is quippy, the pacing is snappy, and the cinematography is quite fetching. Not to mention, you gotta love an iconic murder weapon – even if it is not used to maximum effect. It is a fun, dumb studio slasher, and it delivers what it needs to. Sony Pictures has released a truly stunning new 4K UHD Blu-Ray in celebration of the film’s 25th anniversary featuring a tremendous A/V presentation and a great selection of special features both new and old. This is a must-buy for fans of the film. Recommended
I Know What You Did Last Summer is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.