A struggling painter and his wife purchase their dream home; however, it soon becomes clear that the house hides a dark past. An evil entity has set its sights on their young daughter, and the family must summon all their strength to battle the demonic forces that are closing in.

For thoughts on The Devil’s Candy, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of The Devil’s Candy from Second Sight Films arrives with a new 2160p Dolby Vision/HDR master from a new producer restoration. This label is based in the UK, but the 4K UHD disc in this set will play in all 4K UHD Blu-Ray players, including those in the United States. The Blu-Ray options (available for purchase separately in a standard version or in a Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack) are Region B locked, which means you will need a region-free player to play the discs or a player-specific workaround like the “Top Menu” trick I use on my Panasonic player.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc includes all of the special features, so you would not be missing out on anything except the movie in HD on Blu-Ray if you could not access the disc. We are reviewing the standard 4K UHD release, so we cannot judge the level of improvement from the Blu-Ray disc. This film was previously released by Scream Factory on Blu-Ray in 2017, but we have never seen that disc to compare the presentations.

The uptick to 4K resolution is a notable benefit to this feature that is executed with a terrific encode. The level of minute detail and clarity on display is impressive as you survey every bloody bit of makeup and rustic production design. You will also find quite a bit of texture on clothing and within facial hair. You are unlikely to be leaving any detail on the table with this source. One of the most vital aspects of the disc is the application of Dolby Vision for perfected color output that takes a somewhat muted aesthetic and displays every distinct hue to its ideal state.

The palette is modulated to its intended shade rather than haphazardly boosting anything. Black levels are notably deep with nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights show no semblance of blooming. The disc always wields a firm command over contrast. The new master features some key nuances within the lighting, production design, and clothing that reveal a pleasing amount of depth. This world feels three-dimensional thanks to the enhanced depth of field. This transfer leaves nothing in the way of damage or unwanted digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such nuisances. Second Sight has treated this title very well.

Audio Quality

This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with a formidable DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that harnesses the intricacies of this narrative with precision. The track has a keen sense of directionality with sounds always emanating from the appropriate channels. Dialogue comes through clearly in the front channel without being drowned out by any sound effects or the music. The key use of metal music that intertwines with the narrative fills the room effectively. There are absolutely no issues with fidelity or damage to the track. The sound design brings everything to life with assured skill. The film is replete with environmental effects that engage the surround speakers well. The movie showcases some thrilling moments that put the low end to work. This audio presentation earns high marks from Second Sight Films. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Director Sean Byrne provides a commentary track in which he reflects on the production, working with the ensemble, his motivation for certain choices, working with the locals, audience interpretation of the film, and so much more.

Interviews: Second Sight has conducted an incredible array of new interviews in which many of the key artists come together to reflect on the making of the movie and share memories of how everything came together.

- Into the Fire: An Interview with Director Sean Byrne (32:52)

- Those Fragile Things: An Interview with Actor Ethan Embry (19:41)

- Devil in the Details: An Interview with Director of Photography Simon Chapman (24:38)

- The Cutting Room: An Interview with Editor Andy Canny (23:19)

- A Big Step Forward: An Interview with Production Designer Thomas S. Hammock (15:38)

Behind the Scenes – VFX: A three-minute featurette reveals how certain shots were accomplished through layered special effects work.

Advantage Satan – Short Film: A nearly 12-minute short film in which a couple gets more than they bargained for after fooling around on a tennis court.

Work? – Short Film: An 11-minute short film in which a faux documentary is being filmed about a burgeoning sex worker.

Final Thoughts

The Devil’s Candy is a lean, compelling horror thriller that injects its metal ethos beyond the flourishes on the soundtrack. Director Sean Byrne makes the lurking evil feel like a suffocating inevitability, and he guides the performers to a place that sells the danger of the situation quite viscerally. Ethan Embry is quite good as the lead, but it is Pruitt Taylor Vince who impresses us the most as the vessel for evil. This is a small, under-the-radar horror movie, but it is well worth discovering if it sounds at all interesting to you. Second Sight Films has released a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a sterling A/V presentation and an impressive assortment of new and archival special features. Highly Recommended

The Devil’s Candy is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and Limited Edition 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack.

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

Disclaimer: Second Sight Films 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.

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