Review: Pet Sematary (UHD)

The Creed family relocates from Boston to a rural setting, where Louis Creed (Jason Clarke) accepts a position as a doctor in a nearby town. Situated behind their new home is a pet cemetery nestled in the woods. Tragedy strikes when the family’s cat is killed, and Louis, attempting to shield his daughter Ellie (Jeté Laurence) from the grief, enlists the help of their neighbor Jud (John Lithgow) to bury the cat in the pet cemetery. This act initiates a series of irreversible and disturbing events.

Stephen King‘s works are once again experiencing renewed interest, largely due to the significant success of It, which debuted in 2017. The novel, originally titled Jurtjyrkogården in Swedish and published in 1983, gained further recognition with the release of the first film adaptation six years later. This initial adaptation by director Mary Lambert remains a notably well-crafted horror film of the 80s. Considering the original film’s quality, the necessity of a remake seemed questionable.

The remake incorporates the most iconic scenes from the original, alongside a significant plot alteration that will remain undisclosed to prevent spoilers. This narrative divergence is a strategic choice by the screenwriters. However, its impact on the film’s overall scariness is debatable. This highlights a common challenge in remaking well-regarded films: the difficulty in achieving substantial improvements, often leading to a sense of redundancy.

The influence of the original film on directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer is evident, potentially to a fault. A classic scene involving a scalpel is reinterpreted, but the modification primarily benefits viewers familiar with the original; for others, the sequence may appear somewhat disjointed. Furthermore, the conclusion of Pet Sematary (2019) pales in comparison to the impactful finale of the original horror film.

The performances are generally competent, with Jeté Laurence standing out as a remarkably talented young actress. John Lithgow delivers a nuanced and compelling portrayal, crafting a three-dimensional character within a limited timeframe. Amy Seimetz also delivers a strong performance as Rachel, particularly as the stakes escalate.

Regarding Jason Clarke, as previously noted in the Winchester: House of Ghosts review, his on-screen persona possesses an unsympathetic quality that detracts from the role. While he may be affable in person, his portrayal as the quintessential family man feels unconvincing. Dale Midkiff, in the original, embodied a more relatable and benign character, a stark contrast to Clarke’s portrayal, which leans toward a more antagonistic feel. Clarke’s acting is not inherently flawed, but this particular role necessitated a more sympathetic paternal figure.

The UHD edition of the film offers a pristine visual experience, characterized by exceptional clarity. The numerous dark scenes retain sharpness and contrast effectively. The Dolby Atmos sound design is notably immersive; the rumble of passing trucks reverberates convincingly. Subtle audio details enhance the experience, with delicate scrapes and creaks creating an atmospheric and sometimes startling environment. The supplementary material is exceptionally comprehensive, rivaling that of Spider-man: Into The Spider-Verse, and includes a documentary detailing the film’s production, along with deleted scenes and an alternate ending.

Ultimately, Pet Sematary (2019) presents a similar dilemma encountered with Dumbo (2019) and, as Christian observed, with Lejonkungen (2019): it feels like an unnecessary remake. The original film remains effective and impactful. While its 30-year vintage might suggest room for improvement in effects, the original continues to elicit a powerful sense of dread. Unlike Dumbo (2019), Pet Sematary (2019) is a competently executed horror film that can stand on its own merits. The Ultra HD presentation enhances the viewing experience, making it a worthwhile recommendation.