We have reviewed the following 4K UHD packages recently: Bug (software uniformly simulated HDR), North By Northwest (software uniformly simulated HDR), Paper Moon, Bob le Flambeur (NO HDR applied to disc),  Play Misty for Me (software uniformly simulated HDR), Signs (software uniformly simulated HDR), A Simple Plan (software uniformly simulated HDR), Fright, The Tenant (software uniformly simulated HDR), Gummo, Demon Pond, Happiness, Cheeky (software uniformly simulated HDR), Produced By Val Lewton , The Long Good Friday, The Ladykillers (software uniformly simulated HDR), Torso (software uniformly simulated HDR), All of Us Strangers, Last Year at Marienbad (NO HDR applied to disc), Peril & Distress (And Soon the Darkness / Sudden Terror) (NO HDR applied to disc), The Case of the Bloody Iris (software uniformly simulated HDR), Reptilicus (software uniformly simulated HDR), Risky Business (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Conversation (software uniformly simulated HDR), Perfect Days, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) (software uniformly simulated HDR), Le samouraï  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Castle of Blood (software uniformly simulated HDR), Pat Garret and Billy the Kid (HDR), Fist of Legend (HDR), American Gigolo (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Long Wait (no HDR,) Bound (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Valiant Ones (software uniformly simulated HDR), Mute Witness (software uniformly simulated HDR), Narc (software uniformly simulated HDR), Peeping Tom (software uniformly simulated HDR), Dr. Terrors House of Horrors (software uniformly simulated HDR), High Noon (software uniformly simulated HDR), Picnic at Hanging Rock (Criterion) (software uniformly simulated HDR)

NOTE: We have added 46 more large resolution 4K UHD captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their 4K UHD, Synapse use a robust DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (24-bit) in the original English language. The Block Island Sound has a haunting growling effect throughout - very guttural - almost like an upset stomach at a slower speed. Plus the water, waves, boats - and there is some impressive separations. The track has imposing depth that adds to the atmosphere and viewing experience. The score was by Paul Koch (Black Heat, A Day to Die, Collusions), and there was additional music; Rather Be Sick performed by The Quahogs and Black Moon on the Rise and Drinking Whiskey While I Cry written and performed by James R. Gray. Synapse offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region FREE 4K UHD.

The Synapse 4K UHD offers a new commentary by the McManus brothers. They discuss the attributes of the location (Block Island and other locations in Rhode Island, as well as Massachusetts,) the small budget, shooting on the Ferry, how windy it was, the appropriate overcast sky, COVID19 restrictions etc. etc. The commentary does a fine job of articulating the production hurdles and creative choices made with a restrained budget. There are also a number of featurettes on production, reigning in plot points, searching for a location with 'dead fish, casting, filming etc. They are fairly self-explanatory titled A Practical Apocalypse, Finding the Cast, Filming on the Water, Special Effects on a Shoestring, Los Angeles Behind-the-Scenes (Super 8mm) plus there are 6-minutes of 'McManus Family Home Movies' and a teaser trailer. The package has a reversible sleeve (see below,) booklet listing 'Synapse' and 'Impulse Films' physical media  (there is a lot!)

One of the appealing strengths of the McManus brother's The Block Island Sound is effective building of mood and atmosphere with almost non-existent gore. An eerie soundtrack and creepy audio effects augment this. The Block Island Sound can't shed the small-budget feel but is surprisingly intriguing with familial sibling conflict, denial over the father's mental illness, guilt... ohh and some undetermined paranormal activity. Clues are revealed but many more questions exist. I missed this in the endless chasm that is Netflix but enjoyed the Synapse 4K UHD, which I will indulge in again. Commentary, extras and solid a/v round out this compelling and easily digestible sci-fi-thriller cum-horror. Certainly recommended.

Gary Tooze