The Se7en 4K Blu-ray Controversy: Why the Changes Aren’t the End of the World
David Fincher made some changes to the 4K Blu-ray release of his film "Se7en" and some fans aren't happy. But is it really a big deal?
David Fincher’s Se7en is a modern masterpiece—a film that has cemented itself as one of the darkest and most unsettling thrillers of all time. When the 4K Blu-ray release was announced, fans of physical media rejoiced at the opportunity to see Fincher’s bleak vision in a new level of clarity. However, the release hasn’t come without controversy, with some viewers scrutinizing minor enhancements and changes made to the film.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is this controversy worth the scrutiny? And should you still be interested in the 4K Blu-ray release?
The Nature of the Changes
Unlike notorious cases like Star Wars, where significant changes were made to the films in the form of CGI updates, story changes (Han shot first!), and new character enhancements, Se7en’s changes are much more subtle. We’re talking about background tweaks and slight adjustments to certain shots. And yes, while it looks like there is some very minor AI enhancement, it was all used with the best intentions. These aren’t the kinds of changes that fundamentally alter the story or characters. They’re refinements—adjustments that likely align with Fincher’s original artistic intent. But don’t take my word for it - hear it from the man himself.
Fincher shared how AI technology played a crucial role in addressing previously unnoticed issues during a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. “Throwing this new kind of technological firepower at stuff was, for me, really revelatory,” Fincher explained. “We ran into things that had never been noticed before—shots that were fundamentally out of focus, which you couldn’t detect on film or even in HD.”
He continued, “When you get to 4K downsampling of the 8K scan, we ended up using AI to sharpen certain elements. We did little split screens to reestablish what was originally intended to be the focus of attention.”
Artistic Integrity and the Role of the Creator
David Fincher is known for his meticulous attention to detail. If he signed off on these changes, it’s worth considering that this might represent his definitive version of Se7en. Filmmaking is an evolving art form, and directors have always revisited their work. From Coppola’s multiple edits of Apocalypse Now to Ridley Scott’s many cuts of Blade Runner, tinkering with a movie isn’t new.
The key difference here is that these changes in Se7en are so subtle that most viewers wouldn’t notice them unless they paused, zoomed in, and analyzed individual frames. For the average moviegoer—or even the serious cinephile—it’s not going to break immersion or ruin the experience.
The Bigger Picture: Physical Media and Nitpicking
Overanalyzing tiny, insignificant changes like this risks harming the physical media market. If every minor adjustment sparks a controversy, it could turn off potential buyers, making them think 4K releases are flawed or unfaithful to the originals. Every time a new release drops, there are videos and articles that will go full outrage for the clicks, because controversy gets views. This perception is dangerous in an era where physical media is already fighting for survival, and I am aware I have been a part of that in the past. But as I learned more about this world and why some of these changes happen, I realized that I was losing the forest for the trees.
It’s also important to note that home video releases have always been subject to variation. Differences in color grading, aspect ratios, and audio mixes have been part of the format since the VHS era. These differences are part of the medium’s history, not a betrayal of the film. Sometimes those decisions are made without the input of the creator, which is not ideal. But in a case like Se7en where the creator signed off, who am I to say it is incorrect?
It’s Still Se7en
At the end of the day, Se7en remains the same gripping, brilliantly crafted film it has always been. The changes in the 4K release don’t diminish the story, performances, or atmosphere. And for those who want the older versions, they are still widely available on other formats, unlike the aforementioned Star Wars.
If we want physical media to thrive, we need to embrace these releases as opportunities to revisit and celebrate great films. Focusing too much on minutiae does more harm than good. Let’s appreciate what we have: a pristine 4K version of Se7en that continues to showcase Fincher’s genius and introduces the film to a new generation of fans.
What’s your take? Are the changes a dealbreaker for you, or do you agree that they’re just part of the evolving nature of film? Let’s keep the conversation constructive and focused on the joy of great cinema.
Jeff,
You make several good points and we are essentially in agreement. The one point where we differ is the notion that we shouldn't criticize alterations to films because it could hurt physical media.
The answer is not: Don't criticize directors because it could hurt physical media.
The answer is: Don't make controversial alterations to your films if you don't want controversy. Sometimes I wonder if certain directors do want that controversy since it draws more attention to a film that has already been purchased ad infinitum by viewers throughout its home video iterations. But that's a different discussion.
It's not the fault of physical media that certain 4K releases have had controversial changes made. And, while it's true that uninformed people could misinterpret these criticisms as a statement about 4K as a whole, I like to believe that the majority of those who purchase physical media are more informed than the average consumer. In fact, the average consumer of film content does not collect physical discs at all.
Also, I feel it necessary to remind you of your own position which is that physical media is not in danger of extinction. You have stated in the past that people who fear monger the likelihood of physical media's extinction are merely click baiting for views.
I tend to believe that physical media is unfortunately closer to extinction than you believe but I'd be ecstatic to be wrong about that. I am a huge proponent for physical media, have more than 1,000 vinyl records, and several hundred steelbooks in my collection. I would like physical media to persist throughout eternity and perhaps it will with nuts like you and me who place extreme value on art and a sense of ownership.
When it comes to nuts like us, we tend to become preoccupied with the minutiae which can cause us to miss the forest for the trees as you say. But this is evidence of the intellect of the collector. All this is to say that the people investing in physical media understand that directors making controversial alterations are responsible for backlash as opposed to the 4K format.
As far as Se7en goes, I purchased the 4K steelbook despite the alterations made. I still have the Blu-ray so this allows me to have the original film as well as the altered film.
Believe it or not, the use of AI to clean up certain shots bothers me less than the use of CGI to add and remove visual elements like the fixing of a lightbulb in one scene or the opening of a door in another.
I agree that this is not George Lucas levels of revisionism but it is revisionism nonetheless.
Thanks for continuing to make great content and I expect to remain a viewer despite any disagreements I may have with some of your philosophies. Although this email might sound like those disagreements are many, we are actually more in agreement than not. And I appreciate your propensity for posing thought-provoking discussions that are not always in line with the status quo.
Wade Taylor
Se7en on 4K looks great. Fincher didn't scrub any film grain; he only "fixed" a few scenes.