DVD Corner

IT: Welcome To Derry Season 1 4K UHD Review

“IT: Welcome To Derry” is an overstuffed prequel.  

The debut season of “IT: Welcome To Derry” acts as a prequel to Stephen King’s “IT” novel (and “IT” and “IT Chapter Two” for that matter). The 8 episode season takes place in 1962 in the town of Derry (obviously). The ensemble story contains plotlines about murders, racism, creepy visions, a military plot to weaponize something (or someone), Derry lore, and an ancient shape shifting evil entity who takes the form of a clown (you know who). The central characters in this prequel are Air Force Major Leroy, a group of children (Ronnie, Lilly, Will, Rich, and Marge), Hank (who is suspected of murder), the crazed Lt. General Shaw, and Charlotte (Leroy’s wife and the mother of Will). The story also goes into the character of Bob Gray who is tied into the origins of Pennywise.

Created by Andy and Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, “IT: Welcome To Derry” generated  a lot of buzz upon its arrival. Some felt it was a needless prequel that erases some of the mystery of Pennywise while others were excited to dig into the IT universe more. After watching season 1, it’s easy to see both sides.

On one hand, it’s nice to see Bill Skarsgård step back into the role of Pennywise. He has made the horror icon his own and he is able to explore it more within this series (including double duty as Bob Gray the human). There’s also plenty of horror violence carnage in case you were wondering. It’s equally appealing to see characters from the King universe pop-up here including Dick Hallorann (the character best known from “The Shining”). Sure, it might be blatant fan service, but it works here.

Where ‘Derry’ really struggles is with the storytelling. While it does have a clear arc, it’s stuffed with too many characters (including young characters that feel like a Losers Club retread), contains a ridiculous distracting military plotline, mirrors both the IT films and “Stranger Things” far too closely, and contains some truly godawful moments that were apparently designed to be scary (see the dreadful CGI mutant baby). The plotting is also not very subtle. While the themes about racism in America are poignant, it feels overdone and reminiscent of other better cinematic and televised art.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 2160p. How does it look? This is the best way to watch the series (even if it highlights the visual effects flaws).

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos track handles the show’s soundscape quite well.

Extras:
* “Inside Derry”- Behind-the-scenes featurettes for all 8 episodes including extended episodes for eps 1, 5 and 8
* “Welcome To Derry”- A general featurette on the show with set footage.
* “Becoming Pennywise”- A look at Bill Skarsgard’s physical transformation via make-up.
* “Fear The Other” is about the diverse group of characters.

May 10, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Bill Skarsgård, horror, It, IT: Welcome To Derry Season 1 4K UHD Review, Pennywise, Stephen King