Mad Max
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Score: 87
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Mad Max's 4K UHD release excels, blending classic action with stellar modern tech upgrades.
Disc Release Date
Video: 88
Mad Max's 4K UHD release offers unprecedented visual fidelity, with vibrant colors and detailed textures, though some note a cooler color palette.
Audio: 83
Mad Max's 4K Blu-ray boasts superior Australian 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio, eclipsing the mono tracks with balanced, distortion-free sound, despite some dialogue being overshadowed by the score.
Extra: 85
Kino Lorber's Mad Max Ultra HD set features a mix of archival and new extras, including interviews and featurettes, but requires a Region A player for full access.
Movie: 87
George Miller's 'Mad Max' weaves a lean, dystopian revenge tale with raw, practical stunts and vibrant characters, now celebrated in a detailed 4K release.
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Video: 88
Mad Max shines anew on 4K UHD Blu-ray, courtesy of Kino Lorber, leveraging a native 4K transfer that redefines the visual experience of this cult classic. The film, presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, benefits from the meticulous application of 10-bit video depth, Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range, and Dolby Vision through the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10. The attention to detail is palpable, from the textures of Max's leathers to the vibrant elucidation of the landscapes and vehicular chaos, breathing new life into George Miller’s vision. The grain structure remains faithful to the filmic nature of the original, enhancing the image's texture without overwhelming detail or falling prey to excessive Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), ensuring that even the finest aspects are captured with exceptional clarity.
However, not all is perfect in this dystopian presentation. While the 4K restoration introduces an unparalleled crispness and depth to images previously unseen, it has spawned discussions around its color grading. Some scenes exhibit a cooler color temperature, diverging from the warmer hues that characterized the original cinematic release. This alteration might strike purists as a deviation, despite enhanced details and contrast levels facilitated by the HDR and Dolby Vision encoding. The medley of vibrant tones - particularly the signature golden yellows and cobalt blue stripes of pursuit vehicles - are impressively dynamic, but the overarching color shift could be a point of contention for those with vivid memories of the film's original aesthetic.
In spite of this, the restoration steps boldly forward in preserving and amplifying the anarchic beauty of Mad Max's wasteland. Every element, from rusted car exteriors to the individual blades of grass on the desolate plains, is rendered with remarkable definition. The disc's utilization of space maximizes quality, making visible compression artifacts a rarity even on large projection screens. The marriage of improved black levels, flesh tones, and the luminescence of Australian sunlight through Dolby Vision contributes to a visually striking experience that respects the source material while acknowledging its age. This release encapsulates the delicate balance between honoring Mad Max’s gritty origins and embracing the advancements in home media technology, cementing it as a definitive edition for fans and newcomers alike.
Audio: 83
Mad Max's 4K UHD Blu-ray audio experience, while lacking a Dolby Atmos mix, offers fans a variety of options that cater to purists and enthusiasts alike. Among these, the Australian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix stands out as the definitive auditory experience, providing a rich and balanced soundscape far superior to its mono counterparts. The 5.1 mix not only elevates dialogue clarity—foregrounding it amidst the dynamic intensity of the film's sonic landscape—but also effectively showcases the iconic car engines and the impactful shotgun blasts, enriching the viewing experience. On the other hand, the original Australian mono track, despite its authenticity, struggles with thinness and a lack of dynamic intensity, falling short of delivering the auditory punch needed for key scenes. The presence of an American English dub in DTS-HD MA 2.0 underscores an interesting historical footnote, one that, due to inferior mixing and a detachment from the original performances, is less a viable listening option than a curiosity.
The 5.1 mix remarkably navigates through the limitations of its source material, achieving a sound quality that impresses with its range and fidelity, despite some minor issues with balance and occasional overshadowing by Brian May's score. Dialogue—when not caught in the crossfire of the more dominant sonic elements—remains mostly clear, and the stereo track emerges as a surprisingly adequate alternative, holding up well without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. This economical handling of sonic space extends to the efficient yet unobtrusive use of bass and treble, which, while never reaching audiophile heights, sustain the gritty atmosphere intrinsic to Mad Max's appeal.
Technical considerations aside, the audio options presented in this release demonstrate a commendable effort to honor the film's original auditory essence while addressing historical quirks such as the controversial US dub. With optional English SDH subtitles complementing each track to ensure accessibility, the release caters to a wide range of preferences. However, it's clear that for an immersive experience true to the filmmaker’s vision—and for listeners seeking to fully appreciate the vehicular cacophony and sparse post-apocalyptic ambiance—the Australian 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is the unmatched choice, offering a meticulously balanced blend of dialogue, effects, and score that significantly enhances Mad Max's raw, visceral narrative.
Extra: 85
Kino Lorber's presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Mad Max" offers a rich compilation that serves both as a deep dive into the film’s genesis and a tribute to its impact. With exclusive content such as the "Road Rage" interview with George Miller and archival treasures including interviews with Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, and cinematographer David Eggby, the set balances fresh insights with nostalgic retrospectives. Notably, all bonus material except the commentary requires a Region A or unlocked Blu-ray player, a limitation that may frustrate international fans. Despite this, the inclusion of both new and previously released features ensures comprehensive coverage, from the technical aspects of filming to the cultural phenomenon "Mad Max" became. This blend of old and new, alongside technical insights and personal reflections, encapsulates the enduring legacy of this cinematic landmark.
Extras included in this disc:
Audio Commentary: Archival audio commentary featuring key crew members.
Road Rage: A new video interview with director George Miller.
Interviews with Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, and Cinematographer David Eggby: Archival interviews showing the cast's perspectives.
Mel Gibson: The Birth of a Superstar: A look into Mel Gibson's rise to fame.
Mad Max: The Film Phenomenon: Examines the impact of "Mad Max" on Australian cinema.
Trailers From Hell: Josh Olson discusses "Mad Max" trailers.
Radio Spots: Vintage radio advertisements for "Mad Max".
TV Spots: Vintage television advertisements.
Trailers: Original theatrical trailers for "Mad Max".
Movie: 87
George Miller's "Mad Max" soars onto 4K UHD Blu-ray, revitalizing the cult classic with a transfer that does justice to its post-apocalyptic chaos and vehicular anarchy. Set in a dystopian Australia teetering on collapse, the film showcases a future ravaged by crime, where law enforcement struggles to maintain order against roving gangs. This no-budget indie masterpiece, shot with a raw, practical aesthetic and an authentic biker gang, becomes a cinematic feat due to Miller’s ingenuity. The film, inspired by the 1970s oil crisis, paints a gritty picture of societal breakdown where gasoline becomes as precious as water. Max Rockatansky, portrayed by a young Mel Gibson, emerges as the linchpin of this chaos, a cop driven to the edge of sanity by relentless violence and loss, eventually becoming an iconic figure of vengeance.
Among its peers, "Mad Max" distinguishes itself with an unrivaled punk spirit and a dash of nihilism. The storyline is streamlined, focusing on Max’s evolution from law enforcer to avenger, against a backdrop of explosive, stunt-driven sequences and a haunting musical score. Hugh Keays-Byrne's portrayal of the villainous Toecutter is particularly memorable, infusing the film with a palpable sense of dread. The world Miller creates is one on the brink of moral and environmental bankruptcy, mirrored in society’s fixation on gas-guzzling muscle cars amidst a decaying civilization. This bleak yet captivating universe is brought to life with astounding clarity in 4K, preserving the film’s gritty aesthetic while enhancing its visual storytelling.
This release from Kino Lorber not only offers superior picture quality but also immerses viewers in the chaotic world Miller envisioned, complete with an augmented soundscape that underscores the film's relentless pace. The presentation is rounded out with a wealth of supplemental features including new interviews and archival material that provide insight into the making of this groundbreaking film. In offering this meticulously restored version, Kino Lorber ensures "Mad Max" remains a pertinent, incendiary exploration of societal collapse and retribution, capturing the imagination of new generations while honoring the film’s original grit and raw power.
Total: 87
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Mad Max by Kino Lorber heralds a monumental improvement in the film’s home viewing experience, which elevates George Miller's dystopian directorial debut to unprecedented visual fidelity. Remastered in native 4K with Dolby Vision, the film benefits from an enhanced clarity and depth, bringing to life its iconic chase sequences, stark landscapes, and gritty action like never before. Despite some debates over the color grading, which leaves room for potential improvement, this release undeniably showcases the film in its finest form to date. Accompanied by a strong suite of audio options including lossless DTS-HD MA soundtracks, this edition enriches the auditory roar of its engines and the suspenseful score that accompanies Max’s vengeful journey.
Exclusive extras such as the new interview with George Miller add significant value, offering insights into the creative process and the enduring impact of this cult classic. While critics and fans may differ in opinion on whether this represents the ultimate version of Mad Max, it stands as the most impressive edition currently available, especially for those committed to the Ultra HD format. The inclusion of the Region A Blu-ray with old extras ensures that enthusiasts have access to a comprehensive collection of Mad Max memorabilia.
In conclusion, Kino Lorber's release of Mad Max on 4K UHD Blu-ray is an essential acquisition for fans and cinephiles alike, presenting the film in a superior visual and audio quality that profoundly transforms the viewing experience. While there is slight contention regarding the color grading, the overall package—with its stunning 4K restoration, compelling extras, and high-caliber audio mix—makes this edition a recommended addition to any Ultra HD library, ensuring that Max’s revenge tale roars louder and more vividly than ever before.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 90
Audio: 80
There's no edge enhancement here, with grain management expertly handled, leaving a fine layer of grain giving the image a very textured, filmic look but neither smothering the underlying detail nor -...
Now, fear not, nobody is suggesting you have to watch the film with that awful US dub, the answer comes in The Australian 5.1 track which is infinitely superior, affording much better balance and none...
Extra: 70
Movie: 90
You'll have to own a Region A Blu-ray player if you want to access them They look to be all the old extras, listed as follows - Audio Commentary, George Miller Interview, Interviews with Mel Gibson, Joanne...
Sure, it's rough around the edges - the feature was shot for a few hundred thousand, and edited and scored in the director's kitchen - but that's only part of the charm, and it is hard to fault a single...
Total: 90
It remains one of the great directorial debuts of all time and a hell of a start to an enduring franchise Kino Lorber's US 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of Mad Max is an unmissable import - who knows when...
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 80
Audio: 70
The density levels of the visuals are also the best that I have seen, but given that this is one of the major upgrades you get when you view content in 4K, I did not find it surprising....
The audio is often a bit thin and during mass exchanges -- with the gang members in particular -- and radio transmissions it is often easy to lose some lines....
Extra: 100
Movie: 80
Interviews with Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, and Cinematographer David Eggby - in this archival program, Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, and cinematographer David Eggby recall their initial impressions of the...
The supplemental features on the release include exclusive new interview with the director; vintage promotional materials; archival audio commentary; and archival featurettes....
Total: 80
For this particular reason, I would have preferred to see a 4K Blu-ray release of Don Siegel's Charley Varrick, which is another big cult film from Kino Lorber's catalog that was beautifully restored in...
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 90
Audio: 80
The colors are vibrant and natural, but note that the overall palette is a bit cooler than in the previous Blu-ray presentations....
Sonically, all the mixes are of roughly similar quality—solid, but nothing to write home about....
Extra: 80
Movie: 85
However, the package also includes their recent Blu-ray edition which also boasts the commentary and adds a nice mix of new and old content, as follows:...
But when one of the gang’s members is killed in a high-speed chase with the MFP, their leader, the infamous “Toecutter” (Hugh Keays-Byrne) decides to take revenge on the rookie officer he believes is responsible…...
Total: 84
Kino’s done a nice job with this 4K remaster—this is definitely the version of Mad Max to buy on disc for sheer image quality, especially if you’ve already made the leap to Ultra HD....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 80
Spot deep color’s impact on the cop cars, the golden yellows beautiful and dense, not just saturated....
It’s lacking in volume, the treble never punchy enough, the bass lean and loose (rarely used anyway)....
Extra: 60
Movie: 80
Twenty six minutes of interviews are offered, bringing in Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, and DP David Eggby, edited together out of sequence instead of focusing on one speaker at a time....
“Among cinematic peers, Mad Max proves to be an unorthodox feature, a cult-ish, punk car movie pulled together by an amplified revenge story – an Australian Death Wish less interested in the narrative...
Total: 80
Unique in its near future apocalypse, Mad Max takes to the road for a revenge tale, filled with violence and character....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 80
Audio: 70
Nevertheless, specular highlights reveal the real overall improvements, as the brightest and hottest spots come with a tighter, narrower glow, such as the sunshine peeking along the edges of clouds or...
Nevertheless, the mid-range is decently dynamic with strong clarity and detailing during the loudest, bombastic segments....
Extra: 0
Movie: 80
Mel Gibson: Birth of a Superstar (SD, 17 min) Trailers (HD, 12 min): three previews, one of which is for the movie Stryker, and a trailer commentary from Josh Olson's "Trailers from Hell" join three more...
Barely existing right at the cusp of modern civilization's collapse, the super-charged, high-octane classic with a genuine soft-spot for family is really a story about the uncertain future of the social...
Total: 80
The beloved cult classic rages through the 4K Ultra HD highways with a spectacularly beautiful Dolby Vision HDR presentation, crashing into home theaters with a noteworthy improvement over its predecessors...
Director: George Miller
Actors: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne
PlotIn a dystopian future where society is crumbling and lawlessness is rife, the highways have become battlegrounds for roving gangs. Max Rockatansky, part of the Main Force Patrol (MFP), stands as one of the few remaining policemen, attempting to maintain order amidst the chaos. The gang members, led by the sadistic Toecutter, live for high-speed chases and revel in the violence they perpetrate on the roads. Encounters between MFP and the gangs are brutal, with personal vendettas escalating the conflict far beyond mere law enforcement. As the society's thin veneer of order continues to disintegrate, these highway skirmishes become increasingly savage and personal, preying upon the innocent and pushing the lawmen to their limits.
Max, an expert driver with a strong sense of justice, finds his world torn apart by the continual violence and loses faith in the ability of the force to effectively counter the gangs' reign of terror. Despite his superior driving abilities and his commitment to his job, the strain of his moral dilemma and the brutality he witnesses begin to weigh heavily on him. Faced with a profound decision, Max contemplates leaving the force for the sake of his family, seeking a quieter and more peaceful existence away from the chaos that has come to define his life on the road. However, his hopes for a normal life are overshadowed by the ever-present threat that the lawless gangs pose, drawing him inexorably back towards the turmoil that he so desperately wants to escape.
MoreWriters: James McCausland, George Miller, Byron Kennedy
Release Date: 21 Mar 1980
Runtime: 88 min
Rating: R
Country: Australia
Language: English