King Kong
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Score: 67
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
King Kong '76 mixes charm and flaws in 4K, divisive yet fascinating.
Disc Release Date
Video: 87
The 4K restoration of King Kong offers enhanced detail and color compared to previous releases, with some nuanced shifts in color grading, preserving the film's texture while navigating bitrate inconsistencies and the inherent anamorphic lens characteristics.
Audio: 82
Review highlights the 4K & Blu-ray's audio intricacies and restorations, emphasizing balanced mixes, technical soundness but noting density and limitations.
Extra: 83
This release's mood balances optimism with frustration, noting solid but limited extras, engaging commentaries, and non-essential extended cuts, against a backdrop of unmet expectations for a definitive version.
Movie: 75
Dino De Laurentiis' 1976 'King Kong' remake blends modern cinema's VFX ambition with a flawed but enjoyable execution, sparking lively debates and nostalgia despite its shortcomings.
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Video: 87
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "King Kong" presents a notable upgrade from previous home video formats, showcasing the film's anamorphic shooting style and the rich texture of the 35mm original negative, now scanned in 4K. The 3840 x 2160p resolution, combined with a 10-bit video depth and the application of both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, offers a more filmic and textured visual experience. The color grading, a collaborative effort by Paramount and carried out at L’Immagine Ritrovata, brings fresh attention to the film’s palette, albeit not without controversy regarding shifts towards teal in skies and oceans and a warmer hue on skin tones. These modifications, while noticeable, do not overly detract from the deep blacks and lush greens that enhance the island’s eerie atmosphere and the nocturnal New York scenes. Grain remains well-resolved, contributing to the film’s cinematic quality without becoming intrusive.
The restoration work has effectively eliminated print defects, creating a stable and clean presentation. Bitrate fluctuations observed do not appear to adversely impact the image quality, even with the inclusion of an extended TV cut alongside the theatrical version on the 4K disc. Comparisons between this release and both previous Blu-ray editions and the alternative TV cut highlight improvements in detail clarity, especially in close-ups where texture and depth are substantially enhanced. However, some fans may have reservations about the aspect ratio choices and the color grading’s fidelity to the original theatrical experience.
Despite these concerns, the 4K UHD rendition outperforms its predecessors in both visual sharpness and color dynamics. Dolby Vision’s implementation offers nuanced improvements in highlight detail, contrast, and a broader color spectrum, making for a more immersive viewing experience. While some may find the color grading choices debatable, the overall effect is a richer, more vibrant presentation that respects the film’s visual effects and atmospheric lighting, with well-managed black levels and grain structure that faithfully mimic the filmic look of its original cinema exhibition.
Audio: 82
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "King Kong" presents an auditory experience that, while demonstrating variances across its available mixes, showcases a steadfast dedication to audio fidelity consistent with the film's iconic status. The primary DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, reviewed on high-caliber equipment including a Denon AVR-X4300H paired with a KEF 7.2.4 speaker array, delivers a robust and full-bodied soundstage. This mix capitalizes on John Barry’s emotionally manipulative score, ensuring it sounds expansive and rich, reinvigorated by the additional channels that lend the music a newfound breadth. Despite this, the soundtrack's ambition occasionally exceeds its grasp in terms of spatial dynamics, particularly with bombastic sound effects that sometimes feel compressed rather than expansively distributed across the channels. This occasionally results in a somewhat dense mix, albeit without detracting from the technical clarity of dialogue or the musical score's lushness.
Conversely, the 2.0 mix, whether stemming from the Theatrical or Extended TV Cuts, offers a more limited auditory scope. The Extended TV Cut grapples with inherent technical limitations and restoration challenges, such as loose sync and missing dialogue, which cannot be entirely circumvented. Observers will note a modest output quality, sufficient for making dialogue intelligible and maintaining a baseline musical clarity but falling short in delivering the finer nuances of audio depth and texture. This shortfall is particularly evident when juxtaposed against the comparatively superior 5.1 mix, where sound effects and musical scores benefit from a discernible uplift in clarity and immersion.
Despite these varying degrees of fidelity and immersion across its audio tracks, "King Kong’s" 4K presentation remains commendable for its attempt to honor the film’s auditory legacy within the confines of technological and restorative constraints. The 5.1 mix stands out as relatively more immersive and satisfying, especially in action sequences, where its broader spatial dynamics elevate the viewer’s engagement. Overall, while not without its limitations—most notably in the Extended TV Cut—the audio presentation underscores a dedication to preserving and enhancing the auditory aspects of this cinematic classic for contemporary audiences, ensuring that even aged material resonates with a semblance of modernity while respecting its original essence.
Extra: 83
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "King Kong" presents a package that leans heavily on the visuals of its presentation, notably with its SteelBook edition, but falls short on the extras department, primarily offering content ported over from the 2021 Shout Factory special edition. Both of the included commentaries, though not fully reviewed, appear to offer insightful information with engaging narration. The inclusion of the extended cut on the 4K disc is a curious choice, considering its potential impact on the main feature's compression rates due to the significantly increased runtime. Unfortunately, beyond an SD theatrical trailer and the extended TV version, new and unique extras are sparse, with notable omissions such as commentaries and interviews from previous editions, leading to a release that may leave collectors wanting. The package does excel in its physical presentation, featuring a glossy SteelBook with dynamic artwork and a comprehensive visual homage to the film, yet it ultimately might not satisfy those looking for a definitive extras-laden set.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentaries: Two engaging commentaries ported from the 2021 Shout Factory edition.
- Extended Cut: Additional scenes not found in the theatrical release.
- Theatrical Trailer (SD): The film's original trailer in standard definition.
Movie: 75
In the realm of cinema, few endeavors are as ambitious as the remake of a classic, and Dino De Laurentiis’s 1976 rendition of "King Kong" proves no exception, presenting itself as a grandiose experiment in utilizing the era's cutting-edge special effects. With a notable box office haul of $53 million and an Academy Award to its name, this film adaptation received mixed reactions despite its commercial success. It embarked on updating the tale with a 1970s twist, convincingly portrayed through a narrative centered around an oil hunt that leads to Skull Island—a setting brought to life with Hawaii's breathtaking landscapes and a notable cast including Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and Jessica Lange in her debut role. Their performances, combined with John Guillermin's directorial prowess, initially set the stage for what promised to be a majestic reintroduction of Kong. However, the film's ambition arguably became its Achilles' heel.
Despite the early promise, the production faced significant setbacks, notably the shift from an initially planned fully mechanical Kong to a man-in-a-suit approach due to technical and budgetary constraints. This decision fundamentally impacted the film's authenticity, rendering Kong less a towering marvel of special effects and more a palpable construct of the time's limitations. The visual effects, while ambitious, fell short of translating Kong’s grandeur, adversely affecting the creature's ability to foster a believable emotional connection with Jessica Lange’s character. This shortfall was further exemplified by the omission of iconic moments, such as the dinosaur fight, leaving audiences with a barebones representation of Skull Island's inhabitants.
On a technical note, Paramount's release of the film on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an enhanced viewing experience with its 2160p resolution and Dolby Vision color grading. This release includes two cuts of the film: a theatrical cut and an extended TV cut exclusive to Blu-ray, ensuring that aficionados have access to multiple facets of this cinematic piece. While the movie’s attempt at revamping special effects and incorporating societal critiques remains a topic of discussion, its transition to 4K UHD honors the film’s visual spectacle, albeit within the constraints of its original production decisions. The result is a product that, while not without its flaws, provides a comprehensive lens through which both new and seasoned audiences can appreciate the 1976 'King Kong' in a modern home cinema context.
Total: 67
The release of "King Kong" on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Studiocanal has been met with mixed emotions, largely due to its contentious color palette tweaks which have sparked debates across online forums. Despite this divergence in viewer preference, the upgrade to 4K offers a significant enhancement in visual quality, delivering a viewing experience that can only be described as fantastic for both classic and casual fans of the franchise. The inclusion of the original theatrical soundtrack and an array of mostly unseen extras adds value to this package, making it a solid purchase. However, criticisms have been pointed towards its execution, describing it as a flawed interpretation of the iconic Kong, aligning more closely with Toho's kaiju flicks than the majestic cinematic wonder it originally set out to be.
Paramount’s decision to include both the longer and theatrical cuts of the film acknowledges the varying preferences among its audience, with the latter cut receiving praise for its more efficient storytelling and overall pacing. The video quality of the UHD release shines through, despite not being the pinnacle of 4K presentations, it's complemented well by a robust 5.1 audio track. However, the limited supplementary materials and the lack of meaningful bonus features have been a point of contention, especially for enthusiasts craving a deeper dive into the film's production and legacy. The aesthetic appeal of the SteelBook packaging does offer some consolation, underscoring a trend towards prioritizing collectible appeal over comprehensive content inclusion.
In conclusion, while "King Kong" 1976’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release presents a visually impressive upgrade that will undoubtedly please those who prioritize image quality and are satisfied with minimal extras, it falls short for collectors and cinephiles seeking an exhaustive package. The controversy over color grading choices and the scant bonus material may deter some, but for others, the allure of witnessing Kong in high-definition glory is enough reason to add this to their collection. As it stands, the consensus suggests that looking towards international releases might be the better option for the complete experience, making this edition a nuanced recommendation dependent on viewer priorities.
avforums review by Mark CostelloRead review here
Video: 70
Audio: 70
However it doesn’t drown the image – skin tones seem ever so slightly hotter in the 4K, but not egregiously so, while blacks remain deep and solid with plenty of detail in them (handy for a second half...
There’s no real technical issue per se – dialogue is always clear and nicely balanced even at the busiest of time, with no hint of hiss or sibilance at all and no lip synch issues noted at all; the score...
Extra: 80
Movie: 50
Skipping through them, none appear essential, however as part of a completist package, it’s a great addition to have available, although questionable as to why they’ve added this to the 4K disc as a three-hour...
But those sensible choices for updating the story to a modern setting rob the film of the one thing that should have been its very essence – the majesty of Kong, something that for all that’s wrong with...
Total: 50
a fantastic viewing experience This 4K release from Studiocanal offers up yet another tweaked colour palette which is going to cause even more controversy across the forums and message boards of Internet...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Audio: 60
The picture is very sharp, certainly not as sharp as other images but capturing a very good depth and definition to the film-based elements that reveal much finer and crisper skin, clothing, and location...
Music, likewise, enjoys adequate front side stretch and a baseline clarity that satisfies basic needs, but there is a clear lack of greater range and precision details....
Extra: 80
Movie: 60
The SteelBook is glossy and depicts Dwan in Kong's open palm, hovering high above the city, a high up view leading to a horizon mid SteelBook with a blue, cloudy sky above....
The extended TV cut, which is on Blu-ray only, runs at a whopping 3:12:47, while the theatrical cut, which runs at a more manageable 2:14:32, appears on UHD....
Total: 10
The theatrical cut, which is quite lengthy in its own right, is not just leaner but a more capable storyteller, hitting the highlights without missing anything that the longer cut offers....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Audio: 80
A satisfying if unremarkable update on Shout Factory’s Blu-ray, gains in resolution appear minor....
Limited low-end extension preserves the aged material as-is, producing a small jolt on occasion, but generally supporting the music more than anything....
Extra: 40
Movie: 40
The only other bonus is a trailer, dropping commentaries and interviews from Shout’s disc....
That’s best personified in New York as Wilson preps a growing audience for Kong’s appearance, but the doors open to a gargantuan Petrox-branded gas pump, to which Wilson rants about, “the power.”...
Total: 60
A tonally confused, oddly sexualized take, King Kong ’76 is a mess, but a weirdly fascinating one....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Audio: 80
The Extended TV Cut is still about as good as it's going to get since a lot of that footage is several generations removed from the original negative and/or no longer exists requiring the best available...
There was a lot of restoration issues with this one ranging from missing sound effects and dialog exchanges so the best elements were used - and to be honest, it's not terrible....
Extra: 0
Movie: 60
You'll have to import the Studio Canal set and/or hold onto your old Scream Factory disc to enjoy anything after the show is over....
It’s the first Kong film I ever saw as a kid, and specifically the extended TV cut because that’s how we recorded it on two VHS tapes complete with commercial blips....
Total: 60
The transfer is solid despite the yellowish color timing, the audio is great, and the Extended TV Version a nice addition, but the complete lack of any meaningful bonus features is a real pisser....
Director: John Guillermin
Actors: Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, Jessica Lange
PlotIn the midst of an energy crisis, an ambitious petroleum executive organizes an expedition to a mysterious, fog-enshrouded island in the Pacific Ocean, believed to be rich in oil. The team, aboard the salvage ship Petrox Explorer, includes a pragmatic paleontologist and a beautiful, aspiring actress who was rescued at sea. As they make their way through the ominous fog surrounding the island, they are unaware of the extraordinary creatures they are about to encounter. The island's dense jungle not only conceals vast reserves of oil but is also the home to a variety of gigantic animals, a revelation that astonishes the expedition team.
Upon their arrival, the team encounters the island's indigenous people, who capture the actress and offer her as a sacrifice to Kong, a colossal ape who is revered as a god by the islanders. The ape becomes infatuated with her beauty and spares her life, leading to a complex relationship between the two. Meanwhile, the rest of the team devises a plan to rescue her and capture Kong, envisioning the immense fame and fortune that could come from exhibiting the giant ape to the world. Their actions set off a chain of events that lead to chaos and conflict both on the island and beyond, as the boundary between civilization and the unknown is tragically blurred.
MoreWriters: James Ashmore Creelman, Ruth Rose, Merian C. Cooper
Release Date: 17 Dec 1976
Runtime: 134 min
Rating: PG
Country: United States, Japan
Language: English