To Kill a Mockingbird
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Score: 95
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
60th Anniv. 4K UHD of 'Mockingbird' elevates a timeless classic with stellar visuals & extras.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
DTS-HD MA
Video: 95
Universal's 4K UHD restoration of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' impresses with stunning detail, enhanced HDR contrast, and a faithful filmic texture, offering the definitive viewing experience.
Audio: 90
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track enhances the film's immersive experience with clear dialogue and a subtle, well-layered mix, respecting its original aesthetic without an Atmos upgrade.
Extra: 92
This UHD release of To Kill a Mockingbird enriches its legacy with a new featurette, maintaining historical content while exploring the film's enduring impact and themes, alongside a treasure trove of supplementary material.
Movie: 96
Through diverse lenses, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' remains a timeless critique of racism and innocence, its cinematic revival in 4K honoring the classic's deep narrative and visual heritage.
Video: 95
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "To Kill a Mockingbird" showcases an impressive leap in video quality, setting a new benchmark for the presentation of classic films in the highest resolution. The transfer, derived from a 4K scan of the original camera elements conducted in 2012 for its 50th anniversary, benefits from an additional clean-up and the application of HDR to the 4K DI. Presented in its original widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio, utilizing a 10-bit video depth, and encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10, this release reviewed on state-of-the-art equipment underscores the meticulous care taken in preserving and enhancing the film’s visual legacy. Every frame breathes with life, showcasing exquisite detail in skin textures, clothing weaves, and environmental textures—from the coarse hessian to sun-bleached pavers—elevating the visual storytelling to unprecedented clarity.
The HDR grading significantly enhances greyscale presentation, yielding a richer, more detailed image that respects the film's original lighting and composition while offering a fresher perspective. Shadows and highlights are rendered with a fidelity that is markedly superior to previous releases, achieving a balance that preserves depth and detail without veering into crush or blown-out extremes. Despite occasional softness attributed to optical zooms inherent to the source material, the overall sharpness and stability of the image are commendable. The grain structure remains organic, enhancing the filmic feel without overwhelming the viewer, ensuring that "To Kill a Mockingbird" retains its nostalgic essence in a contemporary viewing format.
Moreover, the meticulous transfer injects new life into the picture’s tonal depth, contrasting details, and nuanced gray midrange, facilitating a cinematic experience that is both immersive and faithful to its source. Even elements like clothing textures and background details gain newfound prominence, ensuring that every scene resonates with unparalleled visual fidelity. While minor discrepancies are noted in shots rendered with noise reduction, these are exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the 4K UHD rendition of "To Kill a Mockingbird" emerges as an essential upgrade that not only honors its heritage but also sets a definitive standard for the presentation of classic films in the Ultra HD era.
Audio: 90
The audio presentation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in 4K UHD Blu-Ray primarily features the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, alongside a 2.0 mono track, staying true to the film's original auditory experience. The 5.1 surround sound extends the understated yet eloquent score by Elmer Bernstein and natural sound effects into the surround channels to create a more immersive soundscape without detracting from the film's inherently quiet and introspective nature. Dialogue remains crystal clear and front-centered in both mixes, ensuring that the Southern accents and period-appropriate speech patterns are preserved, contributing to the authenticity of the viewing experience. The absence of a Dolby Atmos upgrade is hardly missed, given the nature of this classic film where subtlety in audio presentation is key.
Audio fidelity is remarkable across the board, with the tracks free from any age-related imperfections such as hiss or crackles, enhancing silence and delivering clean, impactful scenes. This care extends to Elmer Bernstein’s score across the speaker array, which sounds freshly recorded thanks to its clarity and discreet yet effective use of bass for weight. Despite the age of the movie, the audio treatment it receives here makes it sound contemporarily impressive, especially with the slight low-end enhancement in orchestration. The 5.1 mix achieves a delicate balance, focusing on enhancing the emotional weight and narrative without overwhelming the viewer with unnecessary surround activity.
Subtle sound effects and environmental sounds, like rustling leaves and chirping birds, are well defined and contribute to an atmospheric experience. The dynamic range is broad enough to accommodate these subtleties without distortion. Furthermore, additional language tracks and a comprehensive selection of subtitles make this release accessible to a broad audience. The technical decision to forgo re-encoding for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, instead opting to port over existing soundtracks, demonstrates a commitment to preserving the film's original auditory essence while still embracing modern capabilities for clarity and depth.
Extra: 92
The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird" enriches the viewing experience with a blend of both legacy and newly produced extras that delve deeply into the film's production, themes, and its significant impact. Among the standout additions is the "To Kill a Mockingbird: All Points of View", a meticulously crafted 25-minute retrospective, exploring the intricate layers of the story, its undiminished relevance, and the lasting legacy of its message, enhanced with insights from academic scholars and film historians. This featurette alone makes the release a must-have. Coupled with the comprehensive audio commentary from director Robert Mulligan and producer Alan J. Pakula, it offers an enriched understanding of the cinematic masterpiece. The package also includes an intimate documentary on Gregory Peck, providing a nuanced glimpse into his personal life and career, alongside a compelling black-and-white documentary on the making of the film, "Fearful Symmetry", and several other features that celebrate Peck's achievements and contributions to cinema. With these extras, the edition not only pays homage to the film’s historical significance but also offers an immersive exploration of its cultural impact and storytelling genius.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary: With director Robert Mulligan and producer Alan J. Pakula.
- To Kill a Mockingbird: All Points of View: A new retrospective exploring the film's enduring legacy and relevance.
- Fearful Symmetry: A detailed documentary on the making of the movie.
- A Conversation with Gregory Peck: An in-depth look at Peck's life and career.
- Academy Award Best Actor Acceptance Speech: Gregory Peck's acceptance speech for his role as Atticus Finch.
- American Film Institute Life Achievement Award: Highlights from Peck's reception of the award.
- Excerpt from Tribute to Gregory Peck: A touching tribute by his daughter, Cecilia Peck.
- Scout Remembers: Mary Badham shares her experiences working on the film.
- 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics: Insight into the film restoration process.
- Theatrical Trailer: The original movie preview.
Movie: 96
The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "To Kill a Mockingbird," a timeless 1962 film masterpiece, significantly enhances the viewing experience through its meticulous restoration. With a video resolution of 2160p/HDR, derived from a new 4K restoration, the film’s nuanced greyscale and shadow details are brought into striking clarity, preserving the esteemed cinematography of Russell Harlan and allowing for a more immersive delve into the small-town Alabama setting. Despite Universal opting to maintain the existing English 5.1 and 2.0 lossless audio tracks, the remastered visuals significantly elevate the film’s delivery, bringing Gregory Peck's iconic performance and the narrative's poignant themes to life with unprecedented vibrancy.
At the heart of this film lies its storytelling prowess, masterfully adapted from Harper Lee’s novel and vividly brought to the screen by director Robert Mulligan and writer Horton Foote. The decision to tell this sensitive tale through the eyes of children, Scout (Mary Badham) and Jem (Phillip Alford), infuses the film with an inherent innocence and curiosity, while simultaneously confronting the stark realities of racial prejudice. The performances are uniformly compelling, with Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch standing as a testament to integrity and moral fortitude. The children’s perspective provides a unique lens through which the socio-political commentary remains as relevant as ever, resonating deeply in today’s context just as it did upon its original release.
In addition to its compelling narrative and performances, the film benefits immeasurably from its technical upgrade. The clarity and depth of the video presentation on this UHD edition underscore the artistic intention behind every shot, whether it’s conveying the eeriness of Boo Radley’s house or the tension-filled courtroom drama. Elmer Bernstein’s evocative score also gains a new lease on life, wrapping the visuals in an auditory embrace that enhances every moment of this cinematic gem. This disc not only offers fans the definitive version of "To Kill a Mockingbird" but also serves as an essential piece for collectors and cinephiles seeking to experience one of cinema’s most significant works in the best quality possible.
Total: 95
Robert Mulligan's "To Kill a Mockingbird," a classic that has stood the test of time, is presented in its most magnificent form yet with this 4K UHD release from Universal. The transfer to native 4K, complemented by HDR, not only breathes new life into its visuals but also enriches the grayscale, resulting in perfect blacks and outstanding highlights. The organic grain of the original source is preserved, enhancing the film's historical and emotional depth. Audio receives a similar upgrade with both DTS-HD 2.0 and 5.1 options, offering viewers the choice between a traditional stereo experience and a more immersive surround sound setup. This release is further augmented by a rich collection of extras, including a new 25-minute retrospective alongside revered legacy material, ensuring that fans and newcomers alike gain insight into the film's enduring legacy.
The 4K UHD presentation of "To Kill a Mockingbird" showcases the unparalleled heights of home video technical achievement. Offering an exceptional 2160p/HDR image quality, this edition captures the nuanced details and emotional subtleties of Harper Lee’s story with greater clarity and depth than ever before. The audio tracks, while carried over from previous releases, remain robust and resonate well with the film’s potent themes and extraordinary performances. The inclusion of both new and historical bonus content makes this edition a comprehensive tribute to the classic, ensuring its reverence for future generations.
In conclusion, Universal's 60th Anniversary 4K UHD release of "To Kill a Mockingbird" represents the definitive version of this seminal film. The meticulous restoration not only enhances the visual and auditory experience but also reaffirms the film’s status as a crucial piece of American cinema. With impeccable technical presentation and a wealth of supplementary materials, it is an essential addition to any collection, appealing to devoted fans and newcomers alike. This release not only honors the legacy of a film that continues to resonate six decades on but also confirms its place in the digital age as a masterpiece that remains as relevant and potent as ever.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 80
HDR gives a real prominence to the greyscale without being distracting, the frame has depth, the shadows have form, daylight is bright and darkness forlorn, with edges remaining tight throughout....
The DT-HD MA 2.0 track seems somewhat restrictive by comparison, though no less worthy, is tighter in its response with the layers and dynamics, and so somewhat lacks the presence of the surround track....
Extra: 80
Movie: 100
To Kill a Mockingbird: All Points of View – New for this release, a 30-minute retrospective of the film....
Witness one of the truly greatest directors, Akira Kurosawa and his film, The Hidden Fortress (1958) whose bold story of warring tribes and political upheaval at a time of civil war, was so simply told...
Total: 100
Rightful winner of many awards and containing some of the greatest cinematic imagery of all time, the film is both a joy to watch and a wonder that it is still as relevant today, some sixty years after...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 90
Audio: 90
The boosted resolution certainly brings out the finest in the film and offers a step up from the Blu-ray for image stability, clarity, and sharpness, but the HDR grading is perhaps even more transformative....
Rather than re-encode for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for this UHD release, Universal has chosen to simply port over the existing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 soundtracks from the 2012 Blu-ray (note that these...
Extra: 80
Movie: 100
To Kill a Mockingbird: All Points of View (2160p, 25:06): A terrific, newly crafted piece which explores the original novel, the story's timeless message, its cinematic legacy, cast and performances, the...
The video presentation has been restored from a new 4K restoration, and the film has also been released to the Blu-ray format, also with refreshed video....
Total: 100
This timeless classic earns a sparkling new picture quality that is a clear step forward for the film's home video presentation....
The Digital Bits review by Dr Adam JahnkeRead review here
Video: 95
Audio: 95
The result is a lovely upgrade over that previous Blu-ray, in terms of image detail, texturing, and overall contrast....
Additional sound mixes are available in French, Castilian Spanish, Japanese, German, Italian, and Czech 2.0 mono in DTS format, while optional subtitles include English SDH, French, Quebec French, Castilian...
Extra: 100
Movie: 95
Carried over from the first release is an informative—though hardly lively—audio commentary by director Mulligan and the late Alan J. Pakula, the film’s producer, as well as Fearful Symmetry, an outstanding...
I was introduced to a number of great books that I might not have discovered on my own that year....
Total: 96
To Kill a Mockingbird is a true American film classic, featuring extraordinary performances by Peck, Brock Peters, and its young cast members, along with the first-ever role of a young Robert Duvall....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Audio: 80
On the opposite end, it’s splendidly natural (and this is the norm), if not precise like comparable films of this vintage in 4K. Imagery runs slightly soft, if with little detriment to texture....
Elmer Bernstein’s score is clear enough to sound recorded yesterday, even bringing slight low-end to the orchestration....
Extra: 80
Movie: 100
At 25-minutes, Universal puts together a new retrospective for this anniversary, featuring numerous interviews from scholars and critics....
In being so pure against hate and bigotry, To Kill a Mockingbird becomes about the white family’s loss, not the grieving Robinsons who suffer only at a distance....
Total: 85
Masterful in its perspective, To Kill a Mockingbird finds the perfect method to show hate, prejudice, and ignorance despite its flaws....
High-Def Digest review by David KraussRead review here
Video: 100
Audio: 80
The same scenes that exhibit softness on the Blu-ray exhibit softness here as well, but the instances are rare and brief, and the practically spotless print holds us spellbound throughout....
Any age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, and crackles, have been erased, allowing us to appreciate the many instances of clean silence that add power and impact to several scenes....
Extra: 100
Movie: 100
Actress Mary Badham, who portrayed Scout, recalls her audition for the film, the accessibility of Peck on the set, and how the role of Atticus fit the actor like a glove in this 1999 interview with NBC...
The film weaves such a deft and seductive spell, it's difficult not to become completely invested in the action on screen and feel a part of the family and community that reside there....
Total: 90
Though the UHD enhancements are slight, the noticeable uptick in picture quality makes this edition worthy of an upgrade for fans...and if you've never seen this understated, moving, and inspiring movie,...
Director: Robert Mulligan
Actors: Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton
PlotIn the small, sleepy town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, young Scout Finch lives with her older brother, Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus, who is a highly respected lawyer. Scout and Jem befriend a boy named Dill who visits Maycomb to stay with his aunt each summer. Together, they are fascinated by the local rumors about "Boo" Radley, a reclusive neighbor whom they have never seen. The children's playful curiosity toward Boo and their attempts to coax him out of his house reflect their innocent view of the world, which is soon to be challenged by the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination they witness in their community.
The town's tranquility is disrupted when Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Despite facing social stigmatization, threats, and the disapproval of many townsfolk, Atticus is determined to uphold justice and provide a proper defense for Tom. The children experience first-hand the injustices of racism and the complexities of human nature as their father stands against the intolerance of their community. The trial becomes a pivotal event that puts the Finch family at the center of attention and tests the moral fiber of the entire town.
MoreWriters: Harper Lee, Horton Foote
Release Date: 16 Mar 1963
Runtime: 129 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English