Kramer vs. Kramer

Kramer vs. Kramer's transition to 4K UHD Blu-Ray marks a significant improvement over its previous 2009 Blu-ray incarnation. With a native 4K presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this edition showcases an enhanced, filmic quality that elevates the visual experience substantially. Viewers will note the meticulous detail Sony has extracted from the original film elements, resulting in a picture that's both sharp and faithful to its source. Although there exists a minor pink hue in skin tones and occasional scenes that lean towards the softer, darker side, these aspects are clearly inherited from the original film production rather than being transfer issues. The color palette navigates between warm and cool tones effectively, maintaining stability and vibrancy throughout.

Moreover, the grain present is handled with finesse, ensuring it supports rather than detracts from the image clarity. This release benefits from a notable absence of the print defects like spots and scratches that slightly marred the prior Blu-ray version, affirming the effort invested in cleaning up the visual presentation. Furthermore, edge definition and texture detail are impressively rendered, enhancing the movie's realism and drawing the viewer closer into its emotional landscape.

Improvements in contrast not only enrich the depth of the image but also revitalize scenes that previously appeared somewhat flat. Without any noticeable digital anomalies such as blocking or banding, the integrity of this cinematic classic is preserved immaculately. As part of Sony’s Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 4 box set, this release represents perhaps the definitive viewing experience of Kramer vs. Kramer, balancing meticulously restored video quality with a faithful adherence to the film’s original aesthetic intentions.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kramer vs. Kramer" introduces an astonishingly effective Dolby Atmos track, which, despite initial skepticism regarding its necessity, proves to enhance the immersive experience of the film dramatically. The meticulously maintained sound design of the original movie is elevated through this Atmos mix, allowing for an accurate reproduction of various environments—from the constrained spaces of apartments and offices to the bustling atmosphere of restaurants and the expansive outdoor scenes. The use of ambient sounds and real-life effects contributes significantly to the overall believability and everyday realism of the narrative. This enhancement is achieved without compromising the integrity of the original sound work, ensuring that the added depth and spaciousness serve to draw viewers more deeply into the film's emotional landscape.

Technical execution on this Atmos track is noteworthy, particularly in its use of rear speakers and directional audio which seamlessly blend across channels, creating an enveloping audio experience. This new mix does not shy away from utilizing the full potential of low-frequency effects for added dramatic impact, yet some minor issues with dialogue clarity remain—an artifact of the source material rather than a flaw in the remixing process. Music occasionally overshadows dialogue slightly more than desired, though this is balanced by the otherwise exemplary fidelity and prioritization throughout the track.

Crafted at Deluxe Audio Services in Hollywood, this Atmos mix builds upon the foundations laid by the previous 5.1 remix, enveloping viewers with a richly layered soundscape that extends subtle atmospheric effects across the entire auditorium. From indoor acoustics echoing in vast spaces to the dynamic sounds of urban life outside, every auditory detail serves to enhance the storytelling without overshadowing it. This track, together with its English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English 2.0 mono options, provides a comprehensive audio experience that convincingly argues against overlooking the new Atmos mix in favor of the original mono track. It stands as a testament to how innovative sound design can breathe new life into classic cinema without distorting its original essence.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Kramer vs. Kramer" significantly enhances the viewing experience with its comprehensive selection of features. The inclusion of a new audio commentary by Jennine Lanouette, a film professor and founder of Screentakes, stands out for its depth in analyzing the movie's three-act structure, character development, and the dynamics of storytelling. Lanouette's passion for story structure and her insights into the film's narrative intricacies add substantial value. Additionally, the collection boasts a solid production documentary, deleted scenes with script subtitles, and archival featurettes that dive into various aspects of the filmmaking process, acting insights, and thematic explorations. This blend of technical details and narrative analysis ensures a richer understanding of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With film professor Jennine Lanouette.
• Making of Kramer vs. Kramer: A detailed look into the production.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes scenes not featured in the final cut.
• Featurettes: Collections of interviews and thematic discussions.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotion for the film.

In the sea of cinematic masterpieces that make up the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 4, "Kramer vs. Kramer" stands out as a poignant narrative that dives deep into the emotional turmoil wrought by divorce and custody battles. Its inclusion in such a distinguished box set underscores its legacy as a film that not only captured the zeitgeist of its time but continues to resonate with audiences today. The movie's heartbreaking dramatization, showcased through the stellar performances of Dustin Hoffman as Ted Kramer and Meryl Streep as Joanna Kramer, paints a vivid image of the complexities and nuances of familial relationships in the face of crisis.

The film’s narrative unfolds in Manhattan, where advertising executive Ted Kramer's personal and professional life is thrown into disarray when his wife Joanna leaves him and their young son, Billy. The transition from a career-focused father to a single parent forms the crux of the story, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of parental rights. As Ted forges a stronger bond with his son and faces an intense custody battle upon Joanna's return, "Kramer vs. Kramer" emerges as a trailblazer, shedding light on fathers' rights and changing societal norms surrounding family and responsibility. The movie's acute portrayal of Ted's transformation and the ensuing legal struggle is both compelling and emotionally rich, facilitated by the powerful on-screen chemistry between Hoffman and Streep.

Despite its 1979 release, "Kramer vs. Kramer" continues to hold significance in contemporary discussions about family dynamics, making its presence invaluable in the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 4. This film, presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray within the box set, not only offers an enhanced viewing experience but also serves as a critical piece of cinema history, immortalizing its influence and depth. By focusing on an estranged father-son relationship and putting a lens on societal shifts regarding parenting and custody, "Kramer vs. Kramer" remains a timeless classic, meriting its revered spot among other cinematic gems in this collection.

In its transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray, "Kramer vs. Kramer" receives a remarkable treatment that not only elevates its visual and audio presentation but also enriches the experience with a judicious selection of special features. This release, part of the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 4 box set, demonstrates a commendable effort to marry technology with storytelling, enhancing the film's original daring narrative which approaches the oft-ignored complexities of fatherhood in a divorce. The film’s refusal to conform to sexist stereotypes or simplistic resolutions is lauded, positing it as a precursor to contemporary narratives that dissect family dynamics and parental responsibilities amidst societal evolution. The technical prowess of Sony's 4K release is on full display, boasting a strong A/V presentation that breathes new life into this 1979 classic, thereby underscoring the timeless nature of its themes—themes that resonate as deeply today as they did at the time of the film’s original release.

The inclusion of previously unreleased special features alongside vintage extras, including filmographies, trailers, and notably, a making-of documentary titled "Finding the Truth," elevates this edition beyond mere aesthetic upgrade. This documentary stands out as the crown jewel of the added content, offering invaluable insights into the film's creation, thereby significantly enhancing the viewing experience. The new commentary and deleted scenes offer further depth, catering to both new audiences and long-time fans. Despite some inevitable dissatisfaction with the selection of titles across the series, Volume 4’s inclusion of "Kramer vs. Kramer" justifies the collection’s purchase price through its careful curation of content that champions quality over quantity.

In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kramer vs. Kramer" not only succeeds in presenting the film in the highest possible quality but also adds meaningful value through its special features. It stands as a testament to the film's enduring relevance, unpacking the intricate dynamics of parental love and personal growth amid societal changes. For aficionados seeking a comprehensive experience beyond the film’s traditional narrative and technical enthusiasts alike, this release is a compelling addition to any collection, affirming the lasting legacy of "Kramer vs. Kramer" within the annals of cinematic history.