North Dallas Forty

Kino Lorber's 4K Blu-Ray/Blu-ray combo pack release of "North Dallas Forty" brings a fresh, albeit slightly different, viewing experience to fans and cinephiles. The 4K disc, which is region-free, showcases a recent makeover of the classic film, complemented by HDR and Dolby Vision grades, aiming to enhance the visual presentation significantly. Although the screencaptures from the 4K Blu-ray that accompany some reviews are downscaled, they hint at the upgrade's promise regarding color fidelity and dynamic range. However, it's essential to note that the Blu-ray disc is Region-A locked, potentially limiting accessibility for international audiences. The visuals, as per comparison with an Australian counterpart from Imprint Films sourced from a 4K master by Paramount Pictures, exhibit notable improvements in color reproduction. Primaries and most nuances appear more saturated and balanced, with selective highlights and darker nuances also showing better management. Despite improvements, the presence of grain fluctuations reminiscent of those in the Australian release suggests some inconsistency in the film's 4K transfer quality.

Cinematographer Paul Lohmann's original shooting of "North Dallas Forty" on 35mm film using Panavision Panaflex cameras and anamorphic lenses intended for a 2.39:1 theatrical release has provided a robust foundation for this 4K scan from the original camera negative. Yet, this endeavor into ultra-high-definition territory isn't without its challenges. The inherent softness introduced by the filming techniques, such as the use of diffusion filters and the nature of the anamorphic lenses, creates a viewing experience that might not meet all expectations for razor-sharp clarity. This version, like its predecessors, grapples with maintaining a delicate balance between preserving the film's original aesthetic qualities and embracing the capabilities of modern 4K HDR technology. Observers should temper their expectations for fine detail due to these production-related limitations, understanding that while there are visible improvements in this release, certain inherent weaknesses of the original production slightly mar its 4K presentation.

In the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "North Dallas Forty," viewers are treated to two primary audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with the inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The provision of these audio tracks suggests a careful remastering effort, aimed at providing a fresh auditory experience for modern home theaters while respecting the film’s original audio presentation. Notably, both tracks are essentially remixes, given the film’s original mono soundtrack, offering an interesting study in how technology can reinterpret classic cinema soundscapes.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is particularly commendable for its balance and stability, presenting dialogues, sound effects, and John Scott’s score with remarkable clarity and dynamic range. The stereo enhancement of the score in the 2.0 mix stands out, offering a wider spatial feeling without seeming artificial, a testament to the meticulous remastering process. Interestingly, this track arguably provides a more immersive experience than one might expect, demonstrating that effective stereo mixing can hold its own against more complex multi-channel setups.

The 5.1 surround mix, while introducing minor enhancements such as reverb effects from the music into the surround channels, does not dramatically alter the film's audio landscape. Both the 5.1 and 2.0 options maintain a focus on the original mono content, with minimal divergence between them in terms of dialogue and core sound effects. The main distinction comes from the handling of musical scores, where the 5.1 mix slightly redistributes elements into the center and surround channels, offering a subtle expansion of the auditory field. Ultimately, both tracks serve their purpose well, affording listeners the choice between a more traditional stereo presentation or a gently embellished surround sound experience without sacrificing the integrity of the original audio composition.

The extra features on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "North Dallas Forty" offer a comprehensive deep dive into the making of what's referred to as the "Godfather of football movies". Two audio commentaries, led notably by screenwriter Daniel Waters and critic/historian Daniel Kremer, stand out for their detailed exploration of the film's conception, production, and legacy, interweaving technical insights with personal reflections. Director Ted Kotcheff’s participation, though limited, adds authenticity. The additional materials, including a video introduction by Kotcheff, a video essay by Kremer, and Kotcheff’s reflections from his memoir, enrich the discourse around the film's themes, visual style, and impact. This collection delivers both for cinephiles and football fans, preserving the legacy of "North Dallas Forty" and providing an insightful look into its creation and significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Audio commentary with screenwriter Daniel Waters, critic Daniel Kremer, with a small contribution from director Ted Kotcheff.
• Hit Me With Those Best Shots: Director Ted Kotcheff shares reflections from his memoir regarding his work on "North Dallas Forty".
• Looking to Get Out: A video essay by critic Daniel Kremer on Ted Kotcheff's key themes, visual style, and personality.
• Introduction: A brief video introduction to "North Dallas Forty" by director Ted Kotcheff.
• Trailer: Vintage theatrical trailer.
• TV Spot: Vintage TV spot sourced from VHS.

Ted Kotcheff's "North Dallas Forty" makes a triumphant entry to 4K Blu-ray, courtesy of Kino Lorber, showcasing the grim realities and the personal toll of professional football with an unflinching gaze. This 1979 classic, based on Peter Gent's bestselling novel, is presented in English with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The release is packed with supplemental features including a recent program with the director, audio commentary by critics Daniel Waters, Daniel Kremer, alongside the director himself, enriching the viewing experience. This region-free offering ensures that the film's gritty narrative and poignant performances are accessible to all.

The film follows Phil Elliot (played by Nick Nolte), a wide receiver for the North Dallas Bulls, grappling with the physical and emotional scars left by years of football. As his body signals it’s nearing its limit through constant pain, Phil sees his future in a farm away from the tumult of the sport, if only he could hold on a little longer. His interactions with characters like Seth Maxwell (Mac Davis) and Charlotte (Dayle Haddon), contrast sharply with the brutal realities of his sporting life and his deteriorating relationship with Coach Strother (G.D. Spradlin). The film astutely captures the perpetual cycle of pain, pleasure, and sacrifice endemic to professional sports, portrayed through stellar performances and Kotcheff’s directional acumen.

"North Dallas Forty" transcends its era, capturing the essence of American professional football's harsh truths with an authenticity that resonates even today. Despite some elements feeling dated, its core messages about the exploitation of athletes, depicted through their battles with injuries, drugs, and a system inclined towards using them up until nothing remains, remain as relevant as ever. Through a blend of sharp narrative and compelling characters, the film not only charts the emotional toll on its protagonists but also encapsulates the broader, still-prevailing disconnect between players and those who profit from their pains. It stands as a critical, enduring piece in the landscape of sports cinema, offering a raw slice of reality a world away from the glitz and glamour often associated with professional athletics.

"North Dallas Forty" emerges from the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release by Kino Lorber not just as a relic of its time but as a film with enduring relevance and a sharp commentary on the professional sports landscape. Echoing the experiences of players like Brett Favre, the film lays bare the personal toll exerted by professional sports through Nick Nolte's vivid portrayal. Its critique extends beyond the immediate physical and emotional strain, touching upon the evolving dynamics of power, publicity, and profit in sports, magnified by a now-global market. This release is more than a cinematic classic; it is a mirror to the unchanged core struggles within professional sports.

Paramount’s 4K restoration, while not without its flaws, represents the pinnacle of visual quality for "North Dallas Forty," closely adhering to the director Ted Kotcheff’s gritty, raw aesthetic. The effort to include all of the extras from the Via Vision release enriches this edition, making it indispensable for both cinephiles and sports enthusiasts alike. It successfully balances historical significance with technical enhancements, offering viewers not only a trip down memory lane but also a crystal-clear picture of a sport—and a society—at a crossroads.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "North Dallas Forty" by Kino Lorber stands as the definitive version of a film that continues to resonate with audiences. It serves as a powerful reminder of the physical and psychological tolls of professional football, underscored by stellar performances and a masterful presentation. Far more than a football movie or a product of its era, it’s a compelling study of athlete welfare and sports ethics, holding its ground against both contemporary films and current sports practices.