January 2024 4K Blu Ray Roundup: A Spectacular Start to Ultra HD Adventures

While your eyes feast on the noir visuals, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track endeavors to wrap your senses in a soundscape filled with tension and ambience, albeit with mixed success. The collaboration with Skip Lievsay promised much but has left audiophiles divided, with new foley effects that sometimes stray into the realms of distraction. Despite this, Carter Burwell’s haunting score thrives, its every note enriched and warm, inviting listeners into the heart of the narrative’s disquiet. Yet, the track's attempts at deepening the film’s auditory atmosphere stumble with bass that muddles rather than enriches, and dialogue that challenges the ear. The careful dance of sound and silence that defines great noir often feels tread upon by heavy boots rather than the stealth of cat's paws.

Criterion doesn’t just stop at resurrecting the Coen brothers' enigmatic world; it enriches your dive with a treasure trove of extras that pull you deeper into the dark heart of Blood Simple. Revel in behind-the-scenes alchemy with Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, and Barry Sonnenfeld in Shooting Blood Simple, or mull over the film’s legacy with Frances McDormand and M. Emmet Walsh. These nuggets of cinematic gold not only highlight the creative mountain the team climbed but also weave a tighter web of appreciation around the film's legacy and influence. Armed with trailers, technical discussions, and a leaflet penned by Nathaniel Rich, this release isn’t merely a look back at the Coens’ debut—it’s a comprehensive masterclass on the making of a film that redefined a genre.

The auditory journey through 'Trolls Band Together' is no less extraordinary, with a Dolby Atmos track that engulfs the senses in the film's celebratory soundtrack, making every note of 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' and 'Bombastic' pulse with life. It transforms your space into the heart of the festival, enveloping you in an immersive cocoon of sound where dialogues pierce through the vivacity with clarity, while the bass and beats demand your toes to tap. Sure, the Atmos mix might not reach the mountains climbed by its predecessor, grappling with volume levels that play hard to get, but it stitches a narrative that's both immersive and intricate, where every echo is a story and every song an anthem, enhancing the cinematic aroma with panoramic echoes and heart-thumping beats.

Dive deeper, and 'Trolls Band Together' unfolds like a vibrant scrapbook of extras on its 4K UHD Blu-ray canvas. It’s not merely content with being a visual stunner but insists on engaging, educating, and entertaining. With It Takes Three and a smorgasbord of deleted scenes, Universal peels back the curtain to reveal the magic behind the animation, offering not just a sneak peek but an immersive tour of the creative powerhouse that birthed this visual spectacle. The inclusion of How-To sessions, from sketching your favorite troll to crafting Hug Time bracelets, and voice acting shenanigans, presents a treasure trove for the curious, the fans, and the creators-in-the-making, turning every extra feature into a portal to the dazzling, imaginative world of Trolls.

While the visual spectacle dazzles, the audio experience of Varsity Blues on 4K UHD straddles the line between legacy and limitation. Retaining its original Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack from earlier releases, the soundscape delivers clear dialogue and effective sound separation that faithfully preserves the film's auditory soul. However, it's here the ball gets dropped. The surround sound fails to fully encapsulate the roar of the stadium or the thunderous claps of football glory, leaving a void where immersive depth should reign. It's like a playbook filled with potential yet executed with a cautious adherence to the past, rendering pivotal moments of high stakes action oddly muted. The mix is solid, yes, but like a quarterback with untested arm strength - it opts for safety over the thrill of the long pass.

The extras accompanying Varsity Blues’ 4K UHD debut play like a well-orchestrated halftime show, offering layers of insight into the film's creation. Paramount’s inclusion of a Blu-ray disc packed with featurettes and directorial commentary feels like a victory lap for enthusiasts, fleshing out the behind-scenes-playbook with segments like Football is a Way of Life and QB Game Analysis. These extras not only deepen the appreciation for the film but also bridge the gap between its original late '90s spirit and today's evolved cinema landscape. While the special features may not break new ground, they enrich the 4K experience, underscoring Varsity Blues' transition from quintessential teen flick to a collector-worthy artifact, appealing to cinephiles eager to dive into the ethos of American high school football culture, thus rounding off a release that might not clinch the championship, but surely makes the playoffs.

The auditory adventure doesn't disappoint either; with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, 'Kindergarten Cop' ensures you don't miss a single chuckle or whisper. From the thunderous opening titles to the cacophony of a lively classroom, the soundstage widens, inviting us into a world where each giggle and squeal plays a key role. Although the audio occasionally stumbles with misplaced effects, creating a somewhat front-heavy mix, it largely wraps viewers in a warm, engaging blanket of sound. Randy Edelman’s score, a delightful dance of suspense and whimsy, benefits from the upscale, enveloping us in an auditory experience perfectly in sync with the on-screen action and laughter.

Diving into the extras feels a bit like show-and-tell with Arnold himself—charming and surprisingly insightful. The double dose of audio commentaries provides a rich narrative backdrop, analyzing everything from the cultural significance to the quirks of Schwarzenegger's career. While the disc may shy away from an overflowing sandbox of special features, its curated selection, including a crystal-clear trailer and a gallery of Kino Lorber classics, adds depth to the viewing experience, making this 4K UHD release stand out. Though it may have benefited from a physique as bulky as Schwarzenegger's in terms of additional content, the thoughtful commentaries and crisp trailer more than make this a memorable jaunt back to school.

The resonating might of 'Conan the Barbarian's' auditory landscape in this 4K UHD presentation is a masterstroke, with the Dolby Atmos track leading the charge. It transforms Basil Poledouris' unforgettable score into an enveloping tempest, with choirs and orchestras stretching across channels, wrapping us in a cocoon of high-fantasy audial grandeur. While rooted deeply in its original monaural heritage, this remastered sound garden blooms with clarity, bringing forward the clang of steel and the softest whispers of treachery with equal finesse. The mix, though front-focused, dances tastefully with ambient sounds, crafting a soundscape that both honors and transcends its origins. This auditory feast serves as a harmonious counterpart to the spectacle, ensuring every aspect of Conan’s quest feels as epic and immersive as intended.

Beyond the breathtaking resurrection of picture and sound lies the true heart of the 'Conan the Barbarian' 4K release—a trove of extras that transforms this edition into a relic worthy of Crom himself. With audio insights from titans like John Milius and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to new interviews that pull back the curtain on the film's legacy, fans are invited to venture deeper into the Hyborian Age than ever before. The inclusion of Isolated Score Track and on-set documentaries not only celebrates Conan’s cinematic journey but also honors Basil Poledouris' legendary score, ensuring his musical prowess continues to echo through the ages. Arrow Video’s package is an exquisite map leading enthusiasts through the making, mythology, and enduring allure of this titan of the sword-and-sorcery genre, making it an indispensable artifact for both long-time disciples and freshly minted followers alike.

While the visual venture might stumble into booby-traps, the audio paths tread with a bit more caution and success. Dual DTS-HD Master Audio tracks lay out a soundscape where the old and new harmonize; the 2.0 mix, true to the film’s roots, channels the whispers and winds of yesteryears with a rustic, if somewhat inconsistent authenticity. Venture a step further into the cavern with the 5.1 surround mix and immerse yourself in a realm where the ambient terror doesn't just flank you - it envelops, with the creature’s pursuit becoming all the more palpable. While the trail sometimes vanishes into thin air with high-pitched missteps, these audio experiences provide a relatively reliable torch guiding fans through the darkness of this subterranean horror fest.

The shining gem in this cavernous undertaking is, without a doubt, the cache of extras that Kino Lorber has thoughtfully mapped out. With audio commentaries spanning from the original crew’s retrospective journey to new anecdotes, fans are taken by the hand through the film’s eerie corridors by those who built them. ‘The Man Who Made The Boogens’ stands as a monument to the practical effects magic of the era, offering insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creature that still, despite its eventual comical reveal, holds a place in the pantheon of horror oddities. This trove, brimming with archival delights and reverent nods to the fans, encapsulates the true spirit of ‘The Boogens’: a creature feature that, for all its flaws, still manages to elicit love and dedication from those bewitched by its odd charm.

Silent Night's Dolby Atmos track flirts with silence in an elaborate dance, weaving Marco Beltrami’s hauntingly atmospheric score with a sparse, nearly absent dialogue. The careful amalgamation of sounds — from the unnerving quiet of Brian’s solitude to the thunderous roar of gunfights — pings through the room with precision, using the environs not as mere backdrop but as a canvas for auditory storytelling. Yet, in its ambition, the film's sound design teeters on a fine line, at times enveloping the viewer in a chilling embrace, while in others, it seems to let the cacophony of revenge drown out the subtleties that silence could have portrayed. This Atmos experience, with its highs and lows, nonetheless crafts an intriguing soundscape that's almost as audacious as the film's dialogue-free premise.

Peeling back the silent shroud enveloping Silent Night, the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition endeavours to add layers to its sombre tale with a smattering of extras. Actions Speak Louder Than Words emerges as the beacon, shedding light on the creative odyssey of crafting a narrative bereft of spoken dialogue. Though brief, this glimpse behind the curtain offered by the cast and crew, accompanied by the theatrical trailer, enriches the enigmatic allure of Woo's silent yet explosive world. Encased within a visually striking SteelBook that's as enigmatic as the film's narrative, these extras, albeit limited, furnish an intriguing silhouette to the movie's raw, innovative cinematic expression. Though not teeming with content, what's offered accents the film's unique appeal, presenting a package as compelling and perplexing as Brian Godlock’s silent war against those who wronged him.

The auditory accompaniment of Scarlet Street is as meticulously curated as its visuals, with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that ensures every dialogue and sinister whisper cuts through the air with clarity. It’s a soundscape that, while belonging to another era with its respectful mono track, is devoid of the expected auditory wear—no hiss or crackle to detract from Hans J. Salter’s compelling score. And let’s not overlook the enrichments HDR/Dolby Vision brings to Lang's noir, deepening the dark and illuminating the intricacies of this morally complex narrative; every shadow hides a secret, every highlight reveals a motive, casting Edward G. Robinson and Joan Bennett in an entirely new, dramatic light that only 4K can unmask.

The extras in this 4K Blu Ray package are a cinephile's dream, with commentaries that peel back the layers of Lang's masterpiece, diving into its noir depths. Imogen Sara Smith offers insights that connect Scarlet Street not only to its inspirations but also to its impact on the genre, while David Kalat furnishes a fascinating exploration of Lang's technique and the film's thematic resilience. It’s a slight lament that a trailer or a featurette with noir gurus like Eddie Muller wasn't included, but these omissions hardly detract from the wealth contained within. With every inclusion, from the critical commentaries to the choice of omitting digital overcorrections, Kino Lorber has fashioned not just a restoration but an homage to both Lang and the enduring legacy of noir itself.

Auditory aficionados are met with a choice between the crisp clarity of an LPCM 2.0 Mono track and the ambitious breadth of a Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo mix on the Cutting Class 4K release. The mono mix, while ostensibly limited by its single-channel nature, delivers a surprisingly full-bodied affair where dialogue and synth-driven scores share the stage uncluttered. Conversely, the stereo mix, despite its conceptual promise of a wider stage, encounters pitfalls of compression that might leave purists pondering the compromise. Regardless of choice, the film's soundscape invites viewers into a meticulously engineered auditory experience that is as reflective of its time as it is of modern restoration capabilities, complete with optional English subtitles for inclusive cinematic indulgence.

Diving into the depths of Cutting Class on 4K UHD Blu-ray unveils a curated collectible's dream, albeit leaning heavily on the supplementary 1080p disc. Highlights include Un-Cutting Class, Jill Schoelen's deep-dive interview, and Donovan Makes the Cut, offering insights from Donovan Leitch. The 'Kill Comparisons' stand out for forensic fans, dissecting the nuances between unrated and R-rated carnage. Though the extras' cavern may seem lightly furnished, the inclusion of a nostalgically driven 'Find the Killer VHS Contest' ties the bow on a package that, while it might not rewrite the slasher manual, offers a heartwarming nod to the film's place in genre history, complemented by tangible collectibles like a reversible poster and a slipcover.

Complementing the visual spectacle, Arrow Video's sorcerers have conjured a Dolby Atmos soundtrack from the film's original mono elements, enveloping the listener in an auditory landscape as vast as Conan's quests. The meticulous balance of atmospheric ambiance, including environmental sounds and crumbling debris, immerses you headfirst into the action. Basil Poledouris' iconic score, now sprawling across the height channels, invites you on a captivating journey—each note a step further into the narrative. With optional English subtitles ensuring none of the tale escapes you, this passage through auditory enhancement offers a beacon of how technology can breathe new life into classic adventures, making the clash of swords and the whisper of wind an orchestra of immersive sound.

Arrow Video's release of Conan the Destroyer emerges as a cornucopia of riches for aficionados, presenting extras that traverse beyond mere behind-the-scenes. The disc boasts an opulent array of soundtracks, ceremonies led by Paul M. Sammon and Richard Fleischer, among others, casting a spell of insight into the creation of this epic. From the hallowed halls of production design to the mystical realms of costume crafting, each featurette invites fans into the heart of the saga. Combined with isolated score tracks, fan treasures like a double-sided poster and collectors’ postcards, Arrow ensures this edition is not just a restoration but a celebration of Conan's enduring legacy—one that commands a place of honor in the annals of fantasy-adventure cinema.

Slip into the auditory layers of Trainspotting's 4K edition, and the beats of its iconic soundtrack—be it house, techno, or Britpop—pulse with a newfound vibrance, thanks to the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This sonic uplift not only honors the film's aural heritage but accentuates its narrative depth, embedding you directly into the whirlwind lives of Renton and his cohorts. The remastering diligence ensures every thump and whisper is felt, with dialogue crisply sailing over the accents, ensuring no emotional nuance is left adrift. It’s an immersive soundscape that, despite sharpening the dialogue and music, welcomes you to flick on those subtitles during the thickest Scottish brogues, preserving the film's gritty authenticity.

Criterion's Trainspotting package doesn't skimp on the goods, curating an extras roster that caters to both nostalgia savants and curious newcomers. The archival commentary by Boyle and McGregor serves as a rollicking time machine, while the 'Designing' and 'Listening' featurettes offer fresh insights into the film's aesthetic and auditory allure. Peek behind the curtain with 'Memories of Trainspotting' and 'Off the Rails', enriching the canonical lore of Boyle's masterpiece. The inclusion of vibrant new content, alongside treasured archival materials and that irresistible glow-in-the-dark packaging, cements this release as an essential keepsake. Whether you're here for the technical marvels or the behind-the-scenes banter, this edition of Trainspotting on 4K UHD Blu-ray straps you in for a fully-loaded cinematic ride, nostalgia in tow.

Audibly, Severin's release dances with a dual track approach, offering both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo option, meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in the horror classic’s unnerving world. Hovering over these selections is the ghost of the original film’s mono track, notably absent and lamented by purists. Nonetheless, the presented audio mixes engrave every scream, whisper, and eerie silence into the experience, with Jack Eric Williams's haunting score swelling in newfound glory. This auditory landscape, while occasionally spreading spoken words slightly too thin, racks up points for ambition, ensnaring viewers in a web of suspense punctuated by ambient nuances from street noise to sinister aircraft sounds.

Beyond the restored film, the extras on 'Nightmare’s' 4K UHD Blu-ray edition unfurl like hidden chapters from an arcane grimoire, each featurette and interview deepening the legend behind its infamous reputation. Highlights include diverse audio commentaries, shedding light on both the tricks and trials of indie filmmaking, and exclusive interviews with director Romano Scavolini that dive headfirst into the movie's convoluted legacy. While the absence of the original mono mix casts a slight shadow over this collector’s dream, the ensemble of extra content—from behind-the-scenes revelations to an educational documentary on David Hamilton-Grant—ensures that 'Nightmare' is not just watched but thoroughly explored. This package, replete with Severin Films’ commitment to both quantity and quality, enriches the flesh around the bones of 'Nightmare’s' projection onto 4K UHD, rendering it a must-have for aficionados and new voyeurs of horror cinema.

But wait, the tale doesn't end with visuals alone. The auditory landscape of 'Lone Star' receives a masterful touch-up with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, carefully extracted from the original 35mm three-track magnetics. This isn't just about hearing the wind or the solitary crack of a gunshot; it's about feeling each layer of this atmospherically rich world Sayles constructs. Ambient sounds, chatter, and the subdued yet poignant score come together in a symphony of sound that lacks nothing, despite the theoretical allure of a more myriad Atmos mix. It's a testament to the prowess behind the mix, proving that even in a 2.0 setup, the depth and dimension of 'Lone Star's' soundscape can envelop and immerse, making every echoed word and distant bar-room laugh a piece of the storytelling fabric.

Criterion doesn’t skimp on the extras, although you'll find the treasure trove resides not on the 4K UHD disc but alongside it on a dedicated Blu-ray. Therein lies a heartfelt conversation between John Sayles and Gregory Nava, exploring the nooks and crannies of 'Lone Star’s' creation, alongside Stuart Dryburgh’s cinematographic revelations. While the collection of bonuses might lean on the leaner side, the richness of dialogue and the window into the film's soulful cinematography offer a goldmine for enthusiasts eager to dive deeper. Coupled with a vintage trailer and a thoughtfully penned Past is Present essay, the package, though not vast, is mighty in spirit, paralleling the film's nuanced exploration of identity and legacy within the mirage of the American dream.

Immerse yourself in the auditory essence of Oldboy, enhanced through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that marries crisp dialogue with the bellowing depths of its iconic action sequences. Subtle yet profound, the meticulous sound design envelops viewers, thrusting them squarely into Oh Dae-su’s relentless pursuit of truth, underscored by an LFE channel that conveys every thud and scream with shocking clarity. As environmental sounds cascade from the rear speakers, crafting an intoxicatingly immersive soundscape, you’re not merely watching Park Chan-wook’s vision unfold—you’re living within it. This auditory masterpiece, despite minor moments of dialogue imprecision, complements the film’s evocative power, rendering Oldboy a sensory journey that is as relentless as it is captivating.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Oldboy does more than just dazzle with its audiovisual mastery; it invites enthusiasts on an exploratory dive into the film’s heart through a treasure trove of extras. Encased in a sleek clothbound slipcase, and accompanied by a 68-page book and collector cards, this edition is a testament to Decal's commitment to delivering a premium cinematic experience. Featuring not just one, but three riveting audio commentaries, and a myriad of behind-the-scenes glimpses, including the revered Autobiography of Oldboy documentary, this release sets a benchmark in collector's editions. For the dedicated aficionado, bridging this release with Arrow’s might pose a tantalizing quest, yet as it stands, Decal’s rendition offers a profound, standalone homage to Park Chan-wook’s unmatched storytelling.