June 2024 4K and Blu-ray Roundup: Part 2 of 2

Just when you thought the visuals were enough, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire smashes expectations with its Dolby Atmos audio track. The multidimensional soundscape literally pulls you into the frosty chaos with every creak of ice and roar of proton beams. Sony’s Atmos mix is a symphony of spatial precision, from the hypnotic overhead echoes of falling icicles to the rich LFE support during seismic activities. Dialogue remains crisp and clear, ensuring no poltergeist banter gets lost amidst the spectral cacophony. Extra layers of directional effects consume you, whether you're in New York’s bustling streets or among ethereal whispers from beyond.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire doesn’t skimp on its behind-the-scenes treasures. With stellar featurettes like Return to the Firehouse and Busting: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire, fans are treated to over an hour of backstage magic. Gil Kenan’s solo audio commentary sprinkles detailed insights and a touch of nostalgia. Despite some EPK-centric moments, these extras paint a vivid picture of creative passions. However, the film itself is a mixed bag—it shines with vibrant visuals and sonic excellence but stumbles through a tepid plot and crowded character roster. Nonetheless, this 4K UHD release is a must for fans seeking a high-quality home viewing experience.

The audio journey of Blue Velvet on this 4K UHD release engulfs you in its eerie ambiance with English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks. Both tracks, restored and refined from their initial Blu-ray editions, maintain impeccable dialogue clarity alongside Angelo Badalamenti’s haunting score, rendered with spine-chilling precision. The 5.1 track particularly stands out, weaving Jeffrey’s descent into darkness with immersive sound cues and environmental nuances that accentuate every sinister whisper and unsettling noise, transforming your viewing space into a stage for this enthralling auditory journey.

The extras in Criterion’s 4K UHD release are nothing short of a cinephile’s treasure chest. Although the 4K disc focuses solely on the film, the included Blu-ray is brimming with Lynch-curated features that dive deep into Blue Velvet's enigmatic world. Highlights encompass The Lost Footage, a collection of deleted scenes that unveil alternate facets of the narrative, and Blue Velvet Revisited, an archival production documentary by Peter Braatz. Additional gems like It's a Strange World and Room to Dream provide unparalleled insights into Lynch’s creative psyche. This comprehensive package makes this edition invaluable for both new viewers and die-hard fans eagerly seeking to unravel the film's artistic layers.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray transfer shines with a crisp 2160p resolution and HDR10 that showcases the lush greens of riverside scenes and the deep hues within brutal fight dens. Even gritty urban landscapes are rendered with breathtaking detail. The Dolby Atmos track complements the stunning visuals with an enveloping soundscape that includes precise directionality and rich bass during high-intensity sequences. Music and ambient sounds faithfully recreate bustling streets and cavernous underground settings, enhancing viewer immersion. Dialogue remains clear and centered, while height channels create an extra layer of spatial awareness, pulling audiences deeper into the narrative.

The release brims with engaging bonuses on its included 1080p Blu-ray disc. Noteworthy extras include alternate openings and endings, deleted scenes, and insightful featurettes that explore the film's development, action choreography, and character motivations. Dev Patel’s audio commentary stands out, offering candid insights into the production's highs and lows, particularly the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, “Monkey Man” is a must-have for action enthusiasts and cinephiles alike. The impeccable 4K transfer and immersive Dolby Atmos audio make this release highly recommended for any collector.

In step with its visual prowess, the Dolby Atmos audio track for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare envelopes you in a sonic battlefield. This sound mix weaves an auditory tapestry where gunfire zigzags across channels and explosions resonate with heart-pounding depth. Dialogue remains crisp, ensuring Henry Cavill and Eiza González's exchanges cut through the chaos with ease. The score, reminiscent of Ennio Morricone at his finest, pulses through scenes, adding layers of tension and drama. Height channels are put to excellent use, ensuring that every aerial assault and ambient noise from the battlefield above immerses you completely.

Though the extras are limited, they pack a punch. The Ministry of Filmmaking, a behind-the-scenes featurette, provides deep dives into production antics and insightful interviews from cast members like Henry Cavill and director Guy Ritchie. This valuable inclusion supplements our understanding of the film's creation, revealing on-set dynamics ranging from the Turkish locales to maritime exploits. Overall, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release shines brightly, both visually and sonically, despite lacking extensive bonus features. For fans of Ritchie's lively storytelling and bombastic flair, this disc serves up a potent blend of humor, action, and high drama.

Retaining the original Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track from its 2009 Blu-ray release, this 4K edition of South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut may not offer modern surround enhancements but still provides a solid auditory experience. The mix is predominantly front-heavy, emphasizing clear dialogue and robust musical numbers, particularly shining during Kenny's descent into Hell. While rear channels provide limited atmospheric cues and dynamics stay mostly restrained outside of key sequences, this audio treatment aligns well with the film’s original aesthetic. The inclusion of English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles adds accessibility options for a wider audience.

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut's 4K UHD release offers a modest selection of extras, mostly ported from previous editions. Highlights include audio commentary by creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, delivering humorous anecdotes and insights into the film's production. A karaoke-style Sing-A-Long Edition injects fun but lacks a subtitle toggle option. Additional perks like the nostalgic What Would Brian Boitano Do? music video and theatrical trailers reside on the included 1080p Blu-ray disc rather than the 4K disc, which might irk purists but still provides a nostalgic glimpse into this animated cult classic.

The newly remastered DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track in this release is akin to attending a live Prince concert transported through time. While the film's original Dolby Stereo mix is also available in 2.0 DTS-HD MA for the purists, it’s in the dynamic and immersive 5.1 mix where the magic truly happens. From the throbbing basslines of 'Let's Go Crazy' to the haunting echoes of 'The Beautiful Ones,' every note reverberates with a newfound depth. Though the mix is predominantly front-heavy, creating an immersive concert-like experience, the seamless integration of crowd noises and ambient sounds from First Avenue club scenes deftly brings Minneapolis's nightlife to your living room.

Warner Bros. serves up a bittersweet array of extras that might leave some fans lamenting the absence of certain cherished features from prior editions. Included are a plethora of music videos like Let's Go Crazy and When Doves Cry, but notable absences like the 'Purple Rain: Backstage Pass' might have some collectors holding onto older releases. Still, the valuable commentary by director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo, and cinematographer Donald Thorin sheds light on behind-the-scenes intricacies, maintaining the legacy of this cultural milestone. Despite these omissions, the eye-popping 2160p HDR10 visuals and revamped audio mix make this iteration a definitive visual-serenade that ensures 'Purple Rain' continues to dazzle on our screens.

Shout Select's release beckons audiophiles with a treasure trove of auditory delights, including a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix that reshapes the film’s soundscape. This mix, coupled with Dolby TrueHD 7.1 compatibility, introduces a new layer of overhead effects that becomes particularly immersive during the electrifying third act at the Strand Theater. Military helicopters and jets gain newfound prominence, supplementing Dante's atmospheric spectacle with aural grandeur. Additionally, the long-standing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix holds its ground admirably, while Jerry Goldsmith’s cinematic score envelops listeners, enhancing each moment from heartwarming dialogues to action-packed sequences.

Matinee's 4K release is a cinephile's dream with its wealth of bonus features. From the commentary by critics Drew McWeeny and Eric Vespe to insightful interviews with stars like Kellie Martin and David Clennon, fans gain comprehensive access behind the scenes. Director Joe Dante’s extensive chat in Paranoia in Ant Vision and detailed discussions by Cathy Moriarty and Lisa Jakub enhance our understanding and appreciation of this love letter to mid-20th century pop culture. Though missing certain extras such as Mant! due to rights issues, this package still stands as a must-have, encapsulating the film’s nostalgic yet dynamic essence of the early silver screen era.

The sonic journey 'American Gigolo' embarks on with its 4K UHD release is nothing short of aural bliss. Presented in LPCM Mono, LPCM 2.0 Stereo, and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, the film caters to every audiophile's preference. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track particularly stands out, enveloping viewers in Giorgio Moroder’s iconic score and bringing outdoor ambient effects to life through an expansive soundstage. While the Mono mix offers tighter dialogue delivery, the Stereo mix unfolds with an organic depth that enriches the overall experience—ensuring Moroder's pulsating synth beats echo through every scene.

American Gigolo doesn’t just shine in its audiovisual overhaul; it thrives with a buffet of extras that make this release indispensable. From Adrian Martin's insightful commentary to interviews with Schrader and standout cast members like Hector Elizondo and Bill Duke, viewers are treated to a comprehensive exploration of the film's making. The edition is adorned with a luxurious physical package, including a booklet with new and archival writings, postcard-sized art cards, and a double-sided poster. If Arrow Video’s commitment to quality was ever in question, this release answers with a resounding, visually-stunning affirmation.