South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" presents an impressive visual upgrade from previous versions, despite the film's simplistic animation style. The new 4K master eliminates the telecine issues found in earlier DVD and Blu-ray editions. With the application of Dolby Vision HDR, color reproduction has been notably enhanced, resulting in more saturated and slightly darker tones compared to the Blu-ray. This change is especially evident in the characters' iconic wardrobe and environmental elements such as mountains and houses. Although some viewers might find these changes create a slightly different aesthetic, the overall visual quality is strikingly better in this latest iteration.

Textural details are subtly yet noticeably improved, particularly in the "construction paper" look of the animation. Black levels are robust, with no crushing or greying, maintaining a clean and stable presentation throughout. Fine lines and details remain sharp without significant edge enhancement, contributing to a crisp visual experience. A few minor issues exist, such as occasional color instability notably affecting certain characters like Satan, and instances where slight zoom-ins on the frame truncate minor visual details, but these do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

The 4K scan sourced from the original 35 mm internegative stock and new HDR grading provide subtle improvements, such as enhanced color and contrast space. The animation's inherent flatness benefits from a sharp focus consistently, with minimal noise or artifacts. Despite its few flaws and the modest nature of enhancements due to the type of animation, this 4K UHD presentation is likely the best "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" has ever looked, offering fans a visually richer experience that adheres closely to the creators' original vision.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" continues to utilize the English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track originally released in 2009. While this track might not boast the expansive qualities of modern formats such as DTS:X or Dolby Atmos, its solid sound design ensures an enjoyable listening experience. The audio is decidedly front-heavy, with a particular emphasis on dialogue which remains clear and consistent throughout the film. The surround channels are lightly engaged to provide musical ambience and occasional directional cues, though these are few and far between, resulting in a limited immersive experience. Despite its age, the track maintains good clarity and fidelity, especially during the musical numbers which benefit from strong imaging and an impactful bass response when necessary.

The overall soundstage of the Dolby TrueHD track is pleasingly wide but lacks the dynamic range that contemporary audio enthusiasts might expect. While the low-frequency extension provides adequate support during intense scenes like Kenny's descent into hell, it generally lacks consistency across other parts of the film. The rear speakers see minimal use except for select atmospheric effects and music tracks, making the audio feel somewhat dated and unambitious by today’s standards. However, the track fits well with the film's simple production style pioneered during the early seasons of "South Park." English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are also provided, further enhancing accessibility. This 4K release includes the same audio configurations as previous 2009 Blu-ray editions, ensuring a familiar auditory experience for long-time fans.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" retain the same features as the 2009 Blu-ray release. While it is somewhat frustrating that no new content has been added besides a Sing-A-Long version of the film where subtitles for songs are permanently displayed, fans still get a laugh-filled, informative audio commentary by creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. This commentary is particularly entertaining due to the inclusion of various staffers and even people who had no involvement with the film, adding a layer of humor and history. Additionally, the extras feature the beloved "What Would Brian Boitano Do?" music video and multiple trailers. All these materials are housed on the bundled 1080p Blu-ray disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• Sing-A-Long Edition: Karaoke-style song lyrics during the feature.
• Audio Commentary with Matt Stone and Trey Parker: Insightful and humorous track.
• What Would Brian Boitano Do Music Video: A punk version by D.V.D.A.
• Teaser Trailer: Promotional clip.
• Theatrical Trailers: Various trailers for the film.

Released in 1999, "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" brought the crude and satirical charm of the TV series to the big screen in an R-rated, uncensored format. Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s feature-length debut for the infamous animated quartet—Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman—takes an irreverent look at American culture, politics, and censorship. Fans of the show find the film a nostalgic trip back to its earlier years, well before the long-running series would pivot more towards topical event episodes. Despite some opinions that its shock value has dimmed over 25 years of increased exposure to crude humor, the movie remains engagingly offensive, often hilariously so, while pushing boundaries wherever it can.

The plot hinges on the boys' misadventures in sneaking into an R-rated movie starring their favorite Canadian comedians, Terrance and Philip, leading to a war between the United States and Canada. The subplots include Kenny's descent into Hell where Satan grapples with relationship issues involving Saddam Hussein. "South Park" lampoons conservative censorship groups with scathing critiques on America’s obsession with violence over vulgarity. The film's array of musical numbers, like “Blame Canada” and “What Would Brian Boitano Do?,” showcases Parker and Stone’s penchant for sharp-witted songwriting—a precursor to their later successes on Broadway.

Technically, the movie's 4K UHD presentation shines, with digital restoration breathing new life into the animation’s vibrant colors and unapologetically raw visual style. The sound design benefits from the upgrade as well, providing crisp audio for the hilarious and often outrageously offensive dialogue. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" not only holds its own as a piece of comedic cinema but continues to reflect relevant critiques of societal hypocrisy—the perfect blend of nostalgia and enduring humor.

"South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut," now in its 25th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition, remains a landmark in satirical animation, despite some missed opportunities. The new 4K transfer is the highlight, showcasing enhanced detail and resolution, although some subtle changes in the color palette might not align perfectly with long-time fans’ expectations. The recycled Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, though robust, feels somewhat dated. Furthermore, the lack of new special features or an updated commentary track is disappointing for an anniversary release.

Paramount’s decision not to include additional supplements limits the appeal for collectors who hoped for more comprehensive content. While the visual enhancements are modest but noticeable, they may not be sufficient to sway casual viewers who already own previous Blu-Ray editions. That said, the movie's humor and irreverence still shine through, making it an engaging watch for dedicated fans of "South Park" and its brand of satire.

In conclusion, while this 4K release may not fully capitalize on its potential, it delivers the primary upgrade fans were seeking - improved visual quality. Perhaps it’s nostalgia from growing up with "South Park," but this release still holds a special place for many. Paramount has done a notable job on the new master and 4K encode; however, the barebones nature of the disc might leave some wanting. For avid fans, this edition is worthy of the shelf space; for others, it may be a purchase better made on sale.