The Hunted 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Hunted" is a significant upgrade, sourced from a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative, enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with HEVC (H.265), this 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 presentation realizes the film's visuals with unprecedented clarity and depth. This remaster unveils striking new detail in Caleb Deschanel's cinematography, with landscapes and pivotal set pieces such as the fiery battlefields appearing more vibrant and visually compelling than on previous formats. Black levels are profound, maintaining excellent visibility in shadows, while the wide color gamut (WCG) adoption ensures the natural tones of snow-capped forests and lush greenery shine with newfound richness.

The 4K rendition capitalizes on dynamic range enhancements, bringing scenes to life with highly balanced brightness and contrast alongside crisp, clean whites and vivid specular highlights. Facial textures appear incredibly resolved, adding depth and authenticity to character portrayals. Despite minor softness in certain digitally composed shots, likely a product of the original optical compositing process, the imagery remains a testament to the film’s high-fidelity crafting. Color reproduction is robust, with vividly saturated primaries and nuanced secondary hues that contribute to an engaging visual palette, rated highly at 88/100.

In comparison to the 1080p Blu-ray included in the combo pack, the native 4K version delivers a substantially refined viewing experience. While the Blu-ray offers strong delineation and color accuracy in itself, only when viewed alongside its 4K counterpart does it reveal its limitations in sharpness and definition on wider panoramic takes. Still, for those restricted to Blu-ray capabilities, the 1080p result is impressive, retaining much of the film's cinematic allure. Overall, the 4K presentation elevates "The Hunted" to a reference standard for home video.

The Hunted's 4K UHD Blu-ray offers exceptional audio tracks in both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 formats, with optional English SDH subtitles. The absence of Dolby Atmos might be noted, but the robust strengths of these tracks solidly compensate, providing an engaging and dynamic audio experience. The richly layered 5.1 mix is particularly noteworthy, originally supervised by or under the watchful eye of William Friedkin, ensuring authenticity to the film's theatrical release. The soundstage is wide and immersive, delivering clear and coherent dialogue across the frontal channels, from Johnny Cash’s haunting narration to the intense exchanges between protagonists.

The expertly mixed audio enhances the cinematic experience substantially. Bryan Tyler’s atmospheric score provides compelling and propulsive accompaniment without overshadowing the meticulously detailed sound effects. Action sequences bristle with intensity; gunfire and explosions fill the multichannel mix, immersing viewers thoroughly in the unfolding drama. The array of sounds from crashing waterfalls to the minute details of woodland settings amplify the film's tension and ambiance, with LFE elements contributing a potent atmospheric depth.

Balancing clarity and impact, this DTS-HD 5.1 track extends a dynamic range that beautifully complements the on-screen action without descending into chaotic noise. While the soundtrack is aggressive, it maintains a clean and precise delivery, gracefully integrated into a cohesive whole that respects both score and sound effects. Surround channels enhance the experience by providing a solid sonic backdrop rather than seeking to overwhelm, ensuring each thrilling moment — from high-stakes chases to visceral knife fights — resonates with full-bodied presence and excitement. Overall, this mix aligns perfectly with the film’s narrative intensity, making it a compelling component of The Hunted’s home theater presentation.

The extras included with the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Hunted" provide a rich exploration of the film's development and production intricacies, though they are largely repurposed from previous releases. William Friedkin's audio commentary is the standout feature, offering a wealth of detail on the film's origins, including the influence of tracker Tom Brown and the adaptation of the Abraham/Isaac motif. However, it occasionally veers into narration. The additional programs offer behind-the-scenes insights, while deleted scenes deliver intriguing yet expendable moments. The series of featurettes effectively delve into the film’s authentic tracking elements and stunts. These segments, albeit not groundbreaking, furnish a robust supplemental package for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival commentary by William Friedkin covering film insights and personal anecdotes.
• Pursuing The Hunted: Examination of Tom Brown's influence and skills.
• Filming The Hunted: Insights into the fast-paced production.
• Tracking The Hunted: Authenticity in tracking skills with raw footage.
• The Cutting Edge - The Hunted: Discussion on shooting difficult scenes.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes six scenes removed from the final cut.
• Trailer: Original promotional material.

William Friedkin’s "The Hunted" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents a complex blend of raw energy and technical precision, yet falls short in narrative depth and character engagement. Inspired by real-life tracker and survival expert Tom Brown Jr., it unfurls a tantalizing premise embroiled in the tensions between a rogue Special Forces veteran and his former mentor. Friedkin’s direction, renowned for its visceral intensity, shines in its meticulously choreographed action sequences and practical stunts set against the scenic backdrop of Oregon’s wilderness. The film boasts impressive close-quarters combat, particularly in knife fights that are both brutally bloody and expertly executed, ensuring a gripping watch despite its flawed storyline.

However, this gripping action is marred by a lack of cohesive storytelling and underdeveloped characters. The narrative struggles with pacing and depth, falling into predictable twists and leaving significant plot holes untouched. Benicio Del Toro’s portrayal of Aaron Hallam exudes a brooding intensity but is undermined by misaligned character motivations and dialogues. Tommy Lee Jones’ L.T. Bonham, while carrying his Fugitive-esque charm, fails to resonate beyond a one-dimensional portrayal. The film’s thematic potential — encompassing man versus nature and complex mentor-mentee dynamics — remains largely unexplored, thus diminishing its impact.

Overall, "The Hunted" finds itself as a dichotomy of Friedkin’s skillful directorial execution and script-driven shortcomings. Its enthralling setpieces are reminiscent of the director’s flair for taut thrillers, yet the absence of a solid storyline reduces its lasting appeal. While offering momentary exhilaration, this film is more an exercise in visual spectacle than narrative finesse, serving as passable entertainment for action aficionados rather than a profound cinematic journey.

William Friedkin's 2003 thriller, "The Hunted," has received a significant upgrade with Kino Lorber's 4K Ultra HD release, featuring a stunning native 4K transfer with Dolby Vision HDR. Despite its initial lackluster reception, this release reintroduces the film with remarkable visual fidelity and audio quality, thanks to its DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. While the movie itself has often been critiqued for its transparent storyline and uninspired performances set against the Pacific Northwest backdrop, the technical enhancements in this version provide an elevated viewing experience.

The new 4K presentation, a collaboration with Paramount, showcases impressive attention to restoring visual details and dynamic range that were lacking in previous editions. Though the film's narrative may fall short of gripping audiences due to its flawed execution, the precision in the transfer and immersive audio options breathe new life into Friedkin's work. Extra features from prior releases have been retained on a Region A-locked Blu-ray disc, maintaining the comprehensive supplementary package for enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "The Hunted" on 4K Blu-ray is recommended for fans who appreciate Friedkin's distinct flair for action sequences and those interested in seeing this overlooked film receive a much-deserved technical polish. The upgraded visuals and sound ensure that this release stands as a testament to boutique labels' dedication to preserving and enhancing cinematic works often neglected by major studios. While the movie might not achieve the high tension it aims for, its refined presentation offers a fresh opportunity to experience both its successes and shortcomings.