The Peacemaker 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Peacemaker" represents a significant visual upgrade, sourced from a new scan of the original 35mm camera negative and master interpositive. Shot in Super 35 using Eastman EXR 200T 5293 stock with Arriflex cameras and Zeiss lenses, the film is preserved in its original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The HDR grading (Dolby Vision and HDR10 compatible) leverages the high bitrates afforded by a 100GB disc—consistently around 70 Mbps for video—yielding a robust and finely detailed image.

This release makes the most of its source with crisp, precise sharpness and impressive color fidelity. The restoration is meticulous; grain structure remains authentically filmic without appearing overly processed. Dynamic range is especially notable in challenging sequences such as the shadowy nighttime train heist, where highlights and shadow detail coexist with remarkable clarity. Visual information is preserved even in near-total darkness, ensuring compositional intent isn’t sacrificed for the sake of aesthetic enhancement. The balance struck in HDR implementation avoids the pitfalls of excessive contrast or oversaturated grading, resulting in a natural yet visually impactful transfer that honors the original photographic style.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Peacemaker" offers robust audio presentation across both discs, featuring English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks. The 5.1 mix is carried forward from Paramount’s earlier Blu-ray, and stands out for its authentic surround design rather than a simple upmix from the film’s original stereo. This mix delivers a dynamic, enveloping soundstage: the front channels are wide and lively, while the surround channels are utilized extensively for environmental effects, musical cues, and immersive directional soundscapes. Key action sequences—such as the closing of the Russian nuke train, flyovers by aircraft and helicopters, city ambience during the New York City finale, and powerful nuclear detonations—are rendered with clarity and distinct spatial placement.

Bass response is consistently muscular, delivering strong low-frequency effects during explosions or heavy machinery sequences. Surround activity is near-constant, with satellite speakers carrying a well-balanced combination of directional gunfire, vehicle panning, and atmospheric details. Even during intense set pieces, dialogue remains crisp and intelligible, reflecting a prioritization of speech in the mix—crucial for a film with significant investigative and conversational elements. Notably, the new inclusion for this edition is the 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Optional English subtitles are provided; however, this release omits alternate language audio and subtitle tracks previously included in the Blu-ray.

The extras included with the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Peacemaker" are limited but well-curated, emphasizing newly-produced content. The highlight is a pair of audio commentaries: one features film historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, who deliver an engaging discussion about the film’s origins, DreamWorks’ early years, Spielberg’s pivotal role, and casting choices; the other is an in-depth monologue by journalist Laurence Lerman, rich with production trivia and anecdotes. The set also includes vintage stunt footage, a collection of deleted scenes, and the original theatrical trailer, offering fans deeper insight into the film's production and history, despite the overall modest supplement package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary – Steve Mitchell & Nathaniel Thompson: An in-depth conversation on DreamWorks’ founding and production insights.
• Audio Commentary – Laurence Lerman: A detailed, trivia-filled solo essay on film production and background.
• Stunt Footage: Archival behind-the-scenes stunt sequences.
• Deleted Scenes: Brief selection of excised material.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promo trailer.

The Peacemaker is a high-concept nuclear thriller launching from a vivid Cold War scenario: a Russian general hijacks decommissioned SS-18 warheads, selling them on the black market and detonating one to cover his tracks. The plot quickly escalates to a global race against time, deployed with distinctly 1990s Hollywood efficiency—less concerned with plausibility than delivering familiar thrills.

Narratively, The Peacemaker closely follows a formulaic action blueprint, echoing myriad post-Cold War techno-thrillers. Standard genre tropes abound: satellite imagery enhancement, rapid-fire computer hacking, and large-scale practical explosions. Despite a screenplay built from genre clichés, the film’s leads—George Clooney as the versatile Colonel Devoe and Nicole Kidman as Dr. Julia Kelly—inject genuine vitality into otherwise stock roles. Kidman’s arc, in particular, includes moments of realism and vulnerability, grounding the spectacle with welcome nuance. Director Mimi Leder leverages these performances effectively, allowing for more emotional resonance than typical of its class.

Technically, the film stands out for its practical effects and globe-hopping locations, making the action sequences more tangible compared to modern CGI-heavy counterparts. The movie’s 4K UHD Blu-ray edition presents it in 2160p with Dolby Vision, supported by an included Blu-ray in 1080p HD. The release favors original marketing artwork and standard packaging, with special features located on the Blu-ray disc. While The Peacemaker leans heavily into genre conventions, its practical craftsmanship and committed leads keep it engaging as a high-stakes, old-school thriller.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics’ 4K UHD release of "The Peacemaker" delivers a thoughtful upgrade for this late-1990s action thriller. While the film itself is firmly rooted in genre convention—its story and pacing would not feel out of place in the Tom Clancy universe—the production values, performances, and especially the action sequences are solid. Nicole Kidman and George Clooney anchor a narrative that is tense but grounded, with direction that avoids overindulgence while maintaining a brisk momentum.

Technically, the 4K image represents a marked improvement over prior versions. The visual presentation is crisp, offering finely detailed textures and a natural filmic aesthetic without veering into excessive stylization. Audio quality is equally robust, providing engaging dynamics that enhance both dialogue clarity and explosive action set pieces. The supplements package is somewhat limited, with the notable inclusion of two new audio commentaries, although the quantity and depth of extras may leave some viewers wanting more.

In conclusion, "The Peacemaker" on 4K UHD stands as an excellent reference disc for fans and collectors of classic action-thrillers. While the film itself may be unremarkable in originality, the technical merits of this release elevate it well above standard catalog fare. It’s an easy recommendation for those fond of late-90s high-stakes cinema or seeking a showcase for their home theater setup, even if it doesn’t break new ground as a cinematic experience.