Some Like It Hot 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Some Like It Hot" presents an outstanding video quality that builds upon the impressive 4K restoration introduced by the Criterion Collection. This release brings the classic film into the native 4K realm with exceptional clarity, enriching the black-and-white cinematography captured by Charles Lang. Utilizing the original camera negative and graded in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the grayscale balance across the film has been significantly improved. Scenes, such as the yacht sequence between Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis, showcase a richer and more nuanced visual depth, with darker areas revealing enhanced textures and contrasts not previously noticeable in 1080p versions. The transition between different shots exhibits a refined fluidity, attributing to a more cohesive viewing experience.

The technical prowess of this release shines through its handling of grain, detail, and overall image stability. Grain exposure is masterfully handled, appearing tighter and contributing to the overall detailed presentation without compromising the film’s original aesthetics. Despite minor imperfections like optical transitions and extremely slight scratches, the film remains visually impeccable, preserving its historical charm. The Dolby Vision grading, in particular, escalates the film's shadow details to a new level, adding substantial depth and dimensionality across various scenes. This enhancement breathes life into the classic, with close-ups and textures thriving under this nuanced visual treatment.

In summary, Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD release of "Some Like It Hot" exhibits a meticulous restoration that honors the original film while leveraging modern technology to enhance its visual presentation. The balanced grayscale, superior detail in both bright and dark scenes, along with a commendable grain management, culminate in a viewing experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. This release proves to be a definitive version for enthusiasts seeking the utmost fidelity in classic cinema restoration, setting a high benchmark for future re-releases of vintage films.

The audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Some Like It Hot" offers viewers a choice between two robust DTS-HD Master Audio tracks: a 2.0 Mono and a more immersive 5.1 surround sound option. Both tracks come with optional English subtitles to enhance the viewing experience. While the 5.1 option aims to satisfy those seeking a more enveloping soundscape, adding dimension to Adolph Deutsch’s score and creating a natural spatial distribution across the front soundstage, it is the 2.0 Mono track that stands out for its surprising depth and clarity, providing a solid, unfiltered audio experience without any encoding issues.

The audio clarity across both formats is commendable, ensuring dialogue remains front and center, crisp and undistorted. In scenes laden with action or music, such as Lemmon’s maraca shaking or Monroe’s iconic performances of "Runnin’ Wild" and "I Wanna Be Loved By You," the mix carefully balances sound elements to prevent any overshadowing. The Mono track, despite its singular dimension, delivers a broader and more pulsating soundscape compared to its contemporaries, whereas the 5.1 track allows for a more dynamic distribution of sound, especially noticeable in action sequences where the smooth transition of vehicles across channels adds an engaging layer of realism to the chase scenes.

Both audio presentations showcase the film’s age with respect and grace, maintaining an overall pleasing crispness that belies its vintage, supported by a sturdy bass presence in Lemmon’s instrumentals. Although there's a slight static in some scenes and the mix could be perceived as slightly low, these minor flaws do not detract from an audio experience that successfully marries the classic charm of the original recordings with the depth and clarity afforded by modern audio remastering techniques.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras of "Some Like It Hot" are a treasure trove for cinephiles, offering an in-depth exploration into the film's production, its legacy, and the creative forces behind it. The disc includes two insightful audio commentaries: a new commentary by Joseph McBride, packed with details on Billy Wilder's work and Marilyn Monroe's iconic performance, and an archival commentary featuring Paul Diamond and screenwriters Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, enriched with interviews from key cast members. Additionally, the disc provides a comprehensive look at the film's making, its impact, and personal reminisces from the cast, presented through various featurettes and interviews. This collection not only delves into the technical aspects and challenges of the production but also pays homage to I.A.L. Diamond, enriching the experience with a blend of historical context and personal anecdotes, thereby extending its appeal beyond mere entertainment to serve as an educational resource for fans and students of film alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: A detailed audio commentary by Joseph McBride on the film's conception and production.
• Commentary Two: An archival audio commentary that includes interviews with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.
• Trailer: A vintage promotional trailer for "Some Like It Hot".
• The Making of Some Like It Hot: A featurette detailing the production process.
• The Legacy of Some Like it Hot: Explores the film's lasting impact.
• Memories from the Sweet Sues: Personal recollections from the cast.
• Nostalgic Look Back: A conversation between Tony Curtis and Leonard Maltin.
• Billy Wilder and Volker Schlondorff Discuss Some Like It Hot: In-depth discussion on the production challenges.
• More with Billy Wilder and Volker Schlondorff: Further comments on Marilyn Monroe and audience expectations.
• Tribute to I.A.L. Diamond: A segment honoring the screenwriter.

Billy Wilder's "Some Like It Hot," a classic gem from 1959, receives a stunning presentation on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber. The film, renowned for breaking cinematic and sexual mores of its era, is enhanced by a host of supplemental features including a new audio commentary by Joseph McBride and archival materials that delve into its making. This release ensures that the film's sharp wit, unparalleled acting by Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, and Wilder's precise direction are showcased at their absolute best, preserved for both aficionados and newcomers alike.

The movie itself, set against the backdrop of Chicago amidst prohibition and the looming Great Depression, masterfully intertwines a tale of crime with farcical gender comedy. By employing a narrative that sees its male leads disguise as women to escape mafia retribution, it ventures into flirtatious territories, challenging the conservative boundaries set by the Motion Picture Production Code of the time. Its presentation in pristine 4K enhances these thematic elements, providing a visual clarity that allows its black and white cinematography to shine, encapsulating the age while refreshing its timeless appeal.

Technically, this release does justice to Wilder's meticulous craftsmanship. From the dynamic, situation-driven comedy which eschews obvious gags for more nuanced humor to the management of a rhythm that keeps the narrative flowing without ever feeling disjointed, despite the numerous locales and concurrent plotlines. The restoration works to ensure that the film’s visual identity remains intact, while also breathing new life into its rich textures and deep contrasts. This 4K UHD presentation not only commemorates the ingenuity of Wilder and his team but also reaffirms "Some Like It Hot" as an indispensable masterpiece, whose exploration of themes like gender identity and societal norms remains as relevant and provocative today.

Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot transcends the term "classic," embodying a cinematic experience that shines through its phenomenal casting, stellar direction, and an unforgettable script. This film captures Hollywood's golden era's magic with an unparallel blend of humor, wit, and charm, showcasing the apex of the talents involved. Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray rendition of this masterpiece does an admirable job of presenting the movie in its recent 4K restoration glory. While it boasts a selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features, the absence of Dick Cavett's invaluable interview with Billy Wilder stands out as a notable omission. However, the depth and quality of the included extras should still satisfy most enthusiasts and collectors, preserving the essence of what makes this film a pivotal piece of cinematic history.

The release underscores Some Like It Hot's stature as one of the finest screwball comedies ever produced, even outside its original epoch. The components of visual gags, impeccable casting, and brisk storytelling are expertly interwoven, demonstrating Wilder's unmatched prowess in elevating a sitcom-level premise into a full-bodied cinematic treasure. The 4K Blu-ray enhances every frame, revealing the meticulous details and nuanced performances that have made this film timeless. Despite some missing pieces in its collection of extra content, the presentation remains commendable for its clarity, commitment to authenticity, and its contribution to preserving film heritage.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Some Like It Hot is an essential acquisition for cinephiles and collectors alike. Its exceptional restoration, combined with a robust though incomplete set of special features, captures the enduring allure and significance of this cinematic gem. While it might not cover every desired aspect comprehensively—most notably the absence of the Dick Cavett interview with Billy Wilder—the overall package still provides a deeply satisfying experience that both honors and elevates one of Hollywood's truly exceptional films. Highly recommended for those seeking to experience or rediscover the magic that makes Some Like It Hot a genuine classic in every sense of the word.