RoboCop

Shout Factory's 4K UHD release of "RoboCop" exemplifies a robust video upgrade from its 2014 Blu-ray version with a newly remastered 4K transfer from the original digital intermediate. The HEVC H.265 encode brings exceptional detail, highlighting the textured faces of the cast and the metallic surfaces of RoboCop's suit. Costumes showcase intricate fibrous textures, while interiors and exteriors are deep and vibrant, maintaining detailed background and computer screens. Despite this, some extreme wide shots exhibit mild aliasing, and a faint moiré pattern is notably distracting around the 90-minute mark. Yet, these issues are minimal and do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.

The Dolby Vision HDR presentation further elevates the visual quality, providing impressive contrast and balance. Highlights are particularly striking, with vivid whites and radiant specular highlights that enhance the metallic sheen of RoboCop’s armor. Black levels are deep and accurate, revealing subtle gradations within darker scenes. The teal-orange cinematography benefits from rich primary colors and a vibrant array of secondary hues, enriching scenes with explosive oranges and a range of earthy tones. Natural facial complexions also stand out across the cast, resulting in a satisfying visual improvement over its HD predecessor.

In summary, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "RoboCop" offers a meticulously detailed and visually engaging experience, worthy of its original material, despite minor imperfections. The combination of increased resolution and Dolby Vision HDR delivers a marked enhancement that fans will appreciate.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix for RoboCop on this 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers an impressively active listening experience, maintaining high expectations for audiophiles and fans of the film alike. The low-end frequencies are handled proficiently, providing a satisfying rumble especially notable during machine movements and explosive violence scenes, which adds a dynamic layer to the action. Dialogue is meticulously crisp, ensuring clarity even amidst complex soundscapes. RoboCop's robotic vocal effects are preserved perfectly, enhancing the immersive experience. The soundtrack's score exhibits distinct instrumentation and supports the dramatics effectively. Surround channels are proficient in handling both the musical moods and immersive spatial audio, particularly in scenes depicting office activity and training sessions.

This DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track continues to impress with broad, expansive imaging that seamlessly moves effects across three front channels, combined with a clean, dynamic midrange that shows excellent clarity and room-filling presence. The rear activity is notably immersive, delivering exceptional directionality and flawless panning, particularly prominent during high-octane action sequences that envelop the viewer in the chaos. Subtle ambient effects during quieter moments further enhance the overall soundfield. Notably, dialogue is well-prioritized in the center channel and remains distinctly intelligible even in the midst of intense action scenes. The mix’s low-end is robust and weighty, providing thrilling, couch-shaking impacts that greatly enhance visual scenes of Murphy's battles and gunfire.

Overall, this lossless audio mix remains an outstanding feature, making RoboCop's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation a must-experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of RoboCop offers a comprehensive and insightful assortment of extras that delve deeply into the film's production design, themes, and innovative technology. Professionals from the movie, including directors, designers, and actors, provide detailed commentary on various aspects. Key highlights include in-depth examinations of the RoboCop suit's construction, weapon training sessions, unique design elements, and the modernization of the original 1987 concept. Additionally, viewers can enjoy faux commercials, deleted scenes, and theatrical trailers, all in high-definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Illusion of Free Will: A New Vision: Interviews discussing themes and technology.
• To Serve and Protect: RoboCop's Weapons: Focuses on weapon training and design.
• The RoboCop Suit: Form and Function: In-depth on suit construction and design elements.
• OmniCorp Product Announcements: Faux commercials for RoboCop technology.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional time with OmniCorp crew and Dr. Norton's storyline.
• Trailers: Theatrical Trailer #1 and #2.

1987's "RoboCop" is a distinctive film blend of satirical edge and visceral action under the adept direction of Paul Verhoeven. The movie distinguishes itself with its unrestrained violence and insightful commentary on heroism and humanity, crafting a narrative that remains unparalleled in its execution. Despite the allure of dazzling CGI and high-octane sequences in the 2014 remake, director José Padilha's vision falls short of capturing the palpable intensity and pointed social critique that Verhoeven's original accomplished so effortlessly. Instead, Padilha's rendition attempts to delve into the ethical complexities of drone warfare and corporate control, paradoxically losing the engaging liveliness in its pursuit of meaning.

The 2014 version, though visually refined, is marred by an intrinsic lack of spirit. While the exploration of free will and technological manipulation is compelling, the film's tone is weighed down by procedural dialogues and stifled character arcs. Joel Kinnaman's portrayal of Alex Murphy lacks the emotional resonance and mechanical rigidity that defined the original, leaving audiences with a protagonist who feels disengaged from both his human past and robotic present. The supporting cast offers a mixed bag; Gary Oldman provides a noteworthy performance as Dr. Norton, struggling with ethical dilemmas, whereas Michael Keaton's CEO Sellars comes across as jarringly nonchalant. The attempt at political satire through Samuel L. Jackson’s character falls flat, reducing him to a mere expository device rather than a source of biting commentary.

Padilha’s reimagined "RoboCop" differs markedly with its focus on contemporary socio-political discourse over visceral entertainment. The film actively engages in discussions about personal identity in an age dominated by automated law enforcement, yet it does so at the cost of action-packed excitement for which the original was celebrated. The reliance on CGI for fluid action sequences ultimately strips the film of its raw, clunky charm, replacing it with a polished but emotionally distant experience. Despite its updated aesthetic and modern thematic undertones, this version of "RoboCop" struggles to recapture the potent combination of grit and dark humor that cemented its predecessor as a staple in action-satire cinema.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "RoboCop" offers a visually enhanced and technically solid presentation for fans of both the original 1987 classic and its 2014 remake. The updated visuals benefit significantly from Dolby Vision HDR, bringing a much-needed upgrade over prior Blu-ray editions. This enhancement elevates the film’s sleek and stylish aesthetic, making it a treat for modern audiences accustomed to high-definition formats. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, while effective, remains unchanged from earlier versions, providing a familiar audio experience. Although the UHD package lacks new and extensive supplements, it still provides a well-rounded UHD experience that adds value, especially for fans of the remake.

The 2014 remake, directed by Brazilian filmmaker José Padilha in his American debut, emphasizes character development and the human aspect of the story, diverging from the more relentlessly brutal and satirical nature of Paul Verhoeven's original. This reimagining stands on its own merits with updated visuals and a polished narrative style that some might find more accessible, though it may feel colder and more humorless compared to the wicked charm of the original. The film integrates choice lines and iconic elements like the ED-209 robot to evoke nostalgia in long-time fans, yet it struggles to recreate or newly innovate the gleefully chaotic spirit of the original movie.

In conclusion, Shout! Factory’s 4K UHD release of "RoboCop" (2014) is a worthy upgrade for viewers looking to experience the revamped visuals brought by Dolby Vision HDR. Despite reusing the existing DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack and not offering new supplementary materials, the package stands out for its improved image quality. This release is recommended primarily for fans who appreciate the remake's approach to updating an iconic 80s classic, even if it doesn't completely recapture the original's distinctive magic.