No Way Out 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "No Way Out" is a striking restoration that breathes new life into this classic film. Utilizing a 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negative, the transfer is considerably enhanced with Dolby Vision HDR. The level of intricate detail, especially in close-up shots, is testament to the fine textural rendering achieved. Kevin Costner's facial features and the fabric textures of the Navy uniforms are immaculately reproduced, emphasizing the high quality of the source elements. The filmic grain is preserved authentically without any over-processed digital noise reduction, maintaining the period-specific cinematic integrity.

The High Dynamic Range implementation, both in Dolby Vision and HDR10, offers substantial improvements to color depth and contrast. Specificity in dark scenes is well-handled, providing rich black levels and avoiding notable crush, although some may argue slightly better shadow details could have further enhanced the darker sequences. Colors are faithfully rendered with balanced skin tones and vibrant daytime exteriors. Notably, the notorious digital artifacts and edge enhancement seen in previous releases have been successfully eradicated. The result is a superbly clean image with no visible debris or frame warping.

Cinematographer John Alcott's original composition benefits significantly from this meticulous remastering. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio framed in high dynamic range ensures a visually engaging experience across a variety of lighting conditions. Technicolor trademarks such as organic grain structure and smoothness are distinctly present without compromising on sharpness or clarity. This release stands as one of Kino Lorber's finest efforts, offering both film enthusiasts and casual viewers an immersive viewing experience that showcases the enduring visual storytelling of "No Way Out".

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "No Way Out" presents two solid audio tracks: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Both tracks prioritize dialogue effectively, ensuring clarity and stability throughout the largely dialogue-driven narrative. The 5.1 track, derived from the original Dolby Stereo mix, brings a respectable surround sound experience, heightening scenes such as the party sequences, bustling Pentagon settings, and action-packed car and foot chases. Despite the predominantly front-focused soundstage characteristic of 80s mixes, there’s a pleasant stereo spread and ample fidelity in rendering environmental sounds.

Maurice Jarre’s distinctive score—mixing Cold War tones and synthesizer elements—adds tension and complements the narrative effectively, despite some dated elements. The 5.1 mix utilizes the surrounds to enhance musical segments and provide a subtle ambiance that enriches the cinematic atmosphere, even if it occasionally sounds thin. The 2.0 track maintains clarity and balance well, although minor improvements could refine the audio experience further during musical interludes. Overall, while the soundtrack is not groundbreaking, it is competently presented without technical anomalies or defects.

In summary, "No Way Out's" audio tracks on this Blu-ray are robust and offer an engaging auditory experience that honors the film's 80s origin while leveraging modern audio technologies.

The 4K UHD Blu Ray release of "No Way Out" by Kino features an impressive collection of supplementary materials, prominently anchored by two robust audio commentaries. The original commentary from director Roger Donaldson, initially recorded for the 2016 Shout! Factory Blu-ray, offers in-depth insights into the film's production, including casting choices, filming locations such as New Zealand for storm sequences, and anecdotes about the lead actors. Additionally, a newly recorded commentary by filmmaker Steve Mitchell and writer Richard Brewer provides a well-rounded exploration of "No Way Out," highlighting its intricacies and importance within Orion Pictures' storied catalog. Beyond the commentaries, the extra features include an extensive interview with Roger Donaldson and a vintage trailer, which together offer a multifaceted look at the film's creation and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Roger Donaldson: Detailed production insights and cast interactions.
• Audio Commentary with Steve Mitchell & Richard Brewer: Exploration of the film’s story and significance.
• Film Stories Interview: Archival interview with Roger Donaldson on the movie's production.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer for "No Way Out."

"No Way Out" (1987), directed by Roger Donaldson, expertly blends the elements of a political thriller and a Hitchcockian manhunt. Costner portrays Navy Lieutenant Commander Tom Farrell, whose romantic involvement with Susan Atwell (Sean Young) leads to unexpected turmoil when he is assigned to work under Secretary of Defense David Brice (Gene Hackman). The film meticulously builds its narrative, dedicating substantial runtime to establishing character dynamics and drawing viewers into an intricate web of political intrigue and personal betrayal.

Set against the tense backdrop of Cold War-era Washington, D.C., "No Way Out" unfolds as Farrell finds himself embroiled in a cover-up masterminded by Brice and his loyal aide Scott Pritchard (Will Patton) following Susan's sudden murder. The film’s strength lies in its wealth of unexpected twists, maintaining suspense until the final credits. Costner delivers a memorable performance that convincingly depicts a man wrestling with mounting evidence against him, while Hackman embodies the ego-driven politician adeptly. Patton stands out, providing a chilling portrayal of Brice’s unyielding counsel.

Cinematic craftsmanship is evident throughout the movie. John Alcott's cinematography captures the essence of 1980s Washington, and Maurice Jarre’s orchestral score heightens the film's dramatic tension. The screenplay, originally based on Kenneth Fearing's novel "The Big Clock," has been deftly reimagined, yielding a distinct narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences. In sum, "No Way Out" remains a tightly wound, captivating thriller, boasting strong performances and an engaging plot woven with sharp political commentary.

Review of "No Way Out" 4K UHD Blu-ray

"No Way Out" stands as a riveting Neo-noir thriller intricately woven with political intrigue from the Cold War era. Kevin Costner delivers a breakout performance alongside Gene Hackman, whose seasoned portrayal aligns perfectly with the narrative's tension. Directed by Roger Donaldson, this film navigates through themes of conspiracy and deception that, remarkably, hold relevance within modern American politics. The film's strength lies in its timeless potency, lending itself to repeat viewings that retain their edge over time.

Kino Lorber's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release is a commendable restoration that showcases John Alcott's exceptional cinematography in native 4K resolution and Dolby Vision HDR. The visual quality is strikingly crisp, breathing new life into the film’s aesthetic. Complementing the visual enhancements are robust audio options that bring depth to the already engaging plot. The package is rounded out by a valuable set of commentaries, both new and archival, that provide rich insights into the filmmaking process.

For enthusiasts of Neo-noir and political thrillers, this release is indispensable. The transfer quality alone justifies the upgrade, while the added extras enrich the viewing experience. Absence of a UK release makes the Kino Lorber edition all the more essential for international fans who do not wish to miss out on this cinematic gem.

Conclusion

No Way Out is early Costner, prime Hackman, and a decent slice of Cold War-era political twists and turns. It's a solid little Neo-noir thriller that not only surprises on a first watch but also survives repeat viewings too. After "Narrow Margin" and "The Conversation," it’s been a good summer for Hackman classics getting the 4K treatment. As with most of Kino's impressive output, there's precious little point waiting for a UK alternative if you're a fan; grab this now.