The Nice Guys 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Second Sight Films’ 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Nice Guys" features a new 4K UHD master, supervised by director Shane Black and encoded by Fidelity in Motion. Presented in 3840 x 2160p resolution with an HEVC (H.265) transfer, the film maintains its original widescreen 2.39:1 aspect ratio, and benefits from both HDR10 and Dolby Vision high dynamic range technologies. The transfer stands out with a robust and filmic presentation marked by fine detailing and subtle textural accuracy, enhancing both the film’s inherent period look and visual depth.

Shot digitally on the Arri Alexa XT Plus (ARRIRAW 2.8K) and Red Epic Dragon (Redcode RAW 6K), and utilizing Panavision and Angenieux lenses, the resulting image displays substantial improvements in color vibrancy and shadow detail over prior masters. The wide color gamut—anchored in pastel-heavy, 1970s-inspired hues—retains authenticity while leveraging Dolby Vision’s expanded contrast to deliver highlights with notable clarity, such as shimmering poolside reflections and richly saturated costumes or vehicles. Inky black levels, accurate skin tones, and deft highlight control give the visual presentation a lustrous quality that respects the intentional period palette, yet brings out vivid elements that truly pop onscreen. This edition marks a technically meticulous update that visually elevates the film far above earlier Blu-ray releases.

The UK 4K Blu-ray release of "The Nice Guys" notably distinguishes itself with its audio presentation, offering both a new Dolby Atmos mix and the original DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. While the previous DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track was robust and delivered clear, prioritized dialogue, the addition of the Atmos mix on this release provides a material improvement in immersive sound. The Atmos track enhances environmental dynamics, employing the array more effectively to create a sense of dimensionality and presence throughout scenes. Effects benefit from added discreteness and spatial accuracy, and the soundtrack demonstrates appreciable energy. Low-frequency effects (LFE) are well-integrated and lend notable heft to the overall presentation.

However, while the Atmos mix does improve spatial immersion compared to the 5.1 option, its use of overhead channels is restrained. Overhead atmospherics are present but generally understated, contributing to ambiance rather than delivering prominently dynamic effects above the listener. Occasionally, musical cues are emphasized in the height speakers, but these instances remain measured and do not dominate the overall mix. Dialogue consistently remains crisp and intelligible, ensuring that character exchanges are not lost amid the film’s active soundscape. Overall, the new Atmos mix provides a tangible upgrade, particularly in terms of environmental immersion and precision, even if its overhead elements are deployed conservatively.

Second Sight’s 4K UHD release of "The Nice Guys" stands out for its comprehensive package of extras, offering a robust lineup of newly produced interviews, video essays, and insightful commentary tracks that deepen appreciation for the film’s craft. The limited edition includes a rigid slipcase, newly commissioned artwork, a substantial 150-page hardback book with essays from multiple film critics, and nine collectors’ art cards, catering to both cinephiles and collectors. On the disc, the bonus features demonstrate careful curation, featuring extensive conversations with director Shane Black, his collaborators, and key creative personnel. The inclusion of both a feature-length commentary and several focused interviews ensures a thorough exploration of the film’s production, direction, and cultural context. This supplements the technical excellence of the 4K transfer by making the set genuinely informative and collectible.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Shane Black and Co-Writer Anthony Bagarozzi: Insightful track moderated by Priscilla Page.
• Knights in Tarnished Armour: In-depth interview with Shane Black.
• Finding an Audience: Interview with Co-Producer Ethan Erwin.
• A Thousand Cuts: Interview with Director of Photography Philippe Rousselot.
• From Lethal Weapons to Nice Guys: Analytical video essay by Leigh Singer.
• Always Bet on Black: Additional featurette.
• Making the Nice Guys: Worst. Detectives. Ever.: Behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Cast Interviews: Perspectives from principal cast members.
• Trailers: Promotional material included.

Shane Black’s “The Nice Guys” channels the energy and wit of his earlier triumphs, weaving a neon-soaked homage to 1970s Los Angeles that balances riotous slapstick with sharp noir sensibilities. The story follows hapless private eye Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and stoic bruiser Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) as they navigate a labyrinthine plot involving vanished porn stars, corporate cover-ups, and delightfully chaotic set pieces. Black’s signature dialogue crackles with quotable one-liners and subversive twists, relying less on a tightly wound mystery than on richly drawn characters and dazzling period detail—from disco-era soundtracks to smoky nightclub interiors.

The chemistry between Gosling and Crowe is the film’s true engine: Gosling’s manic, physical comedic timing collides with Crowe’s grounded, deadpan gravitas, crafting a mismatched duo whose escalating misadventures are both hilarious and surprisingly poignant. Angourie Rice brings further depth as March’s daughter Holly, adding warmth and a genuine moral anchor to the wild proceedings. Black’s flair for ensemble casting and offbeat personalities—including memorable turns from Margaret Qualley, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger, and Keith David—ensures every supporting role enriches the bustling tapestry of 1977 L.A.

What sets “The Nice Guys” apart is its ability to intertwine slapstick and satire with an undercurrent of social critique: the film lampoons institutional corruption and environmental apathy without losing its breezy rhythm or genre self-awareness. The result is a stylish, layered comic thriller that rewards rewatching through both intricate visual detail and its relentless barrage of jokes. While its box office underperformance suggests initial misalignment with audience expectations, the film excels as a rewatchable cult favorite—playful yet substantial, irreverent yet affectionate toward the buddy-detective formula.

Shane Black’s "The Nice Guys" has undergone critical reappraisal since its underwhelming theatrical performance, amassing a dedicated following for its sharp wit and vibrant depiction of 1970s Los Angeles. The new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release from Second Sight capitalizes on this growing appreciation, delivering a technically impressive remaster. Featuring a HEVC 2160p transfer in the film’s original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the restoration is supported by Fidelity in Motion with Dolby Vision HDR (HDR10 compatible) that brings out both the gritty texture and garish brilliance of the era’s aesthetics. Detail and color rendering are significantly heightened, allowing for a genuine sense of period authenticity and cinematic flair.

Audio is equally robust, with English Dolby Atmos providing an immersive soundstage that enhances both the action sequences and the film’s crisp, often rapid-fire comedic dialogue. Secondary audio options include DTS-HD MA 5.1 and English SDH subtitles, ensuring accessibility and flexibility across playback systems. The package is further bolstered by an array of extras, both on- and off-disc, making it not only a technical showcase but a substantive collector’s edition.

In summary, Second Sight’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Nice Guys" sets a new benchmark for catalog titles, blending state-of-the-art video and audio presentation with thorough supplemental content. This edition is a must-have for Shane Black enthusiasts and cinephiles alike, reaffirming the film’s place as one of the most memorable—and now best-looking—comedies of the last decade.