Kindergarten Cop 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kindergarten Cop" offers an impressive and refined 4K presentation, thanks to a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. The disc provides a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image with HDR and Dolby Vision, encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. The film’s original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is preserved beautifully. The usage of Wide Color Gamut (WCG) and Dolby Vision HDR enhances the color palette while maintaining a natural and authentic look. Black levels are deep and dynamic, rounding out a truly stellar visual presentation. It’s clear that this modern remastering avoids the digital defects and heavy-grade Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) seen in past releases, resulting in a cleaner, more filmic experience with fine grain intact.

Across various scenes, from the gritty urban environments to the lush landscapes of Astoria, the presentation stands out with remarkable detail and clarity. Fine textures like skin, clothing weaves, and background details are rendered with superior precision. Kimble's rugged early appearance and polished look later in the film are both captured with stunning facial detail. The Dolby Vision grading truly enhances the already vibrant colors, particularly in the kindergarten classroom filled with vivid hues and in the serene natural settings around Astoria. Black levels are consistently inky, adding depth and contrast without overpowering the visual fidelity. Overall, this new 4K transfer is a significant upgrade from previous releases, leaving fans thoroughly impressed.

While not necessarily groundbreaking in terms of "wow" factors, the balance of brightness and contrast, coupled with meticulous color handling, makes this release an instant classic. There are minor instances of grain, particularly during darker sequences, but they add to the film's authentic texture rather than detract from it. Fans transitioning from Universal’s old Blu-ray will find this version a breath of fresh air, highlighting the meticulous restoration work put into making "Kindergarten Cop" look better than ever—proving Kino Lorber’s commitment to delivering quality home video experiences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Kindergarten Cop delivers a robust audio experience with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that skillfully balances dialogue, soundtrack, and effects. The dialogue is firmly prioritized and consistently clear, ensuring coherence in the front channels. The whimsical score by Randy Edelman is delivered with impressive low-end depth, adding weight and a suspenseful tone to key scenes. Gunshots and other action effects, although sporadic, provide ample bass and impact. The crayon effects during the opening titles exemplify effective directional detailing, enhancing listener immersion. There are isolated quirks, such as brief directional anomalies where front-channel actions mistakenly emerge from the surround speakers, but these are rare and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

Ambient sounds, such as the school’s bustling atmosphere with screaming children, offer a satisfying sense of immersion. Classrooms and police stations are rendered with detailed spatial audio that enriches scene authenticity. Although the 5.1 mix occasionally dips back into a more front-centric composition, critical moments involving chaotic children or intense action reverberate through all channels, creating a vibrant soundstage. The mix at times doesn’t fully utilize surround capabilities but demonstrates pleasing wideness during score playback and environmental noises like cars street-side.

The inclusion of both a DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 stereo mix caters to varied listening preferences. While the 2.0 track remains competent with strong vocals and clean dialogue devoid of distortion, it lacks the range and depth found in the 5.1 mix, particularly in action-packed scenes. Despite minor quirks, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track excels in delivering dynamic audio performance suitable for the film’s blend of light-hearted comedy and sporadic action elements, elevating Kindergarten Cop's auditory journey on this UHD Blu-ray release.

This 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Kindergarten Cop" features a minimalist but focused selection of extras, primarily consisting of two comprehensive and engaging audio commentaries by esteemed film historians. Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson deliver an informative, lively track that explores the film's cultural significance, its role in Arnold Schwarzenegger's career, and its thematic elements. Samm Deighan offers a more detailed, historically significant commentary that delves into Arnold's pre-film career, the movie's reception, and its place within the 90s action-comedy genre. Beyond these, the only other additions are trailers, though these extra features are structured to provide a deeper appreciation of the film’s background and impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson: In-depth discussion of the film's cultural relevance and themes.
• Audio Commentary featuring historian Samm Deighan: Detailed analysis of Arnold's career and the film's historical context.
• Kindergarten Cop Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Trailers for other Kino Lorber releases: Including "Face/Off," "Hard Target," "Ronin," and more.

"Kindergarten Cop" marks a fascinating turning point in Arnold Schwarzenegger's career as he began to explore comedic roles amidst his well-established action star persona. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film follows Detective John Kimble (Schwarzenegger), a hardened cop chasing the notorious drug dealer Cullen Crisp (Richard Tyson). The plot takes an unexpected detour when Kimble must go undercover as a kindergarten teacher in Astoria, Oregon. The combination of gritty crime elements — including scenes of violence, drug overdoses, and a menacing villain — juxtaposed against the whimsical and chaotic backdrop of a kindergarten classroom makes for a peculiar yet engaging narrative. While the film can feel tonally inconsistent at times, Schwarzenegger's playful performance and his interactions with the children bring a certain charm that balances the more intense moments.

Rewatching "Kindergarten Cop" reveals its complex blend of family-friendly comedy and darker, more mature themes. Scenes showcasing real-world issues such as child abuse and desperate attempts to escape domestic violence add depth and seriousness to the otherwise light-hearted comedy. Arnold Schwarzenegger carries the film well, transitioning from a tough-as-nails cop to a nurturing teacher, aided by strong support from Linda Hunt as the school principal and Penelope Ann Miller as the love interest. The children's genuine performances, including memorable lines like “It’s not a tumor,” contribute significantly to the film's enduring appeal.

Technically speaking, Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-Ray release elevates the viewing experience. Presented in 2160p with Dolby Vision, the remastering improves both video and audio quality substantially compared to its previous Blu-Ray edition. The set also includes new audio commentary tracks, offering deeper insights into the film's production and legacy. Despite occasional tonal jarring, "Kindergarten Cop" remains an enjoyable watch, successfully blending humor with heartfelt moments and action — a testament to Schwarzenegger's versatility and enduring appeal.

"Kindergarten Cop" delivers an entertaining blend of action and comedy, marking a notable shift in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career towards more humorous roles. The film's premise—a tough cop going undercover as a kindergarten teacher—is both ridiculous and charming, providing numerous quotable moments that have stood the test of time. Arnold exhibits genuine comedic talent, and while the film's tone occasionally struggles to balance its lighthearted and intense scenes, it remains a delightful slice of '90s nostalgia.

Kino Lorber’s 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release significantly improves upon previous editions. The 4K transfer, complete with Dolby Vision HDR, presents a noticeably enhanced visual experience, arguably the best since the film’s original theatrical release in 1990. While not the most visually flashy film, the clarity and quality of the new transfer are clear. The 5.1 audio track, though not groundbreaking, is solid and complements the viewing experience well. Additionally, Kino Lorber includes two insightful audio commentaries that add value for fans and collectors.

Conclusively, "Kindergarten Cop" may not be Schwarzenegger's finest work, but it stands as his best family-friendly film. The 4K UHD disc from Kino Lorber outclasses previous releases and is highly recommended for both long-time fans and new viewers. The upgrade in video quality alone justifies the purchase, ensuring this classic continues to entertain for years to come.