Foul Play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Foul Play is sourced from a fresh scan of the original 35mm camera negative, bringing a robust and authentic upgrade over previous editions. The native 4K transfer benefits from Dolby Vision and HDR grades, delivering marked improvements in dynamic range, vibrancy, and fine detail. Color reproduction is strong throughout, with primaries and supporting tones expertly balanced to recreate a compelling 1970s palette featuring rich yellows, greens, and browns. Image stability is maintained across most of the film, and the Dolby Vision grade adeptly balances both low-light and daylight scenes, avoiding issues such as black crush or excessive flattening.

The visual fidelity benefits from a consistently organic and filmic texture; natural grain is present and especially pronounced in second unit establishing shots, enhancing the theatrical quality of the presentation. Close-ups reveal impressive sharpness, with intricate details in costumes and set design rendered cleanly. While inherent limitations of the original film elements occasionally manifest—such as periodic fluctuations in density or brief lapses into softness—these instances are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall quality. Minor signs of aging persist in a few frames, with subtle dips in saturation apparent, yet the underlying restoration work ensures the majority of the runtime is visually engaging and true to its era.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Foul Play" offers two audio configurations: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Both tracks present excellent technical execution, with the 2.0 track closely replicating the film’s original (monaural) mix and offering a wonderfully balanced soundstage. Dialogue remains crisp and intelligible throughout, with strong clarity and notable depth. There are no distracting traces of age-related hiss or distortion. The audio exhibits solid dynamic range, accentuating both the lighter comedic moments and the more action-oriented sequences, particularly during the film’s climactic chase.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track acts as a subtle but effective upmix, logically extending the stereo experience into the surround space. Rear channels are primarily used for music cues and ambient effects, enhancing immersion without overwhelming the front soundstage or feeling artificial. The music maintains an appropriate presence and adds a layer of energy during key scenes, yet never competes with dialogue. Both audio options are thoughtfully engineered, ensuring that viewers have access to either an authentic representation of the film’s original sonic qualities or a modernized, spatially engaging alternative.

The extras package for the "Foul Play" 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a targeted but insightful set of supplemental features, prioritizing detailed context and historical value. The centerpiece is a new audio commentary by critics Bryan Reesman and Max Evry, who deliver an in-depth discussion on filming locations, debut performances, on-set dynamics, and director Colin Higgins’ unique blend of comedy and action. The “Fair Play: Remembering Colin Higgins” featurette is a valuable inclusion, providing both firsthand accounts from sound editor Nicholas Eliopoulos and archival interview material with Higgins, enriching appreciation for his creative methods. The original promotional materials—restored trailer, TV spot, and UK radio spot—add further period flavor, though the overall extras selection is somewhat modest in scope.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film critics discuss production history, casting, and the film’s hybrid genre style.
• Fair Play: Remembering Colin Higgins: Featurette with first-person insights into Higgins' work and process.
• Trailer: Original restored theatrical trailer.
• TV Spot: Authentic vintage television promotional clip.
• UK Radio Spot: Archival radio advertisement.

Colin Higgins’ Foul Play (1978) is a lively blend of romantic comedy and thriller, set against the backdrop of San Francisco. The film opens with the assassination of a Catholic archbishop, setting a tone of intrigue that is carefully woven throughout. Goldie Hawn shines as Gloria Mundy, a recently divorced librarian whose mundane life is upended when she inadvertently becomes entangled in a plot involving a roll of film hidden in a cigarette pack—and an unwitting date with a double agent. The momentum builds as Gloria is pursued by dangerous foes and teams up with Lieutenant Tony Carlson (Chevy Chase), whose comic timing and chemistry with Hawn anchor the film. Their partnership, enriched by Steve Dennehy’s supporting role and pointed appearances from Dudley Moore and William Frankfather, creates memorable comedic and suspenseful set pieces. The narrative, though ambitious in its Hitchcockian homage and complex plotting, sometimes struggles to balance its comedic elements with pacing, resulting in extended sequences that dilute its overall impact.

From a technical perspective, Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation marks a significant upgrade. The main feature is presented in both 4K and standard Blu-ray, with UHD delivering improved clarity and color accuracy that highlight David Walsh’s cinematography. Optional English SDH subtitles are included, ensuring accessibility. Supplemental content features new audio commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry, archival material with sound editor Nicholas Eliopoulos, and vintage promotional assets—although some extras are exclusive to the Blu-ray disc. The packaging is standard, with a slipcover replicating the artwork. While Foul Play sometimes loses focus amidst its genre balancing act, the distinctive performances and standout sequences in the final act make it a notable entry in late-70s American cinema.

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD release of Foul Play delivers a visually impressive upgrade, benefitting from a fresh restoration by Paramount. The 4K transfer exhibits sharp detail and vibrant color fidelity, bringing new life to both the energetic climax at the opera house and the quieter character-driven moments. This upgrade is accompanied by a Blu-ray disc featuring the same 4K restoration, providing collectors and newcomers alike with flexible viewing options.

While the film occasionally struggles with uneven tone—oscillating between comedy and intrigue and sometimes losing its comedic edge—it consistently capitalizes on the natural chemistry between Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn. Their dynamic anchors the film, especially in standout sequences that blend suspense with brisk humor. Notable set pieces, such as Dudley Moore’s memorable comedic interlude, contribute charm, even if the narrative at times feels pulled in different directions.

Ultimately, this edition of Foul Play stands out as a significant appreciation of a film that blends Hitchcockian homage with late-1970s comedy flair. Though not flawless in its tonal execution, the restoration’s technical strengths and the enduring appeal of its leads make it a compelling choice for both fans of classic comedies and aficionados of quality catalog releases on 4K UHD.