Rain Man 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 80
from 7 reviewers
Review Date:
Rain Man's 4K UHD release by MVD is a technically solid, visually stunning upgrade with strong Dolby Vision HDR, preserving excellent performances and timeless relevance.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 86
This 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Rain Man" showcases a notable upgrade with a native 4K presentation, Dolby Vision HDR, and a new 16-bit 4K scan approved by director Barry Levinson. While the film maintains its classic, natural look and some grain, it benefits from improved detail, better color balance, and richer black levels, especially in brighter scenes.
Audio: 79
Rain Man’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track remains largely unchanged from previous Blu-ray releases, offering clear dialogue and a front-dominated mix with occasional ambient effects in the surrounds. Hans Zimmer's score is well-presented, though the overall sound experience is not particularly dynamic or immersive.
Extra: 67
MVD's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of Rain Man offers three valuable audio commentaries by Director Barry Levinson and writers Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass, alongside legacy features like 'The Journey of Rain Man' and 'Lifting the Fog: A Look at the Mysteries of Autism,' primarily housed on the accompanying Blu-ray disc.
Movie: 88
Barry Levinson's 'Rain Man' endures as an impactful character study, with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise delivering nuanced, award-winning performances in a story that delicately balances emotional depth and humor. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release features an immaculately engineered transfer, showcasing the film's timeless qualities and technical prowess.
Video: 86
MVD Visual’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rain Man" boasts a remarkable native 4K presentation with Dolby Vision HDR, deriving from a 2023 restoration, which includes a 16-bit scan of the original camera negative approved by director Barry Levinson. Encoded using HEVC (H.265), this edition presents a 3840x2160 resolution at 24p, in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and employs Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) bringing substantial improvements, although not consistent throughout. Initial scenes suffer from heavy grain, likely due to generational loss from optical printing, but once past the opening sequence, clarity and detail sharply increase.
The enhanced detail is most notable in close-ups where skin textures and wardrobe details are rendered with impressive precision. The HDR grades – both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ – offer robust shadow detail and deep black levels that enhance the visual depth. While some mid-range shots maintain a softer focus characteristic of the original material, there’s an appreciable uptick in resolution and texture compared to previous 1080p versions. Colors are more balanced, shedding the slight orange tint of older releases, thus providing a richer and more natural palette especially noticeable during brightly lit outdoor scenes and the vibrant Las Vegas sequences.
Despite its moderate dynamic range and minor retention of grain in specific scenes, the overall video quality remains faithful to the film’s original look as intended by Levinson and cinematographer John Seale. This careful preservation extends to the restrained use of HDR, avoiding unnecessary revisions to the film's aesthetic. Highlights do not overwhelm, remaining subtle but effective, contributing to an overall enhancement without drastically altering the source material’s inherent characteristics. The disc's rendition presents a pristine, film-like quality that stands as a definitive upgrade for enthusiasts seeking an authentic yet refined viewing experience of this classic drama.
Audio: 79
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rain Man" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that mirrors the version found in previous 1080p editions. This audio presentation, while not exemplary, offers a faithful and well-rendered experience that stays true to the original material. The dialogue stands out with its crisp and clear delivery, predominantly positioned across the frontal array. Given the film's original Dolby Stereo roots, the mix is front-focused, with the surround channels providing subtle ambient effects like car noises, street ambiance, and casino sounds. Hans Zimmer’s score is a highlight, effectively utilizing the breadth of the soundstage although repetitively familiar in theme.
However, it should be acknowledged that "Rain Man" is inherently a dialogue-driven film, and as such, its soundtrack doesn't heavily engage the rear or side channels beyond light ambient and reverberant effects. The LFE presence is minimal, primarily manifesting through the music rather than action-based effects. Comparisons to previous Blu-ray releases reveal no significant enhancements in this new edition’s audio quality. Nonetheless, the DTS-HD Master Audio track aligns well with Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X up-mixing features, which can provide a more immersive overhead sound experience by distributing atmospheric elements and musical scores more effectively. Overall, while not a demo-quality track, this audio presentation delivers a clear and engaging auditory experience faithful to the film's original sound design.
Extras: 67
MVD's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Rain Man" offers a comprehensive collection of legacy extras, primarily available on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, with key content like the three audio commentaries also included on the 4K disc. The director Barry Levinson and writers Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass each provide their own commentary track, although there is some overlap among their discussions. Levinson’s track delivers an extensive overview of the production process with candid insights about the cast, while Morrow and Bass focus on script development and revisions. Despite the repetition, the separate tracks offer varied perspectives that enhance understanding of the film’s creation. In addition to these informative commentaries, several featurettes exploring the film's journey and autism, a deleted scene, and the original theatrical trailer round out this strong lineup of extras.
Extras included in this disc:
Audio Commentary by Director Barry Levinson: A deep dive into the production process and cast.
Audio Commentary by Writer Barry Morrow: Focuses on the genesis and development of the original script.
Audio Commentary by Writer Ronald Bass: Explains script changes and further developments.
The Journey of Rain Man: A featurette with extensive input from cast and crew.
Lifting the Fog: A Look at the Mysteries of Autism: Focuses on the diverse symptoms of autism and real-life inspirations for the film.
Deleted Scene: A scene that did not make it to the final cut.
Original Theatrical Trailer: The promotional trailer for the film.
Movie: 88
Barry Levinson's "Rain Man" stands as a poignant and technically superb depiction of sibling relationship, set against the backdrop of the late 80s understanding of autism. The plot centers on Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), a narcissistic car dealer who discovers his estranged father has left his three-million-dollar estate to an unknown beneficiary, his autistic brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). Hoffman's acutely researched portrayal of a high-functioning autistic individual, inspired by real-life savant Kim Peek, adds immense depth to the film. While some modern viewers may criticize the movie’s depiction of autism as overly simplistic and Hollywood-ized, it introduced a broad audience to the condition when very little was known or talked about.
Cruise's performance should not go unnoticed as it provides the emotional counterbalance necessary to explore the nuanced interplay between the brothers. Initially self-serving and conniving, Charlie experiences a substantive transformation throughout their unplanned road trip from Cincinnati to Los Angeles. This evolution is authentic and avoids the pitfalls of sentimentality, thanks to Levinson's meticulous direction and Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass's award-winning screenplay. The journey reveals both personal and relational growth, painted with humorous and touching moments that showcase genuine life challenges and triumphs.
Technically, "Rain Man" shines as much for its direction and narrative as it does for its scoring and cinematography. The interplay between character-driven storytelling and evocative visuals reinforces why the film garnered numerous awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars. Despite some dated aspects in its portrayal of autism, the emotional honesty and narrative integrity of "Rain Man" ensure it remains a significant study in character development and cinematic craftsmanship.
Total: 80
Barry Levinson’s 1988 Oscar-winner, Rain Man, arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, packaged in MVD's Marquee Collection. Featuring a luminous native 4K transfer and Dolby Vision HDR, the film is brought to life with a notable improvement over previous releases. The upgraded visuals provide impressive clarity and color depth, especially in the film's richly varied landscapes and intimate close-ups. Importantly, the audio track remains robust, preserving its DTS-HD MA format that ably supports the warm, percussive score and nuanced sound design. Although the special features are not new, they remain comprehensive and engaging, ensuring that this edition retains significant value for collectors and fans alike.
The film itself persists as a timeless exploration of brotherly love and personal growth amidst the backdrop of 1980s American capitalism. Dustin Hoffman’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, still resonates deeply, while Tom Cruise's performance as the initially self-centered Charlie Babbitt proves to be a remarkably compelling counterpart. Though not a detailed study on autism, the movie’s narrative mostly focuses on the evolving relationship between the two brothers, delivering an emotional impact that is both humorous and touching.
In conclusion, Rain Man's latest 4K UHD release from MVD stands as a commendable upgrade for fans of this cinematic gem. The movie’s heartfelt story, combined with top-tier performances and enhanced by a superior visual presentation, makes it an essential addition to any home video collection. Despite the lack of new extras, the intrinsic value of this film and the noteworthy improvements in picture quality make it highly recommended for both longtime fans and new viewers rediscovering this classic masterpiece.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 80
Rain Man has never been a desperately showy vehicle, with quite a naturally muted palette (absolutely stunning sunsets notwithstanding), but skin tones are healthy and don't run too hot (as previous 1080p...
Audio: 80
Rain Man enjoys a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that sounds much like the one afforded previous 1080p incarnations - which is not such a bad thing, it's a well-rendered track across the board, not demo...
Extras: 70
It's only really the Commentary that makes it over to the 4K disc itself, but in this case that's great news as Rain Man enjoys not one but three Audio Commentaries. ......
Movie: 90
Beneath the controversies over the more palatably dynamic portrayal of autism though - as stated, the high-function autistic niche allowed the central character to startle as much with his super-powers...
Total: 80
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Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 80
Despite HDR and/or Dolby Vision, I really wouldn't say that highlights are materially different in this version, and there are still some very minor, passing issues with shadow detail in some of the dimly...
Audio: 80
As Casey noted in his review of that release, there's not a ton of rear channel action in the film, with only occasional ambient environmental spill and score elements, something that I'd argue probably...
Extras: 80
1080 Disc The Journey of Rain Man (HD; 22:09) is a worthwhile retrospective offering some good interviews with the likes of Barry Levinson....
Movie: 80
Even if not factually "accurate", Rain Man at least gave Hoffman one of the signature roles of his long and notable career, but I think many with any experience with people on the spectrum would be hard...
Total: 60
My wife's brother is an MD and PhD who has written some bestselling books documenting his own experiences with his autistic son and how he feels there's a dietary component to autism, and so I've witnessed...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 90
It’s one of those releases that I’m glad we have, but it’s not like this was “needed” in 4K. Still, any improvement over what was available is always welcome....
Audio: 80
The opening song, “Iko, Iko” does sound pretty decent but the dialogue-driven film just doesn’t light up your speakers like other titles....
Extras: 60
Audio Commentary – Screenwriter Barry Morrow has his own track (though I don’t see why they couldn’t have simply combined this track with the next) and discusses the genesis of the project, casting and...
Movie: 0
Cruise proved he was more than a sex symbol, while Hoffman continued to establish his place as one of the best actors of his time....
Total: 80
Rain Man might not have been the most popular choice for a Best Picture winner back in 1988, but I think it’s stood the test of time better than some others....
The Digital Bits review by Stephen BjorkRead review here
Video: 95
The opening titles display the usual softness due to the generational loss from optical printing, but once they’re over, everything is as sharp and detailed as it can be—with the caveat that there really...
Audio: 85
There are barely any surround effects at all, let alone split ones, with most of the sonic energy focused on the front channels as was typical for Dolby Stereo during the Eighties....
Extras: 75
Levinson’s track provides the broadest overall examination of the film, with one major caveat: he frequently lapses into silence, so there are some extended gaps throughout....
Movie: 75
The disorder is much better understood these days than it was in 1988, even for the general public, so Rain Man can feel like a historical artifact rather than possessing the timeless quality that keeps...
Total: 83
The real selling point here is the new 4K master, and it’s definitely the best that Rain Man has ever looked on home video—even if it’s not quite a revelation, either....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
MGM’s original Blu-ray looked great – this UHD presentation makes full use of the resolution to draw out the tiniest bits of information on the pristine, damage-free film stock....
Audio: 80
Wind turbines flap in the breeze when driving, slot machines jingle in the casino, and the score envelops the soundstage smoothly....
Extras: 80
That includes a deleted scene, a general featurette on the film, and an informative look at autism finish the disc up....
Movie: 100
It’s a compromise that makes dramatic sense, and without that, Rain Man likely feels cheap and manipulative....
Total: 90
Among the best for both Hoffman and Cruise, Rain Man challenges both actors with an engrossing dramatic script....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 80
Granted, the video remains a tad softer than other titles from the same era, but the overall definition is sharper with cleaner, fine details in the clothing, furniture and along the interior of the 1949...
Audio: 80
Extras: 50
The Journey of Rain Man (1080i/60, 22 min) Lifting the Fog: A Look at the Mysteries of Autism (1080i/60, 20 min) Deleted Scene (1080i/60, 2 min) Trailer (1080i/60)...
Movie: 90
However, thanks to the performances, a well-crafted story, strong direction, and everyone involved in the production, Rain Man is a marvelous drama that sees Charlie genuinely grow as a person, a tale...
Total: 80
This is largely thanks to the amazing work of the entire production team, the two leading performances and a poignant plot that serves as an indictment of the capitalist culture of opulence, self-interest...
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 90
This late 1980s film strives to create the look and feel of both the story and director’s vision....
Audio: 84
Extras: 60
...
Movie: 100
After discovering Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), in an institution, Charlie abducts him in a last-ditch attempt to extort his 'fair share' of his late father’s estate....
Total: 84
I am pleased to own it on Ultra HD Blu-ray, and, consider it to be a worthwhile upgrade for fans....
Director: Barry Levinson
Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino
PlotCharlie Babbitt, a self-centered and abrasive car dealer in Los Angeles, learns that his estranged father has died. Expecting a substantial inheritance, Charlie is shocked to discover that the estate, worth millions, has been left to an unknown trustee. In pursuit of his inheritance, Charlie uncovers that the money is being directed to a mental institution, which is home to his older brother Raymond, an autistic savant whom Charlie never knew existed. Raymond has exceptional memory and mathematical abilities but struggles with understanding emotions and social cues. Hoping to gain legal custody and access to the estate, Charlie impulsively decides to take Raymond out of the institution.
The brothers embark on a cross-country road trip that becomes a journey of self-discovery. As they travel, Charlie's frustration with Raymond's peculiarities leads to tension between them. However, during their time together, Charlie begins to see past Raymond's disabilities and starts to understand his brother's unique view of the world. The trip becomes a transformative experience for Charlie as he develops a genuine connection with Raymond and confronts his own shortcomings and past grievances. Through highs and lows on the road, including the challenges of adapting to one another's needs, the brothers' relationship slowly evolves, shedding light on the true meaning of family and empathy.
Writers: Barry Morrow, Ron Bass
Release Date: 16 Dec 1988
Runtime: 133 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, Italian