Misery 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Misery" showcases a remarkable upgrade over previous editions, demonstrating an excellent use of the format to enhance the viewing experience significantly. Kino Lorber Studio Classics have meticulously remastered this Stephen King adaptation from a new 4K scan of the original camera negatives, providing a presentation that not only respects but elevates the source material. The transition to Ultra HD offers an impressive increase in fine detail, especially noticeable in textures and fabric, allowing viewers to appreciate the minutiae of the film's production design as never seen before. Outdoor sequences, in particular, benefit from a corrected color palette, moving away from the overly blue hues of past releases to more accurate representations, enhancing the film's visual storytelling.

Delineation, clarity, and depth receive a substantial boost in this release, with panoramic shots displaying striking improvements that lend a painting-like quality to certain scenes. This is complemented by HDR grading (both Dolby Vision and HDR10 are available), which enriches color fidelity and delivers balanced contrasts, although darker areas exhibit only minimal enhancement. However, the overall picture is rendered with finer grain and stabilizes the inherent film-like quality. Despite occasional soft moments likely attributed to the source's age or condition, these are minor and do not detract significantly from the exceptional visual clarity and detail that define this release.

Technical perfection aside, flesh tones and textures stand out with newfound precision, making every frame a lush display of cinematic craftsmanship. Blacks are deeper, shadows are more nuanced, and even in the more subdued color palette of Sonnenfeld's cinematography, the visuals pop with vibrant yet natural colors. The slight fidelity drop in challenging encode segments does little to mar an otherwise stellar presentation. Enhanced by a stable, fine layer of grain that maintains the film's original character, "Misery" in 4K UHD is an unequivocal visual treat that respects its source while offering fans and newcomers alike the definitive viewing experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Misery" boasts two primary audio tracks to choose from: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles available for accessibility. The 5.1 surround mix delivers a compelling front soundstage presence, making effective use of the three front channels to create a broad and immersive audio experience without relying heavily on rear surround effects. The 2.0 stereo mix offers a more traditional auditory experience, with excellent dialogue clarity, sharp sound effects, and a balanced mixture of ambient sounds, particularly effective during quieter moments or when the narrative shifts to the snowy exteriors. Despite the limited Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) present in both mixes, the audio retains cleanliness and is devoid of any noticeable damage, preserving the original auditory elements faithfully.

Upon analysis, both audio tracks display remarkable fidelity, employing a wide front soundstage that enables accurate sound positioning through well-executed pans. Marc Shaiman's score benefits from this expansive spatial arrangement, showcasing detailed musical cues that enhance the viewing experience. While the 5.1 track might appear as the more luxurious option, it primarily accentuates atmospheric sounds and the score, predominantly utilizing the front channels and sparingly activating surround channels for ambient effects like heavy wind or rain. The dynamic range across both tracks is commendably strict, ensuring no abrupt spikes or drops disrupt the audio’s balance.

Listeners exploring these soundtracks will appreciate their well-prioritized vocals and the precision in recreating the film’s suspenseful atmosphere through sound alone. The 5.1 mix, in particular, offers slightly more depth thanks to its subtle use of surround sound, enriching certain scenes with environmental noises that contribute to a more enveloping experience. Furthermore, engaging Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X up-mixing functionalities can unveil additional layers of immersion, gently extending some sounds to the sides and heights without overwhelming the film’s character-driven focus. Both mixes stand out for their clarity and ability to maintain a consistent ambiance that compliments the visual storytelling without any unnecessary exaggeration or distraction.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Misery" is thoroughly engaging, presenting a rich tapestry of behind-the-scenes detail and insightful commentaries that will surely delight fans. The dual commentaries, one by director Rob Reiner and the other by screenwriter William Goldman, offer deep dives into the film's production, highlighting challenges such as casting and changes from Stephen King's original novel. Additionally, a series of fascinating featurettes delve into various aspects of the film's creation and its psychological underpinnings. The balance between technical filmmaking insight and psychological analysis enriches the viewing experience, making this a comprehensive package for enthusiasts. While it inherits its extras from the 2017 Scream Factory Collector's Blu-ray, missing are some features found in previous editions, yet what's included, both in terms of archival voiceovers and the detailed featurettes, provides significant value, albeit with slight filler among the more engaging content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: Archival audio commentary by director Rob Reiner.
• Commentary Two: Archival audio commentary by screenwriter William Goldman.
• Misery Loves Company: A making-of featurette including cast and crew insights.
• Marc Shaiman's Musical Misery Tour: Composer Marc Shaiman discusses his work.
• Diagnosing Annie Wilkes: Forensic psychologist Reid Meloy analyzes the antagonist.
• Advice for the Stalked: Forensic insights on stalking behaviors.
• Profile a Stalker: Further psychological profiling of stalkers.
• Celebrity Stalkers: Exploration of celebrity stalker behaviors and insights on Kathy Bates' character.
• Anti-Stalking Law: Discussion on the emergence of anti-stalking laws.

Rob Reiner’s classic thriller "Misery," based on Stephen King’s bestseller, makes its captivating entry onto 4K UHD Blu-ray with a release that is bound to thrill fans and newcomers alike. This Kino Lorber edition comes packed with supplemental features including archival audio commentaries by Reiner and screenwriter William Goldman, various featurettes, and promotional materials that enrich the viewing experience. The inclusion of English SDH subtitles for the main feature and its region-free format ensures accessibility for a wider audience, maintaining the film's legacy in the high-definition era.

The film itself is a critical gem in the realm of Stephen King adaptations, striking a perfect balance between black comedy and thriller elements. Kathy Bates delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the unsettlingly convincing Annie Wilkes, whose obsession with novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) drives the narrative into dark, uncharted territories of fanaticism and suspense. The dynamic between Sheldon and Wilkes, underpinned by superb writing and Reiner's direction, offers not just entertainment but a profound commentary on fanaticism veiled behind a facade of superficial niceness. The movie’s technical achievements, particularly in its camera work, cleverly amplify these thematic undertones, seamlessly blending humor with horror in ways that remain impactful decades after its release.

At the heart of "Misery's" enduring appeal is its exploration of the dark side of fandom, rendered with unsettling realism by Bates. Reiner uses cinematographic techniques to subtly shift perceptions, gradually unveiling the horror lurking beneath an initial veneer of kindness. The film's meticulous construction—aforementioned wide and low-angle shots, combined with Bates’ nuanced portrayal—ensures that "Misery" not only stands as a pinnacle of psychological thrillers but also as a piece resonant with themes of obsession, creativity, and the perils therein. This 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation retains all the essential elements that have cemented "Misery" as a masterpiece of its genre, making it a must-watch for aficionados of Stephen King, Kathy Bates’ unparalleled acting, and finely crafted cinema.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Misery," Rob Reiner's memorable adaptation of Stephen King's novel, marks a significant upgrade from previous versions, presenting the film in unparalleled clarity and detail. The film, renowned for its intense storytelling and Kathy Bates' Oscar-winning portrayal of the eerie Annie Wilkes, benefits immensely from the 4K restoration, making it a compelling purchase for both long-time fans and newcomers. Boasting a stunning Dolby Vision HDR presentation, the picture quality is exceptionally crisp, illuminating the darkly comedic and horror elements with striking contrast and depth. This release overshadows its predecessors, including an older MGM release and the Scream Factory Blu-ray, highlighting the remarkable improvements in visual fidelity. While the package retains the robust DTS-HD MA soundtracks and a comprehensive selection of supplemental materials, it's the visual upgrade that truly sets this edition apart.

Technical aficionados and cinephiles will find the 4K UHD presentation of "Misery" to be a revelation. Unlike the 2009 MGM release sourced from an aged master, this version showcases the film in both glorious 1080p and native 4K, offering a definitive viewing experience that honors the film's legacy. The attention to detail in the restoration process ensures that every frame, from the infamous hobbling scene to Bates' chilling performance, is presented with meticulous care. Although some might miss minor features from earlier releases, the overall quality and additional content make this a worthy addition to any collection.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Misery" stands as a testament to the enduring power of this horror classic, offering a deeply immersive and visually spectacular experience. The effort put into the restoration affirms its position as the best way to watch the movie at home, providing both a technical upgrade and preserving the emotional intensity of the original. Highly recommended for collectors and enthusiasts alike, this release not only celebrates the film's cinematic achievements but also ensures that "Misery" continues to captivate and terrify audiences for years to come.