Run Lola Run 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
25th Anniversary Edition | Lola rennt 4K Ultra HD
Score: 84
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Run Lola Run's 4K UHD release shines with stunning video, immersive DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, and solid extras, making it a must-have for collectors.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 89
Run Lola Run's 4K UHD Blu-ray is a superbly filmic 2160p transfer, embracing its original photography's warm hues and high bitrate integrity. With Dolby Vision and HDR10, vivid colors, deep blacks, and refined textures elevate the film's diverse stylistic choices to an impressive, crisp clarity.
Audio: 85
The German DTS-HD MA 5.1 track delivers a dynamic, crisp, and immersive experience with clear dialogue, vibrant techno score, active surrounds, and solid bass, although the Atmos upgrade is missed, and the English dub lacks in quality.
Extra: 71
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'Run Lola Run' offers a solid yet familiar collection, with two insightful German-language commentaries featuring Tom Tykwer, including a new track with editor Mathilde Bonnefoy, alongside an engaging 40-minute making-of featurette and other returning archival extras, delivering a thorough retrospective experience.
Movie: 85
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of 'Run Lola Run' retains its kinetic energy and visual flair, with Franka Potente's intense performance driving a narrative that's as adrenaline-pumping and stylistically innovative as it was in 1999. Complemented by a techno soundtrack and rapid cuts, the film excels in both technical and storytelling aspects.
Video: 89
Sony's 4K UHD presentation of "Run Lola Run" is a visual tour de force that revitalizes this iconic film with an exceptional 2160p Dolby Vision and HDR10 encoded transfer. Known for its highly stylized cinematography, the film's eclectic array of visual elements—including 35mm film, handicam video, and animation—are stunningly reproduced. The 35mm shots exhibit a clear, slightly yellowed aesthetic that complements the film's original color grading. Black levels are deeply satisfying, and primary colors, particularly Lola's vibrant orange hair, truly pop. The occasional low-fidelity 480p sequences and grungy handicam shots retain their intended look without disrupting the overall visual quality.
The 4K transfer boasts sharply defined edges, refined textures, and a consistent grain structure that enhances the film's cinematic feel. Enhanced by Dolby Vision, the color palette displays a richer presence, with improved black levels and crisp whites that surpass the previous Blu-ray release. The distinctive red and green hues in various scenes offer an eye-catching contrast against the film's overall yellow-brown tint, providing a more immersive viewing experience. Despite minor grain spikes and some process shots that appear noisier, these instances are brief and do not detract from the overall visual excellence.
In summary, Sony delivers an impeccable rendering of "Run Lola Run" with this 4K UHD release, maintaining high bitrate throughout. The combination of vivid colors, deep blacks, lifelike skin tones, and excellent detail management confirms this as the definitive way to experience Tom Tykwer's cult classic. Technical features like Dolby Vision and HDR10 significantly enhance the film's dynamic visual style, offering a viewing experience that is both satisfying and true to its original artistic vision.
Audio: 85
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Run Lola Run" features a re-encoded audio presentation, offering a dynamic and immersive 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. This new encode is available in the original German, alongside dubbed Spanish and English options. The soundtrack manages to effectively leverage its existing mix, albeit repackaged from the previous Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track found on the older Blu-ray edition. It presents a front-loaded perspective with crisp, clear dialogue that extends into the room. The soundtrack retains a fairly wide soundstage with discernible front channel separation and good clarity. The rear channels supply ambient extensions, along with discretely placed sounds that enhance envelopment.
The audio track brings a thrilling experience that complements the frenetic pacing of Lola's journey. Dialogue remains clear and centered, while the techno-pulse score is vibrant and consistent throughout. The bass is solid, though not overpowering, providing a satisfying sense of impact especially in scenes involving car crashes and bursts of action. Despite the track not being upgraded to Dolby Atmos, its DTS Neural:X enhancement offers an expansive auditory experience with clear separation of sound effects and music. Though this mix could have benefitted from additional channels for an even more immersive experience, the richness and dynamic range already present create an engaging and thrilling audio atmosphere.
Extras: 71
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Run Lola Run" brings a meticulously curated set of extras, combining both newly produced content and classic archival materials that offer a comprehensive exploration of the film's making and legacy. Noteworthy is the inclusion of two audio commentaries featuring director Tom Tykwer, one with editor Mathilde Bonnefoy and another with actor Franka Potente. Tykwer's discussions with Bonnefoy focus on the film’s distinctive editing style while his dialogue with Potente provides a thorough and engaging retrospective. The newly produced making-of featurette provides an in-depth look at the film’s production process, from its initial conception to execution. Archived materials like the “Still Running” featurette offer additional insights, complementing the modern content effectively.
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary with Director Tom Tykwer and Actor Franka Potente: An engaging discussion in English.
- Audio Commentary with Director Tom Tykwer and Editor Mathilde Bonnefoy: Focus on editing, in German with English subtitles.
- Making-Of Featurette: A retrospective trip behind the scenes.
- Still Running Featurette: Archive content delving into past discussions.
- Believe Music Video: Adds a musical dimension to the extras.
- Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.
Movie: 85
"Run Lola Run," directed by Tom Tykwer, remains an exhilarating cinematic experience that continues to captivate audiences since its release in 1998. Set against a minimalist plot, the movie follows Lola (Franka Potente) as she desperately tries to help her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu), who lost a mobster's 100,000 Deutschmarks. What distinguishes "Run Lola Run" is its energy and inventive storytelling as it explores three versions of Lola's race against time, all commencing right after Manni's desperate phone call. Each scenario uniquely impacts the story's outcome and the characters' fates. Tykwer's utilization of various mediums—animation, stills, and stylized video—enhances the narrative's dynamism and addictiveness while maintaining a pulsating rhythm fueled by an invigorating techno soundtrack.
The film is famously described as a "post MTV generation" feature, characterized by frenetic pacing, rapid cuts, and stylistic flair that mirrors modern media's hyperactive consumption patterns. Franka Potente delivers a compelling performance, balancing physicality and emotional depth, making Lola a character both intense and relatable. The montage sequences depicting future events of every incidental character Lola encounters inject a layer of unpredictability and hypnotic engagement to the narrative. While "Run Lola Run" touches on early-2000s cinematic trends with its quick-cut editing and multimedia approach, it preserves a lasting freshness and excitement.
Overall, this meticulously crafted film transcends its era, remaining relevant and potent 25 years post its initial release. With concise storytelling, relentless pace, and innovative direction, "Run Lola Run" elevates a simple premise into an enduring thriller that keeps viewers riveted from start to finish. Tykwer's deft handling of suspense underscores each time-looped segment, ensuring the film secures a place in the pantheon of modern cinematic classics. The vibrant synthesis of sight and sound ensures audiences are continuously both entertained and enthralled.
Total: 84
"Run Lola Run" has garnered cult status over 25 years, and its 4K UHD release delivers a stellar viewing experience. The transfer to 4K is visually stunning, maintaining the film's vibrant, kinetic energy while updating it to current video standards. The intricate, rapid cuts and iconic color palette benefit hugely from the high resolution. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track enhances the famously dynamic soundtrack, pulling you into Lola's relentless journey through Berlin. It balances dialogue, music, and effects impeccably, keeping the auditory experience as engrossing as the visual.
The disc includes a solid set of special features, balancing new material with previously released content such as two audio commentaries that provide deep insights into the film's production and lasting appeal. Although some might find the extras middling, the overall package is comprehensive and satisfying. The inclusion of German, English, and Spanish subtitles broadens its accessibility for a global audience. While some of the 90s MTV-style aesthetics may feel dated, they contribute to the film's unique charm and retro appeal.
Given its history and sensational execution, this release is a must-have for both long-time fans and newcomers. While the disc offers no significant upgrades over the one in Sony's 11-film boxed set except for new artwork, it’s still an excellent addition to any collection. Whether you skipped out on the more expensive set or are looking to own this modern classic in 4K, "Run Lola Run" is a highly recommended pick.
Technical Specifications:
- Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 HEVC
- Audio: German / English / Spanish DTS-HD MA 5.1
- Subtitles: English SDH, English, Spanish
- Studio: Sony
- Rated: R
- Runtime: 80 Minutes
- Release Date: July 30th, 2024
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 100
The dulled handicam video looking shots are very distorted and grungy looking on purpose, with amplified grain layers and a sort of dirty “home movie” look to it that the regular film is in stark contrast...
Audio: 80
Bass is solid, thought never exactly over the top intense, and while it does everything well, it just isn’t as exciting as it COULD be due to the fact that this whole thing was shot on a shoestring budget...
Extras: 70
• Audio Commentary with Director Tom Tykwer and Actor Franka Potente • Audio Commentary with Director Tom Tykwer and Editor Mathilde Bonnefoy • Making-Of Featurette • Still Running Featurette • "Believe"...
Movie: 90
Each time a scenario ends badly in her head the viewer is catapulted to the very moment where she gets off the phone with Manni and we start a whole new adventure as the young girl desperately looks for...
Total: 80
It’s a great looking 4K transfer, a solid 5.1 DTS-HD MA track from the Blu-ray days, and while the extras are kinda middling, it’s an all around solid package for a great movie....
Blu-ray.com review by Kenneth BrownRead review here
Video: 100
Detail is exceptional as well (minus the lofi 480p sequences between Lola's father and his mistress, which are meant to evoke voyeurism and secrecy), with sharply defined edges free of halos, wonderfully...
Audio: 90
Score, songs, and sound effects are as much a backbone for this movie as is the kinetic energy playing out on the screen, and Sony's track commands this audio content with all the richness and definition...
Extras: 70
Making-of-the-Film Featurette (HD, 40 minutes): A newly produced retrospective trip behind the scenes that examines everything from the premise to Run Lola Run's frantic happenings and kinetic style, as...
Movie: 80
There are a few somewhat dated elements -- the rapidfire use of different mediums, from animation to low-fi standard definition footage, isn't as cutting edge as it was, hitting the style-over-substance...
Total: 90
Thankfully, Sony's 4K Blu-ray release looks straight out of 2024, with a to-die-for video presentation, a gripping DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, and a solid complement of new and previously released...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Film grain, for the most part, is well-rendered and natural looking however there are a few smash cuts, process shots, and some segments where grain is notably noisier but to some degree that’s always...
Audio: 80
While I’m bummed this didn’t see an Atmos upgrade, it’s still an effective track with clean dialog, wall-to-wall surround presence, and a kickass soundtrack to thump the bass....
Extras: 60
The making-of and retrospective features from the DVD and Blu-ray are back along with the great audio commentary From Tom Tykwer and Franka Potente....
Movie: 100
This is the same disc from before, my thoughts and views about this incredible film haven't changed in the brief time between releases....
Total: 80
Those who didn’t take a jog for the 11-film Sony Pictures Classics set will be happy to have this amazing flick in a solo-title release....
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 80
There are some occasional blemishes such as dirt that appear throughout the film, but I assume these are baked into what Sony received from the original rights holders, and are barely noticeable unless...
Audio: 100
The German DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is the one to listen to here (the English dub is horribly acted)....
Extras: 90
...
Movie: 80
Writer-director Tom Tykwer’s Run Lola Run may be considered by some an exercise in futility, but for many, it is a masterpiece of telling the same story multiple times with slight variances each time that...
Total: 80
This stand-alone release of Run Lola Run is the exact same disc included as part of the 11-film Sony Pictures Classics 30th Anniversary Collection boxed set....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 94
holds up extremely well after 25 years and still makes for an invigorating and entertaining bit of escapism which speaks to it fresh conceptual underpinnings and Franke Potente’s excellent turn in the...
Audio: 86
When called upon the rear channels supply ambient extension along with some discretely placed sounds that extend the soundstage, and, enhance envelopment, in a complimentary way....
Extras: 70
Audio Commentary with Director Tom Tykwer and Actor Franka Potente Audio Commentary with Director Tom Tykwer and Editor Mathilde Bonnefoy Making-Of Featurette Still Running Featurette “Believe” Music Video...
Movie: 80
She is physically suited for the part, and, has excellent screen presence, which really comes through during the many close ups used to express her sentiments as she moves through the film’s various stages....
Total: 83
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Director: Tom Tykwer
Actors: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup
PlotA young woman receives a panicked phone call from her boyfriend, who tells her he lost a bag containing a significant amount of money that belongs to a mobster. He has only 20 minutes to gather the lost sum or face dire consequences. The woman springs into action, and the clock starts ticking as she begins a frantic race against time to save her boyfriend. Her quest sees her dashing through the streets of Berlin, enduring a variety of obstacles and encounters as she strives to come up with the needed funds within the rapidly diminishing window of opportunity.
Each decision the woman makes leads to vastly different outcomes, impacting not only her fate but also the lives of the people she intersects with along the way. The story explores themes of chaos, chance, and the impact of minute changes in circumstances. The narrative structure presents a series of "what if" scenarios, looping the same time frame to demonstrate how small variations can lead to consequences that are life-altering. This looping narrative showcases the butterfly effect in a high-stakes urban setting, emphasizing the unpredictability of life and the role of choice in determining one's destiny.
Writers: Tom Tykwer
Release Date: 18 Jun 1999
Runtime: 80 min
Rating: R
Country: Germany
Language: German, English, Japanese