As Good as It Gets 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment UK's 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "As Good as It Gets" as part of their Columbia Classics Collection Volume 3 offers an exemplary native 4K presentation enriched by Dolby Vision HDR, presenting the film in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Enhanced with a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, the restoration from the Original Camera Negative breathes new life into the film’s quintessentially 90s aesthetics. Despite initial concerns of an overly polished appearance, the detailing in textures—ranging from skin complexity to environmental textures—and the utilization of HDR significantly revivify the color palette, moving it beyond dated tones to deliver a fresh and vibrant viewing experience.

The Dolby Vision grading plays a pivotal role in this enhanced visual experience, particularly in improving color fidelity and contrast. Rich, accurate colors bring depth to even the most subtly hued scenes, while superior white and black levels add a luxurious vibrancy and depth without crush. The addition of natural filmic grain and the absence of print flaws or encode artifacts contribute to an exceedingly clean and striking presentation, reminiscent of the film's initial theater release. The careful balance of warmth in flesh tones and the nuanced handling of the film's deliberate diffuse lighting underscore the meticulous restoration effort.

Overall clarity surpasses previous formats, with the UHD resolution revealing intricate details such as skin textures and environmental nuances not as noticeable in earlier releases. This visual clarity combines with Dolby Vision's enhanced contrast and color dynamics to present a version of "As Good as It Gets" that is likely the best it has ever looked for home viewing. From the vivid replications of New York settings to the detailed portrayals of character features, Sony’s 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD release sets a new standard for the film’s presentation, ensuring an immersive and visually gratifying experience for viewers.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "As Good as It Gets" boasts a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that, while not making leaps and bounds over its Blu-ray's 5.0 mix, introduces a layer of auditory finesse that fans might appreciate. The Atmos upgrade meticulously weaves together the bustling ambiance of New York City, from the hum of traffic to the nuanced din of crowded cafes, creating a more enveloping experience. This soundscape, crafted with object-oriented HD surround sound, enhances the film’s environment with a subtle yet noticeable dynamism. Music, whether score or popular tracks, benefits from a broader stage, exhibiting depth and a softly immersive quality that gently pulls the audience into the film's emotional moments.

Dialogue remains the linchpin of the audio presentation, consistently clear and taking precedence in the mix. It is precisely anchored in the frontal soundstage, ensuring that every line is discernible amidst the urban symphony. This focus on dialogue does not detract from the soundtrack's ability to also deliver on atmospheric elements. Slight expansions beyond the 5.0 track afford the viewer a more spatially aware experience, lightly brushing the edges of immersion without overwhelming the core narrative delivery.

Furthermore, the Dolby Atmos track shines in its portrayal of ambient city sounds and interior dynamics, enhancing the film's sense of place with rear channels capturing everything from passing traffic to the specific directional sound of doors slamming. The occasional bass response adds punch to the soundtrack, spotlighting moments where music can fully utilize the subwoofer for a richer auditory experience. Though not frequently called upon, these instances where lower frequencies come into play add an appreciable depth to the overall audio landscape.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "As Good as It Gets" in the UK, exclusively part of the Columbia Classics Collection Volume 3, significantly enhances its extra features compared to previous releases. Noteworthy is the sheer volume of new extras, though not newly produced, presenting an enriching collection including deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and an audio commentary with prominent cast members like Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear, alongside director James L. Brooks. These additions provide a deeper insight into the film's making, showcasing the blend of talent and creativity behind its success. Notably, all supplementary materials are contained on a bundled Blu-ray disc, excluding the UHD disc itself but includes a digital copy code and a slipcover. However, it lacks the isolated score previously found on the Twilight Time disc, marking the only significant omission from this comprehensive assembly of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

NEW! Audio Commentary: A legacy track featuring insights from the director, main cast, editor, producer, and composer.

NEW! Behind the Scenes Footage: Raw footage providing an on-set look at the film's production.

NEW! Deleted Scenes: Includes various scenes with commentary, offering alternate perspectives on the narrative.

NEW! The Making of As Good as It Gets: An exploration of the film's creation, including its story, characters, and thematic elements.

NEW! Theatrical EPK Selected Soundbites: Compact interviews with the cast and crew discussing the film.

Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer of the film.

As Good as It Gets," directed by James L. Brooks and starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear, has made its mark as an exceptional entry within the romantic comedy genre, achieving both critical and award recognition. The film's inclusion in the prestigious 'Columbia Classics Collection' UHD release underscores its lasting impact, offering an enhanced viewing experience with 2160p/Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio, a significant upgrade from its earlier Twilight Time Blu-ray release. The narrative weaves a compelling story around Melvin Udall (Nicholson), a misanthropic novelist with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, whose life takes unexpected turns involving a neighbor’s dog and a waitress named Carol Connelly (Hunt). This trio of social misfits provides a fresh take on romantic and platonic relationships, setting the stage for a story that explores personal transformation amidst oddball charm.

Nicholson delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Melvin, skillfully balancing rudeness with moments of genuine caring, earning him an Academy Award. His chemistry with Hunt, who also won an Oscar for her role, adds depth to their unconventional romance, supported by standout performances from Kinnear and Gooding Jr. The script, praised for its logical yet unpredictable character dynamics, cleverly navigates the complexities of human connection, making "As Good as It Gets" more than just a standard rom-com. The film masterfully balances humor with cynicism, ultimately opting for a uplifting narrative that champions the human capacity for change and connection.

Moreover, the film subtly critiques societal issues like healthcare, adding layers to its seemingly straightforward plot. The digital restoration ensures that the visual and auditory specifics are impeccably presented, providing audiences with an immersive experience that honors the film's original brilliance while introducing it to new generations in unprecedented quality. This release not only celebrates the film’s enduring legacy but also sets a high standard for the presentation of classic cinema in the contemporary digital era.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment UK's release of "As Good as It Gets" on 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray as part of The Columbia Classics Collection Volume 3 exemplifies a pinnacle in home cinema experience, mirroring the commitment seen across the entire collection. This set, including "As Good as It Gets," signifies Sony’s intent to cater to both film aficionados and collectors by offering a robust selection of movies that are not just visually and audibly enhanced but are also culturally and historically significant. Each film, "As Good as It Gets" included, has undergone meticulous restoration to native 4K with Dolby Vision HDR, alongside an auditory enhancement to Dolby Atmos, ensuring that the picture and sound quality surpass anything previously available. This treatment affirms Sony's position at the forefront of revitalizing classic cinema for contemporary audiences.

The inclusion of "As Good as It Gets" in this collection is particularly noteworthy, standing out as ostensibly the crown jewel amidst a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces. This film showcases Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt in their Academy Award-winning roles, with the 4K UHD rendering providing an unparalleled clarity and depth to both their performances and James L. Brooks' nuanced direction. The supplemental materials, including a hefty bonus content package on the bundled Blu-ray, enrich the viewing experience, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the film's production that fans and newcomers alike will find invaluable. Additionally, the expansive bonus features extend beyond the primary films, involving spin-offs and sequels, thus doubling the attraction for collectors.

In conclusion, "As Good as It Gets" on 4K UHD Blu-ray within The Columbia Classics Collection Volume 3 is a must-own for cinema enthusiasts who desire to experience this poignant narrative with the highest fidelity in both audio and visual presentation. Sony’s meticulous curation and preservation elevate not just this film but the entirety of Volume 3, making it an irresistible addition to any collection. The set not only champions cinematic heritage but also sets a new standard for home entertainment, ensuring these stories continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.