48 Hrs. Blu-ray Review

The new 4K remaster of 48 Hrs., rendered in 1080p on Blu-ray, offers a considerable upgrade over the previous, lackluster edition from 2011. This transfer showcases significant improvements in clarity, detail, and color reproduction. The film maintains its gritty 1980s aesthetic while presenting a more natural and organic grain structure. Background shots are impressively detailed, revealing rich textures and fine elements that embody Walter Hill's stylistic choices. While occasional vertical lines and soft focus shots are present, these are minor compared to the disc’s overall quality. The blacks are deep and inky but with a slight hint of milkiness, contributing to excellent shadow detail during darker scenes. The new encode mitigates previous issues like aliasing, smearing, and excessive grain, resulting in a much more watchable film.

Colors in this 1.85:1 aspect ratio transfer are robust, yet remain true to the period’s muted palette. Neon signs and clothing details now pop more vividly but remain grounded within the film's hard action genre. The facial clarity is a standout, highlighting skin tones, stubble, sweat, and other fine details with impressive accuracy. Contrast levels are nearly perfect with adequately crisp whites and deep blacks. Overall, the transfer is clean and stable, with the odd speckle or scratch only rarely noticeable. Paramount’s encode is stable and consistent, even in scenes with lighter black levels that might reveal additional grain. This presentation is a testament to Dennis Waite's original cinematography, capturing both day and night scenes with renewed vigor.

In essence, this remaster revitalizes 48 Hrs. with a fine filmic grain that stands as a massive improvement over previous home video versions. The earthy tones and carefully preserved grain structure make it clear that this was an organic, well-considered remaster. While some might lament the lack of a UHD upgrade with HDR support for further improvements, this Blu-ray version delivers an admirable visual experience that fans will find well worth revisiting.

Paramount's 48 Hrs. arrives on Blu-ray with a robust and immersive Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix that offers a significant upgrade over previous editions. The audio track is powerful, with dynamic range that accentuates the film’s explosive action sequences. The bass is deep and impactful, particularly during gunfights and vehicular chases, adding to the film’s overall intensity. James Horner’s score and The BusBoys' music envelop the listener, creating a rich auditory experience. Dialogue is clear in the center channel, though some users may notice it being slightly quieter than ideal, necessitating minor volume adjustments.

The surround sound presentation is notable for its effective use of environmental audio, delivering an impressive sense of place. City sounds, such as moving cars and background conversations, are well-distributed across the channels. Specific scenes, like the prison escape and police station bustle, are particularly immersive. However, there are occasional issues, such as gunshot channel bleed into the surrounds, likely rooted in the original source material. Despite this, the soundstage remains well-balanced, providing an engaging listening experience that leverages all available audio channels without overwhelming the listener.

The inclusion of multiple language options in 2.0 Dolby Digital and an isolated score track adds versatility to the audio experience. Fans will appreciate the maintained clarity and fidelity despite the film's action-packed soundscape. While some may regret the absence of the original theatrical mix, this Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track stands out as a compelling reason to revisit this classic.

The Blu-ray release of "48 Hrs." offers a commendable array of bonus features, focusing largely on providing unique insights and supplementary content to enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The highlight is the detailed Filmmaker Focus segment, featuring a nearly 20-minute interview with director Walter Hill, who elucidates on the film’s creation process, themes, and cast dynamics. Additionally, the isolated score track allows viewers to experience the film's music in isolation, an audio treat presented in Dolby Digital 2.0. The inclusion of the fully restored 1966 animated short "Space Kid" is both intriguing and delightful, given its cameo in the film. Completing the extras lineup is the theatrical trailer, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: The film's music presented alone in Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.
• Filmmaker Focus: Walter Hill on 48 Hrs.: Director discusses the film’s making and themes.
• Space Kid - Original 1966 Animated Short: Full cartoon featured briefly in the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promo for the film.

Walter Hill’s 1982 film 48 Hrs. remains a cornerstone of the action-comedy genre, blending gritty thrills with humorous banter, set against the seedy backdrop of a neon-lit San Francisco. Nick Nolte's portrayal of Jack Cates, a gruff and rebellious cop, contrasts sharply with Eddie Murphy's dynamic debut as Reggie Hammond, a streetwise convict. This combination, often lauded for birthing the "buddy cop" template, demonstrates Nolte's physical and vocal intensity while Murphy brings his raw comedic talent in a role that set the stage for his future stardom. As Cates and Hammond navigate an uneasy alliance over 48 hours to capture the ruthless criminal Albert Ganz (James Remar), the film stands out not just for its action scenes but also for its deeper satirical edge and sharp dialogues that blend tension with humor.

The narrative of 48 Hrs. illustrates classic buddy-movie dynamics enhanced by its unique racial undertones and character interactions. The film’s authenticity shines through Walter Hill's direction that emphasizes gritty realism and intense urban atmospherics, juxtaposed with Eddie Murphy's burgeoning charisma. Scenes oscillate between violent shootouts and clever comedic exchanges, underpinned by strong performances from its ensemble cast, including James Remar as the villainous Ganz and Annette O’Toole in a brief yet memorable role. While contemporary viewers might find the pacing slow or some elements dated, the film’s tight screenplay, robust performances, and visceral action sequences still deliver an engaging watch.

Technically, the Blu-ray release from Paramount presents 48 Hrs. in a newly remastered 1080p picture with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack—a significant upgrade from previous editions. This allows the gritty cinematography and sound design to shine, reflecting the film's atmosphere more vividly than ever. As part of the “Paramount Presents” line, it includes new extras that offer deeper insights into its production. Despite varying opinions on its lasting impact compared to subsequent genre entries like Lethal Weapon, 48 Hrs. continues to be revered for its groundbreaking role in action-comedy cinema.

"48 Hrs." remains a landmark entry in the buddy cop genre, thanks to Walter Hill's sharp direction and dynamic performances from Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy. The film seamlessly marries gritty action with playful comedy, creating a hybrid style that bridges the 1970s and 1980s cinematic aesthetics. Paramount’s new Blu-ray offers a meticulously remastered 1080p video transfer and a robust Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, ensuring that this classic looks and sounds better than ever. The extras, though not abundant, are engaging and offer fresh content not seen in previous editions.

The 2021 Blu-ray release under Paramount Presents features significant technical upgrades from the 2011 edition. The enhanced visual fidelity and audio quality elevate the viewing experience. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of new extra features, which compensate for the otherwise light offerings. While some might long for a 4K Ultra HD version, this release substantially upgrades what was already a beloved film, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

In conclusion, "48 Hrs." is far from a perfect buddy cop movie but stands out for its authentic 80s charm and spirited performances. The combination of a gritty narrative, stellar cast, and an energetic score renders it a defining piece of its era. Paramount’s effort in upgrading both audio and video quality alongside new extras provides ample reasons to own this Blu-ray edition. It is a solid purchase for both nostalgic fans and new viewers alike.

Technical Specifications: Starring: Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, James Remar, Sonny Landham, Annette O'Toole, David Patrick Kelly, Brion James Directed by: Walter Hill Written by: Roger Spottiswoode, Walter Hill, Larry Grosse Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 AVC Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1, German, Japanese, Music DD 2.0 Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, German, Japanese Studio: Paramount Rated: R Runtime: 97 Minutes Blu-ray Release Date: July 6th 2021

Recommendation: Good Buy