Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead" features a new native 4K restoration sourced from Paramount’s scan of the original 35mm negative and graded in both Dolby Vision and HDR. The transfer brings a notable uptick in visual nuance, especially in scenes lit with signature neon glows. Cinematographer Elliot Davis’s intentional lighting schemes are expertly preserved, resulting in lush, balanced dark footage and skin tones that remain natural and healthy. Colors are vibrant without veering into over-saturation, and fine details—particularly in close-ups—are rendered with impressive sharpness and clarity.

While the visual upgrade is subtle rather than dramatic—mainly owing to the strength of prior HD masters—the new 4K transfer nonetheless offers improved delineation, depth, and image stability that fans will appreciate. The Dolby Vision grading handles Denver’s diverse palette of shadowy interiors and luminous signage with care, maximizing contrast without introducing digital artifacts or undesirable corrections. Some viewers may prefer the appearance with Dolby Vision disabled, as color balance and temperature are highly accurate and remain faithful to the film’s original intent. Image stability remains excellent throughout, resulting in an immaculate presentation. Overall, the 4K makeover is a technically accomplished release that heightens the film’s visual appeal, especially in its rendering of complex, atmospheric lighting.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" offers two primary audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Both tracks are robustly presented, with the 5.1 surround mix standing out for its immersive qualities. The 5.1 track successfully balances dynamics, handling intense action sequences and more subdued moments with equal finesse. Atmospheric elements such as rain, engine noise, gunfire, and environmental effects are effectively layered through the surround channels, enriching the film’s gritty tone without overpowering dialogue.

The dialogue consistently maintains clarity and prominence in both tracks, ensuring that spoken lines are always intelligible over the score and environmental sounds. The 5.1 mix benefits from nuanced bleed-over and echo effects—particularly evident in scenes set within reflective interiors—adding an additional dimension to spatial realism. While the stereo 2.0 mix also offers an engaging audio experience with crisp clarity and strong separation, the sonic depth and enveloping atmosphere provided by the 5.1 mix create a more lively and cinematic listening environment. English SDH subtitles are included, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

In summary, both DTS-HD MA tracks deliver a technically impressive presentation, with the 5.1 mix providing a dynamic and atmospheric upgrade that audiophiles will appreciate, while the 2.0 mix serves as a solid alternative for those seeking a more straightforward presentation.

The extras package for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" is both comprehensive and thoughtfully curated, offering in-depth insight into the film's unconventional production, stylistic choices, and its place in 1990s cinema. The inclusion of two newly recorded audio commentaries—one with director Gary Fleder and writer Scott Rosenberg, the other with historian Daniel Kremer—provides a detailed dual perspective on filmmaking decisions, script evolution, casting, Miramax’s involvement, and the movie’s distinctive Denver setting. Additionally, archival featurettes give direct access to key cast and crew, delving into everything from Andy Garcia’s attraction to the role, the film’s unique vernacular, narrative structure, set design challenges, and even its critical reception. Fans and students of neo-noir will find these extras an invaluable resource for understanding the film’s legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Gary Fleder & Writer Scott Rosenberg: A deep dive into the film's production history, casting, and creative decisions.
• Audio Commentary: Daniel Kremer (Critic/Filmmaker): Analytical breakdown of the film’s conception, influence, and critical reception.
• Things to Perform in Denver When You’re Dead: Interview with Andy Garcia on his involvement and thoughts on his character.
• Things to Direct in Denver When You’re Dead: Gary Fleder discusses production hurdles, casting stories, and the movie’s context in the indie boom.
• Things to Write in Denver When You’re Dead: Scott Rosenberg on script origins, tonal balance of comedy/drama, and narrative choices.
• Things to Design in Denver When You’re Dead: Nelson Coates details set design, shooting locations, and promotional campaigns.
• Production Featurette: Archival EPK with interviews from key creatives.
• Trailer: Vintage theatrical trailer.

Gary Fleder’s Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead attempts to blend quirky noir sensibilities with the mid-90s trend of dark, dialogue-driven crime films. The narrative orbits Jimmy “The Saint” Tosnia (Andy Garcia), a reformed gangster reluctantly pulled back into the criminal world by a bizarre favor demanded by his former boss (Christopher Walken). The screenplay, penned by Scott Rosenberg, is loaded with distinct slang and crackles with idiosyncratic exchanges, aiming for Tarantino-esque cool. The ensemble cast—including Christopher Lloyd, William Forsythe, Bill Nunn, Treat Williams, Gabrielle Anwar, and Steve Buscemi—delivers charisma and energy, with each member of Jimmy’s crew vividly portrayed and given meaningful arcs, even in limited screen time.

The film excels in its initial setup, drawing viewers in with strong characterizations and a tone that’s both twisted and humorous. Cinematographer Elliot Davis provides a stylish neo-noir aesthetic reminiscent of early Coen Brothers' work. However, the movie loses narrative focus as it unfolds. After a highly promising first half grounded in clever plotting and appealing antiheroes, the story devolves into a patchwork of tangents and stylistic excess. Quick-cut edits, heavy use of dutch angles, flashy sound effects, and 90s visual clichés undermine the emotional and dramatic momentum. Subplots—including those involving Fairuza Balk's prostitute and Jack Warden's narrator—fail to coalesce meaningfully, often stalling the main narrative.

While Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead aspires to be both edgy and emotionally resonant, it sometimes functions more as an exercise in emulating established genre techniques than as a wholly original statement. Its memorable moments and performances are overshadowed by an inconsistent second half that tries too hard to recapture its early energy. Nevertheless, its earnest effort and offbeat charm ensure that it remains an interesting—if ultimately uneven—entry among 90s crime thrillers.

“Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” receives an impressive treatment with its new 4K UHD Blu-ray release. Paramount's restoration delivers a notably accurate and vibrant transfer, sharply enhancing detail and preserving the film’s distinct color palette. The disc provides a robust audio mix that effectively highlights both dialogue and the film’s eclectic soundtrack, supporting an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the release is complemented by a generous selection of both new and archival bonus features. The standout is a new commentary by director Gary Fleder and screenwriter Scott Rosenberg, which delves deeply into production anecdotes, thematic choices, and critical reception, offering valuable context for both long-time fans and first-time viewers.

While critical opinions on the film itself remain divisive—with some praising Rosenberg’s screenplay as “dynamite” and thought-provoking, and others considering it a lesser entry among the post-Tarantino wave—the technical merits of this edition are undisputed. The supplemental content enriches appreciation for the creative process and film legacy, including insightful commentary and retrospective materials that probe the film's cult status and controversial reputation. The overall presentation underscores the careful attention given to the film’s preservation and enhancement for modern audiences.

In conclusion, regardless of where one stands on the movie’s artistic merits, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands out as a model of high-quality restoration and thoughtful curatorial effort. With a comprehensive set of special features and top-tier technical execution, it serves as an essential addition for collectors, cinephiles, and those with an interest in late-‘90s crime cinema. Whether you’re revisiting “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” or exploring it for the first time, this edition provides an engaging, definitive home video experience.