Sudden Death 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 75
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
Sudden Death's 4K Blu-ray offers solid visuals and nostalgic Van Damme action, making it worthwhile for fans despite its derivative Die Hard-lite formula.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 78
Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray of Sudden Death, with a new 4K master from the original camera negative, features Dolby Vision and HDR, delivering vivid inky blacks and improved filmic detail. While the Dolby Vision grade adds depth, it occasionally darkens scenes, making the overall presentation compelling but nuanced.
Audio: 82
The 4K UHD release of "Sudden Death" offers robust audio with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, with the former providing superior engagement through effective mixing of action sequences and clear dialogue. Despite lacking a Dolby Atmos option, the sound effectively captures stadium dynamics, delivering punchy explosions and boisterous effects.
Extra: 63
Sudden Death's 4K UHD stands out primarily for its exclusive, insightful commentary by critics Mike Leeder and Ross Boyask that delves into the film's era and Jean-Claude Van Damme's career. The Blu-ray complements with archival interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and promotional material, enriching the historical context.
Movie: 66
Sudden Death on 4K Blu-ray delivers a nostalgic punch for '90s action fans with its well-crafted stunts and Van Damme's charismatic presence, despite occasionally indulging in implausible scenarios. Though reminiscent of Die Hard, the enhanced audiovisual quality celebrates its unique blend of parody and genuine thrills, without overshadowing Powers Boothe’s standout villainous performance.
Video: 78
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Sudden Death" by Kino Lorber presents an impressive visual upgrade, striking a balance between Hyams' signature cinematography and modern high-definition technologies. This version is constructed from a new 4K master directly from the original camera negative, utilizing a 16-Bit 4K scan. Presented in its theatrical 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the film benefits from Dolby Vision and HDR10, enriching its dynamic range and color depth. Known for his affinity for natural lighting and shadows, director Peter Hyams' style finds new value in HDR grading, particularly with the inky blacks and texture-rich shadows, although some sequences are notably darker than expected.
The transfer maintains a classic filmic look with a light grain that seamlessly enhances while preserving the authenticity of the original presentation. Detail is respectably sharp despite the source material's inherent softness, especially in widescreen shots of Pittsburgh. Skin tones exhibit a touch of digital warmth or orange-ness, which might distract purists, but remains an aesthetic choice rather than a flaw. The film’s modest color palette is invigorated by moments like intense police lights and the stark red scenes; however, it retains an understated saturation overall.
Technically adept, "Sudden Death" on 4K benefits significantly in areas like image stability and resolution expansion, showcasing Hyams’ work in a refined light. While comparisons with SDR reveal HDR's contributive richness, viewers may notice some shadow nuances appearing more convincingly in standard HD formats due to darkening effects at play in certain scenes. Overall, this release is a worthy addition to any 4K collection, especially for those who appreciate meticulously restored mid-nineties action films.
Audio: 82
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Sudden Death" delivers dynamic audio through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 track, in particular, stands out, effectively capturing the intensity and atmosphere of the action scenes akin to its theatrical release. The mix exhibits a robust directionality with lively crowd sounds that envelop the viewer, though split surround utilization remains modest. Key sound effects, such as explosions and body checks during the hockey game, offer a satisfying LFE impact, though some reports suggest it occasionally lacks precision. John Debney’s score complements the film's tension well, with dialogue consistently clear and prioritizing coherence.
Comparatively, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track provides a solid listening experience but lacks some of the potency found in the 5.1 mix. While the track serves dialogue and general atmospherics adequately, it misses the LFE channel's kick seen in the 5.1 version. This absence may indicate that the 2.0 track is likely a fold-down rather than an authentic theatrical matrixed mix. Although functional, it doesn't match the immersive quality intended for action sequences and dynamic effects, leading to a consensus that, for the epitome of sound clarity and excitement in line with the film’s original audio intentions, the 5.1 track is preferable.
Overall, while both audio options perform admirably within their capacities, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is the definitive choice for viewers seeking to fully experience the layered audio intricacies and explosive grandeur of “Sudden Death.” This technical offering aligns closely with the thrilling nature of Van Damme's action-packed film.
Extra: 63
The 4K UHD disc of "Sudden Death" delivers an engaging suite of extras primarily sourced from the accompanying Blu-ray, with a noteworthy new commentary by critics Mike Leeder and Ross Boyask. These respected voices delve into the film's context, covering expectations and reception at its release, alongside insights on Jean-Claude Van Damme’s career trajectory and the impact of Powers Boothe. The pair sprinkle personal anecdotes, reflecting their genuine fandom and providing a nuanced historical perspective. The package further enriches the experience with a selection of archival features including exclusive interviews with key cast and crew members, providing additional layers to understanding "Sudden Death."
Extras included in this disc:
- NEW Commentary by Mike Leeder and Ross Boyask: An engaging discussion on the film’s context, Van Damme’s career, and more.
- Interview Clips: Short segments with the cast and crew.
- Behind the Scenes Footage: Raw filming moments without subtitles.
- Trailer: Original theatrical release trailer.
- TV Spots: Collection of vintage TV advertisements.
Movie: 66
Peter Hyams' "Sudden Death" isn't shy about its Die Hard-like ambitions, yet it carves out a niche for itself in the crowded 90s action film landscape. This Van Damme vehicle swaps high-kicks for a more diverse display of set pieces, capitalizing on Jean-Claude Van Damme's adaptable persona. He effortlessly transitions from the agile martial artist to a resourceful, everyman hero, albeit with less charm than some of his action contemporaries like Willis or Stallone. The film attempts to humanize Van Damme through a traumatic prologue and a narrative of family redemption, though this emotional depth often takes a backseat to explosive scenes.
The narrative places Van Damme's character, Darren McCord, a disgraced fireman turned security guard, in the midst of a terrorist plot during a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Powers Boothe's villainous Joshua Foss provides a counterpoint to Van Damme's stoic heroism, stealing scenes with charisma that matches his character's malevolence. Though some set pieces verge on ludicrous—like Van Damme temporarily becoming a hockey goalie—these quirks are layered with the same guilty pleasure fabric that characterized 90s action films.
Technically, Hyams uses the confined arena space creatively, making effective use of its retractable roof and stadium interiors to juice up the action. The hockey game acts less as a backdrop and more as a kinetic element that enhances authenticity, despite moments rendered unrealistic by dated visual effects and impractical stunts. However, the choreography remains tight, and transitions retain momentum throughout its runtime. "Sudden Death" blends sheer spectacle with a wink at its own implausibility, appealing to fans of both straightforward action and sly parody in a movie best embraced for its entertaining absurdity.
Total: 75
Sudden Death, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and directed by Peter Hyams, is a quintessential 90s action movie that trades in high-octane set-pieces rather than nuanced storytelling. While it stands as a solid entry in Van Damme's filmography, it's Powers Boothe's menacing antagonist that adds a significant layer to the otherwise straightforward action narrative. The film prioritizes explosive action scenes, designed to captivate audiences rather than delve into complex characterization. Kino Lorber's recent 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release breathes new life into the film, providing a visually enhanced experience with Dolby Vision HDR to better display the film’s dynamic sequences.
The upgrade to 4K may not revolutionize opinions on Sudden Death but undeniably enhances viewing pleasure with its high-quality presentation. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, there’s sufficient appeal to warrant a revisit. This remastered edition embraces the nostalgia of Van Damme’s peak era, offering an introspective look at Hollywood’s action genre during the 90s. Despite echoing the 'Die Hard' formula, Hyams and Van Damme deliver enough to maintain viewer interest, reaffirming that sometimes, derivative can still be satisfying.
In conclusion, Sudden Death in 4K is a nostalgia trip worth taking for action aficionados and Van Damme fans. While the core plot remains unchanged by this visual upgrade, the improved clarity and color fidelity make for a more exhilarating experience. The film, with its polished presentation, reinforces Kino Lorber’s dedication to restoring genre favorites, making this edition an enticing addition to any collection.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 80
And be clear about the fact that this 4K - and probably more obviously the Dolby Vision HDR grade - absolutely revels in this, and laps up all those inky, infinitely deep, blacks....
Audio: 80
a couple of punchy options John Debney's score is pretty serviceably decent for this kind of fare, helping build the tension and keep the momentum going for the duration, with dialogue given priority (and...
Extras: 60
Sudden Death only sports one new extra - which makes it to the 4K disc itself, with the remainder mostly archival fluff on the accompanying, Region A-locked Blu-ray disc....
Movie: 70
, it was Van Damme and Hyams who massaged the story into shape as an action vehicle, making the most of the unusual locale (the stadium's retractable roof being a high point), and the convenient inconvenience...
Total: 80
The same concept has been used for two remakes - the Dave Bautista-starring Final Score, and the Michael Jai White comedy-actioner, Welcome to Sudden Death - both of which should only remind of everything...
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 90
Some shadow nuances there look dated, so even with the darkening, they are better balanced on the new 4K master....
Audio: 90
However, there is a lot of intense action throughout the film that benefits from the 5.1 track....
Extras: 70
4K BLU-RAY DISC Commentary - in this exclusive new audio commentary, critic Mike Leeder and critic and filmmaker Ross Boyask discuss the exact period in which Sudden Death appeared and the general expectations...
Movie: 70
After the Vice President's personal bodyguards are killed, Foss announces that he will blow up the building unless the U.S. government transfers a billion dollars to his multiple private accounts before...
Total: 80
However, despite being an R-rated film, Sudden Death was conceived to be a big crowd pleaser, so it prioritizes flashy action rather than unique characters....
The Digital Bits review by Stephen BjorkRead review here
Video: 90
Sudden Death is actually the second Hyams film to be released in 4K after Narrow Margin, although there’s a significant difference this time....
Audio: 85
While there would have been a matrixed 2.0 surround track for theatres that weren’t equipped for digital sound, It’s not clear if this 2.0 track is that theatrical mix, or a fold-down of the 5.1....
Extras: 70
They also talk about screenwriter Gene Quintano, and detail the many revisions that the script passed through before it finally reached the screen in 1995....
Movie: 70
Their earlier films usually emphasize fighting, but after a while, the fighting ends up becoming secondary to conventional gunplay action....
Total: 79
Hyams and Van Damme still bring enough to the table to make it worth watching, but like nearly any “Die Hard on a” film, it’s not exactly Die Hard....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 60
Sudden Death doesn’t have a lot of saturation to play with, an aside for certain moments like the red underground area JCVD hides in partway through....
Audio: 80
That said, the cars erupting in the parking lot make for a dated if potent boom, helicopter rotors have a potent sound, and fireworks bring force with their explosions....
Extras: 60
The Blu-ray also includes eight minutes of interviews with the cast/crew, seven minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, and trailers....
Movie: 60
Without its hero to generate energy, Sudden Death falls back on Powers Booth, a preposterous villain who downs cigarettes, shoots innocent people, and spews responses that sound more like something a Hollywood...
Total: 65
...
Director: Peter Hyams
Actors: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry
PlotDarren McCord, a former fireman haunted by a tragic event, works as a fire inspector at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena. During the Stanley Cup Finals game, he takes his two children to the arena, hoping to enjoy the game. However, their evening turns into a nightmare when a group of terrorists led by the ruthless Joshua Foss seizes control of the arena, taking the Vice President of the United States and several others hostage in an executive suite. Foss demands a hefty ransom and plants explosives throughout the building, threatening to detonate them if his demands are not met.
As chaos ensues, Darren discovers his daughter's kidnapping by the terrorists. Driven by desperation and his firefighting training, he stealthily moves through the arena, thwarting the terrorists' plans and deactivating explosives. Darren faces numerous challenges and fights intense battles to disrupt Foss's scheme and protect his children and the stadium's occupants. His resourcefulness and courage are put to the ultimate test as he races against time to prevent a catastrophic disaster.
Writers: Karen Elise Baldwin, Gene Quintano
Release Date: 22 Dec 1995
Runtime: 111 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English