Super Mario Bros. 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Umbrella delivers a commendable native 4K presentation of "Super Mario Bros." that will likely satisfy fans. Despite the absence of HDR, the efforts put into this release are apparent. The 4K restoration of the original camera negative remains a significant improvement, presenting a crisp and vivid image throughout. The 35 mm film shot by director of photography Dean Semler utilizing Panavision cameras and lenses has been meticulously remastered, ensuring the 1.85:1 aspect ratio is preserved. The film’s vibrant colors, lifelike skin tones, and pronounced black levels showcase the range and clarity of the Ultra HD format even within the limitations of Standard Dynamic Range.

The transfer does exhibit some inconsistencies, such as brief color grading shifts and occasional soft shots, which are likely attributable to the original elements rather than the remastering process. There are also occasional blue tints in certain scenes. However, these minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall visual quality. The superfine grain structure remains unobtrusive, and there is an absence of banding, artifacting, or other encoding issues. Shadows are well-delineated, and contrast is handled admirably, although FX sequences show expected dips in clarity due to the era’s limitations. The deleted scenes have been processed in HDR, utilizing restored VHS footage to capture additional color and gamma information, but this does not impact the main feature presentation.

In summary, Umbrella Entertainment has produced a strong 4K visual presentation for "Super Mario Bros." with remarkable attention to detail given the source materials. Technically adept and visually engaging, this release showcases the film in its best form to date despite some inherent source limitations.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Super Mario Bros." showcases a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Dialogue is consistently clear and precise, maintaining intelligibility even amidst the chaos of Dinohattan and the explosive sequences of the third act. The rear speakers deliver directionally accurate effects that traverse the soundfield seamlessly, emphasizing the fluidity of a quality 5.1 remaster. The LFE output is engaging and dynamic, punctuating scenes with impactful Bob-omb booms, Super Scope thooms, and Koopa-quake roars. While some degree of flatness is perceptible, it adheres to the original sound design. The mix supports a playful and immersive audio experience without compromising fidelity for volume.

Including both English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English 2.0 Dolby Digital tracks with optional English subtitles, this release offers a mix that remains faithful to the original Dolby Stereo production but benefits significantly from the enhanced spatial dynamics of the 5.1 remix. Dialogue clarity, low-end heft, and surround activities are handled adeptly, creating a soundscape that is both powerful and engaging across various atmospherics. This audiophile-centric balance achieves a historical fidelity while providing modern auditory pleasures.

In sum, this audio remastering honors the film's 1993 origins while employing modern technical prowess to enhance the viewing experience without detracting from its nostalgic charm. The meticulous attention to both preserving and elevating the original sound design serves as a testament to high-quality restorative work in home media. This track successfully balances playful engagement and historical fidelity through impressive dynamics and immersive surround effects.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Super Mario Bros." offers a comprehensive array of bonus features, catering to both die-hard fans and collectors. While the physical package itself may not be eye-catching, the second disc, a standard BD-50, is replete with worthwhile special features and a rough workprint version of the film. The set does not include a 1080p presentation of the theatrical cut, which is a minor drawback. Nonetheless, the extras include extensive audio commentaries from key production team members and SMB archivists, an array of deleted scenes, trailers, an early rough workprint of the film, and over three hours of featurettes covering various aspects of the film's production. Additionally, there's an insightful comparison between storyboards and final scenes, multiple trailers and commercials, music videos, and a photo gallery.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Detailed insights from screenwriting, production, SFX crew, and archivists.
• Deleted Scenes: Misses more than hits but presented in 1080p.
• Ain't No Game Trailer: Short promotional clip.
• I've Got the Power Trailer: Another promotional trailer.
• Workprint Version of the Film: Early pre-FX edit in upscaled 480p.
• Featurettes: Extensive behind-the-scenes content, including interviews and making-of segments.
• From Storyboard to Screen: Examination of five key sequences.
• Trailers & TV Commercials: Japanese trailers and American commercials.
• Spike & Iggy Revolutionary Rap Music Video: Brief music video.
• Anti-Koopa Protest Music Video: Another music video piece.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of stills from the film.

"Super Mario Bros." (1993) has long been a contentious entry in the annals of video game adaptations, often cited as a cautionary tale for filmmakers. Initially trashed and derided, the film has garnered a retroactive appreciation, albeit one tinged with irony. Viewing it today, it's clear that this flawed cult classic isn't quite the disastrous misstep remembered. Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo deliver commendable performances despite the campy dialogue, while the practical effects and creature designs offer a nostalgic nod to the '90s. The dark, dystopian interpretation of the beloved Mario mythos half-works, detaching from the whimsical source material to deliver a more twisted and gritty narrative.

Set in the peculiar parallel dimension of Dinohattan, where human-like dinosaurs coexist, the plot unravels with Mario and Luigi embarking on an improbable quest to rescue kidnapped women from the sinister President Koopa, played by Dennis Hopper. The storyline ambitiously stretches familiar Mario elements into almost unrecognizable forms, reflecting the eccentricities of early '90s filmmaking. Despite these creative liberties, or perhaps because of them, the movie manages to be entertaining in its sheer audacity. Cameos and performances from notable actors such as Samantha Mathis, Fisher Stevens, and Lance Henriksen add layers of intrigue, but often feel underdeveloped.

The troubled production history is evident in the film's execution, with tonal inconsistencies and pacing issues clearly visible. Reports of on-set chaos, last-minute script changes, and Hoskins' notorious disdain for the project paint a picture of a movie beleaguered by internal strife. However, this patchwork quality strangely contributes to its charm. The film oscillates between being a dystopian sci-fi adventure, a comedy, and a pseudo-live-action cartoon without ever fully committing to any single genre. While it never quite comes together cohesively, "Super Mario Bros." remains a fascinating, if not entirely successful experiment in video game cinema, upheld by its distinctive visual style and earnest performances.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Super Mario Bros." succeeds in breathing new life into a film widely regarded as a product of its chaotic production era. Despite its flawed reputation, the movie offers an undeniable so-bad-it's-good charm that has earned it a niche following. Umbrella's 4K Blu-ray edition showcases this quirky gem with a comprehensive restoration effort. The video presentation demonstrates remarkable clarity and crispness that surpasses previous releases, while the accompanying lossless audio track delivers an immersive experience that enhances the viewing.

The meticulously curated collection of special features further elevates this release. From behind-the-scenes documentaries to commentary tracks, the extras provide an in-depth exploration of the turbulent journey of the film’s production, satisfying both dedicated fans and those new to the history of "Super Mario Bros." The inclusion of deluxe packaging adds a layer of tangibility and exclusivity that collectors will find particularly appealing. Undoubtedly, this 4K UHD package is an exemplary standard for re-releases, presenting the film in its best possible form.

Super Mario Bros. is absolutely, 100% a product of its era. It's also a product of a disastrous production that has been all but chronicled by all who survived its making. But for a film cursed with such burdens, there's a surprising amount of fun to be had; a cult-y so-bad-it's-good enjoyment on tap that allows it to rise far above the station it was assigned by audiences and critics in 1993. I wouldn't say it was ahead of its time by any means, but there's perhaps more here to love than some of us realized. Umbrella's 4K Blu-ray release is a terrific 2-disc set regardless of how much love or hate-love the film. With a solid restoration, a strong video presentation, a blast of a lossless track, and a massive collection of special features, this is an easy one to recommend.