The Manchurian Candidate 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s release of The Manchurian Candidate on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a remarkable new 2160p, HEVC-encoded transfer sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. The option to view with HDR or Dolby Vision grades enhances this superb restoration. Demme’s and cinematographer Tak Fujimoto’s adept use of Panavision cameras and lenses, with Kodak Vision 2383 film stock, results in a light grain field that adds depth and texture to every frame. This film-like presentation retains the original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio and delivers outstanding clarity, delineation, and depth. Enhancements in black levels, notably in the low-lit introductory scenes and intense action sequences, reveal details previously lost in older transfers.

Facial close-ups in native 4K, which emphasize pores, sweat, and tears, along with the Dolby Vision HDR, provide a visceral experience that heightens the narrative's emotional impact. The color fidelity and superior wider color gamut are vividly apparent, contributing to lifelike flesh tones and balanced contrast. Despite a few darker areas that could be slightly more convincing, overall image stability and cleanliness are impeccable. Importantly, the transition to 1080p still retains significant quality improvements over previous releases despite light artifacts in certain high-motion scenes. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate this meticulous and handsome transfer that preserves the integrity of the original cinematography.

This Region-Free 4K Blu-ray release ensures broad accessibility while offering a distinctive visual upgrade. In comparison, the Region-A locked standard Blu-ray benefits from the same 4K restoration but presented in 1080p, evidencing confidence in the presentation's baseline quality. Consequently, viewers are treated to a definitive home viewing experience that honors Demme’s seminal work while leveraging cutting-edge video technology to deliver a pristine and engaging visual journey.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Manchurian Candidate" offers two standard audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The upgrade from previous lossy tracks is quite notable, providing a richer and more immersive soundscape. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 does a commendable job of reproducing the original theatrical sound mix, though it doesn't significantly enhance the film's dimension beyond some well-placed moments where the rear channels are utilized effectively. Dialogue consistently remains clear, sharp, and easy to follow, with music and ambient sounds balanced admirably.

However, some aspects of the dynamic balance could be perceived as uneven, causing abrupt spikes and drops that may momentarily disrupt the movie-watching experience. It's unclear whether this stems from the mixing of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track or inherent qualities of the original soundtrack. Despite this, the 2.0 stereo track emerges as a preferred choice for purists, offering a truer representation of the film's sound profile while also maintaining impeccable dialogue clarity and balanced audio elements.

Overall, both the DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 stereo tracks exhibit superb fidelity with no noticeable damage to the source, ensuring a high-quality auditory experience. For those seeking an authentic connection to the original film, the lossless 2.0 stereo track provides that in spades, while the 5.1 surround track adds a modest but appreciated dimension to particular scenes. Optional English SDH subtitles are available for added accessibility.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "The Manchurian Candidate" by Kino retains all previous bonus materials without any new additions, yet the legacy content still provides substantial value. The collection is anchored by a detailed audio commentary from director Jonathan Demme and co-writer Daniel Pyne, offering insights into the film’s production choices, storyline alterations, and musical decisions. Complemented by archival features such as behind-the-scenes footage, screen tests, and deleted scenes with optional commentary, these extras offer an in-depth look into the film’s creative process. Despite their age, the supplements remain relevant and engaging for both cinephiles and casual viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Archival audio commentary by Jonathan Demme and Daniel Pyne.
• The Enemy Within: Inside The Manchurian Candidate: Production insights with cast and crew interviews.
• The Cast of The Manchurian Candidate: Examines casting choices via interviews.
• Political Pundits: Pundits discuss U.S. politics, with optional commentary by Jonathan Demme.
• Liev Schreiber Screen Test: Audition footage of Liev Schreiber.
• Deleted/Extended Scenes: Optional commentary available.
• Outtakes: Optional commentary available.
• Trailer: Vintage film trailer.

Jonathan Demme's 2004 re-imagining of The Manchurian Candidate brings a modern lens to the Cold War paranoia of the original film and novel, updating the antagonistic forces to include corporate greed and imperialistic motives, aligning with the political climate of 2004. This version centers around Major Ben Marco (Denzel Washington) as he grapples with fragmented memories following an ambush in Kuwait during the Gulf War. The shift from Communists to corporate puppeteers ties into contemporary events, making the narrative feel alarmingly prescient. Washington's character arc captures the psychological torment and confusion effectively, though the screenplay sometimes prioritizes style over substance, leading to a chaotic presentation.

Visually, Demme employs his signature close-ups to underscore internal turmoil, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances the film's psychological tension. Tak Fujimoto's cinematography meticulously frames scenes to disorient viewers, reflecting the characters' destabilized minds. The ensemble cast is strong, with standout performances from Liev Schreiber as Sergeant Raymond Shaw and Meryl Streep as his power-hungry mother, though some supporting roles feel underutilized. Despite impressive craft and strong initial impact, the film falters in its resolution. The screenplay struggles to tie all its threads together completely, delivering a conclusion that feels thematically correct but somewhat anticlimactic.

The movie's score by Rachel Portman and Carl Littleton's editing contribute significantly to the film’s tensified experience. However, despite these technical strengths and moments of brilliance, The Manchurian Candidate ultimately falls just short of greatness due to its somewhat disjointed narrative style and an unresolved feeling in the finale. Nevertheless, Demme’s take on this iconic story brings a compelling update to a classic tale that engages with pressing modern issues, making it a notable cinematic experience even if it doesn’t fully reach its ambitious potential.

Jonathan Demme’s 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate stands as a compelling reinterpretation of John Frankenheimer’s original 1962 political thriller. Transposing the Cold War paranoia of the original into the post-9/11 era, Demme’s film substitutes the fear of communism with a more contemporary examination of mind control and corporate influence. The plot is engaging and maintains a gripping tension, although its pacing falters slightly towards the end. Nevertheless, the journey remains highly enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has done remarkable work with this 4K UHD release, sourced from a meticulous 2160p scan of the original camera negative (OCN). The transfer is stunningly film-like, providing enhanced detail, richer color depth, and improved contrast, making it the definitive version for home viewing. Additionally, the release retains all previously available supplements from earlier Blu-ray and DVD editions, offering comprehensive bonus material for fans and collectors alike.

In conclusion, John Frankenheimer's classic film predicted an incoming dark future with such clarity and authority that it was impossible not to be terrified by it. Jonathan Demme's film describes a familiar present and alters plenty from Richard Condon's novel to convince its audience that all is under control because Uncle Sam can be trusted. Needless to say, these films could not be any more different. I am a very big fan of the former. Kino Lorber's combo pack introduces a good new 4K makeover of Demme's film, so if you have been waiting for a quality release of it, now you have one.