The Sting 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Sting" makes its remarkable transition to the 4K UHD format, courtesy of a meticulously crafted 2021 remaster that allows both afficionados and newcomers to experience George Roy Hill's cinematic classic in unprecedented clarity and detail. Sourced from a 4K DI, this release boasts a native 3840 x 2160p resolution and adheres to the traditional 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing 10-bit video depth alongside High Dynamic Range (HDR), a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), and encoded via the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10 compatibility, viewers can anticipate a visual feast that meticulously preserves the film's intentional 1930s aesthetic nuances without succumbing to unnecessary digital manipulation. Advanced scanning and encoding techniques ensure that what might initially appear as flaws—varying grain structures, soft frame edges, or the intentionally dim and grainy opening credits—are, in fact, faithful reproductions of the director and cinematographer Robert Surtees' original vision.

This Ultra HD edition represents a significant leap over previous Blu-ray presentations, notably in the stability and fidelity of the grain structure and an overall enhancement in image crispness and texture. The elimination of heavy-handed noise reduction and edge enhancement bestows the image with a more organic feel, allowing for an immersive viewing experience that celebrates the film’s detailed production design and nuanced period-specific visual cues. The HDR enhancement enriches the color palette, deepening the earth tones that dominate the film's aesthetic while ensuring that more vibrant colors burst with life when they do appear on screen. Flesh tones are rendered with exceptional naturalism, and both the brightest whites and deepest blacks are handled with a deftness that adds dimensionality to the picture.

Despite a handful of minor source-related anomalies and occasional encoding hiccups that reveal themselves in certain long shots or under specific lighting conditions, this 4K UHD rendition of "The Sting" marks a notable improvement from its predecessors, offering a more accurate and enjoyable representation of this cinematic treasure. While some scenes exhibit inherent softness attributable to the original photography and the filmmakers’ deliberate choices, this release charmingly embraces such characteristics rather than attempting to artificially "correct" them, thus respecting the artistic intent behind one of the most iconic films of the 1970s. Universal's efforts in providing a clean, dynamic visual experience are commendable, although slight room for improvement remains, particularly in handling grain consistency and minimizing compression artifacts in densely textured scenes.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Sting" retains the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track from its previous Blu-ray edition, a decision that might not kindle excitement given the unchanged format, but nonetheless delivers a commendable auditory experience. Specifically, the arrangement of Scott Joplin's music by Marvin Hamlisch takes full advantage of the surround setup, creating an immersive environment without sounding forced or artificial. Dialogue clarity is a highlight, with speech predominantly centered and well-maintained throughout various scenes—from the bustling atmospheres of speakeasys to the distinctive sounds of a rotating carousel and a train in Gondorff’s apartment—ensuring that the narrative's essence is never compromised. However, the track does show its age with limited bass response and minimal effects in the rear channels, primarily focusing on the front soundscape and occasionally allowing score elements to subtly enhance the background.

Notably, this release does not venture into offering a DTS:X configuration or the original mono track, a choice that may underwhelm audiophiles longing for a modernized or historically authentic auditory companion. There's an acknowledgment of the soundtrack’s age, yet it surprises with its crispness, providing a commendable weight to the music and dialogue alike. The mix is predominantly front-loaded, with rare instances of stereo separation and very modest rear channel activity, mostly confined to musical score enhancement. This conservative approach towards the spatial distribution of sound elements reflects a balance between maintaining fidelity to the source material and optimizing it for contemporary home theater systems.

Universal's decision mirrors a trend of cautious preservation over ambitious reimagining, ensuring that while "The Sting" may not showcase the technological forefront of audio design, it offers a solid and faithful representation that respects the film's original aesthetic. Though some opportunities for a more enveloping soundstage through advanced audio codecs like DTS:X were overlooked, and the omission of the original mono track might be seen as a missed opportunity for purists, the existing 5.1 mix succeeds in delivering a satisfying auditory experience. The integrity of dialogue, alongside clever utilization of surround channels for music, compensates for its few shortcomings, such as noticeable ADR moments and a lack of robust low-frequency effects, culminating in an audio presentation that complements this classic film effectively without overstepping its historical context.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Sting" offers a compilation of extras that, while mirroring the content found in the 2012 legacy Blu-ray edition, enriches the viewing experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Notably, all special features are now conveniently located on the 4K disc, eliminating the need to switch discs. Among the standout extras is "The Art of The Sting," a comprehensive, albeit slightly dated, three-part documentary diving deep into the film's script, production, and impact. Additionally, Universal's centennial celebration is adorned with features on film restoration, a retrospective on Universal's 70s hits, and a tour of the iconic studio lot. While no new supplements have been added, transferring these features to the 4K disc provides a seamless exploration of cinematic history and craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Art of The Sting: The Perfect Script: A detailed exploration of the screenplay's development.
• The Art of The Sting: Making a Masterpiece: Insights into the film's production challenges and successes.
• The Art of The Sting: The Legacy: Discussion on the film's enduring impact.
• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics: A look at the restoration process of classic films.
• 100 Years of Universal: The '70s: Highlights from Universal's 1970s film catalogue.
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot: A tour of the historic Universal lot.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for "The Sting".

The Sting," a remarkable example of classic Hollywood filmmaking, reunites the dynamic duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford under the direction of George Roy Hill, creating a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of the gangster and con film genres. With a smart script by David S. Ward, exquisite photography by Robert Surtees, and standout costume design by Edith Head, the film meticulously captures the essence of the 1930s, despite Hill's original desire for an even more traditional presentation in black and white. The attention to detail is palpable, further amplified by a cast that delivers nothing short of exceptional performances, particularly Newman and Redford, whose on-screen chemistry propels the narrative with an irresistible charm.

The film's ability to blend humor and tension within a period setting is second to none. It innovatively deviates from the expected tropes of its era’s gangster films by offering a light-hearted yet captivating look at the lives of con men who aim to topple a notorious gangster. The choice to set the story amidst the Great Depression, showcasing both the despair and the twisted opportunity it brought for cunning individuals, adds a rich layer of authenticity. The inclusion of Scott Joplin's ragtime music, adapted brilliantly by Marvin Hamlisch, not only underscores the film's unique tone but also enhances its period feel, making "The Sting" a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences.

Its portrayal of smart, flawed characters engaging in an elaborate scheme against a backdrop of economic downturn reflects a deeply American narrative of resilience and ingenuity. "The Sting" manages to hold its audience captive with a blend of sharp wit, suspenseful plotting, and historical nostalgia. As it navigates through its cleverly conceived cons with finesse and unpredictability, the film remains a testament to the artistry and storytelling prowess that define cinema's golden age. It stands as a pioneering work that has not only influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers but also solidified its place as an enduring cultural touchstone.

Universal's release of "The Sting" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents a remarkable upgrade for this ageless classic, uniting Paul Newman and Robert Redford in one of cinema's most entertaining cons. Directed with precision and a keen eye for both drama and humor by George Roy Hill, the film's charm is undeniable, bolstered by a script that maximizes the strengths of its cast and creative team. The 4K transfer breathes new life into the visual presentation, offering good detail, depth, and strong blacks that honor the original artistic vision, despite some inconsistencies rooted in the source material itself. The HDR colors enhance watchability significantly over previous Blu-ray editions, making it a must-have for any serious film library and especially appealing to packaging enthusiasts with its SteelBook option.

The audio remains the DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track from earlier releases, which might seem like a missed opportunity for an upgrade but still delivers clean dialogue and a vibrant score. While the lack of new bonus content may disappoint some, the existing extras are sufficient and conveniently available on the UHD disc. "The Sting," with its blend of sharp wit, thrilling plot twists, and memorable performances led by Newman and Redford, retains its place as grand Hollywood entertainment, further enhanced by its visual and auditory restoration.

In conclusion, "The Sting" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is a recommended acquisition, imperfect yet substantially improved over all its past home video formats. This release captures the essence of what makes the film a genuine classic, offering notable visual enhancements that embellish its already rich storytelling and character dynamics. Despite minor drawbacks in picture perfection and new supplemental material, this edition stands as the definitive version for both longtime admirers and new fans discovering the magic of this cinematic treasure for the first time.