Murder on the Orient Express 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Murder on the Orient Express" showcases a commendable video presentation, particularly in faithfully reproducing Geoffrey Unsworth's Oscar-nominated cinematography. Utilizing the 2160p Dolby Vision transfer, the film maintains its unique hazy interiors and diffused lighting designed to simulate blinding snow through the train windows. Significantly, the transfer neither scrubs away grain nor alters the original color scheme, allowing the intrinsic grittiness and texture to shine through. While not a night and day upgrade from Paramount’s 2021 Blu-ray release, this version provides a perceptibly sharper and cleaner image. The finer details in production design and clothing are more apparent, and specular highlights exhibit additional pop without compromising the film’s stylistic intent.

The theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is preserved adeptly in these HEVC/AVC encoded transfers. The UHD version is devoid of any noticeable dirt or dust, resulting in a pristine image. Though the Dolby Vision grade enhances certain bright spots, such as background lights and the opening prologue, depth in shadow areas remains essentially unchanged. The grain structure remains consistent with previous home video releases, ensuring that sharpness and color richness reflect Unsworth's original vision, albeit slightly subdued due to intentional diffusion techniques. Black levels and overall image depth are well-managed, despite the spatial limitations of the film's confined setting. This transfer stands out as an impressive reflection of the film's stylized aesthetic, maintaining all its visual nuances.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Murder on the Orient Express" features both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD MA 2.0 tracks. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, also present on the previous Paramount Blu-ray release, remains an excellent choice for fans. It effectively utilizes the soundscape to create a rich and immersive audio experience even within the movie's tight settings. There is a significant presence of audio effects across the Front/Center channels, with ample drift into the surround channels, which enhances the overall atmospheric quality of the track.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix, which comes as a new addition, is slightly louder compared to the 5.1 track but also delivers high fidelity with clear and easily comprehensible dialogue. Notably, this stereo track does not suffer from any audio dropouts or missing effects, and it showcases music and sound effects in an expansive manner that supplements the listening experience superbly. Despite not being an upgraded mono track from previous Dolby Digital versions, it maintains a high standard of quality, making both tracks robust and reliable choices for listeners.

KLSC offers a commendable selection of extras on the 4K UHD Blu Ray edition of "Murder on the Orient Express", combining new content with archival materials from Paramount’s 2021 release. The inclusion of an audio commentary featuring Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson stands out, providing an in-depth discussion that contextually situates the film within the landscape of 1970s cinema. Additionally, their insights into Sidney Lumet's directorial motifs are particularly valuable. Other notable extras include a detailed making-of featurette with comprehensive interviews from key production members and cast, alongside a new interview with producer Richard Goodwin. This package also includes retrospective material on Agatha Christie, adding further depth to the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historians discuss the film's production and cinematic context.
• The Making of Murder on the Orient Express: Insights from key production members and cast.
  • All Aboard
  • The Ride
  • The Passengers
  • The End of the Line
• Interview with Producer Richard Goodwin: Behind-the-scenes stories of the production.
• Agatha Christie: A Portrait: Reminiscences by Christie's grandson, Mathew Prichard.
• Trailer Gallery: Trailers for related films such as "Death on the Nile" and "Evil Under the Sun".

"Murder on the Orient Express," directed by Sidney Lumet, stands as the pinnacle of classic whodunit adaptations, showcasing a striking blend of stellar performances and impeccable production values. Lumet's 1974 version remains the most faithful to Agatha Christie's 1934 novel, skillfully transporting viewers to the sophisticated era of luxury train travel in the mid-1930s. The film features an all-star cast, including Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot, alongside Lauren Bacall, Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman, and John Gielgud. Each actor delivers meticulously crafted performances that bring their characters to life with vibrant energy and depth. The claustrophobic setting of the train, combined with Lumet's clever use of close-ups and confined spaces, heightens the tension and intrigue, making the murder mystery both compelling and atmospheric.

The film excels in balancing humor with suspense, thanks in part to Paul Dehn's Oscar-nominated screenplay, which adeptly condenses Christie's intricate narrative. From the striking prologue that sets up the Daisy Armstrong kidnapping backstory to the methodical inquisition conducted by Poirot, every scene is crafted to maintain the viewer's engagement. Albert Finney’s portrayal of Poirot is definitive, embodying the detective’s eccentricities and sharp intellect while still allowing space for other characters to shine. Ingrid Bergman’s role as Greta Ohlsson garnered her a well-deserved Academy Award, contributing to the ensemble’s overall high-caliber performance level.

Complementing the performances are Tony Walton's opulent costumes and sets, which capture the glamour and elegance of the period, and Geoffrey Unsworth's lush cinematography, which further enhances the film’s visual appeal. Richard Rodney Bennett's evocative score and Lumet’s deft direction ensure that the film remains both fresh and engrossing. The attention to period detail and atmospheric tension throughout positions "Murder on the Orient Express" not just as an excellent adaptation of Christie’s work, but as a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling in its own right.

The 1974 production of "Murder on the Orient Express," directed by Sidney Lumet, stands as a paragon in the mystery genre, superbly capturing the essence of Agatha Christie’s narrative. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber Studio Classics, derived from the original camera negative, provides a meticulously clean and vibrant visual experience. Viewers will be gratified by the enhanced sharpness and clarity, enabling the magnificent colors and intricate production designs to truly shine. This release offers a notable improvement over the previous Blu-ray edition, delivering a visual spectacle that closely approximates the original theatrical presentation.

One cannot overlook the auditory excellence provided in this release. Accompanying the stunning visuals are two superior audio options that significantly elevate the viewing experience. The disc also includes a comprehensive selection of both new and archival extras, enriching the journey through this iconic film. The seamless integration of these features makes this edition an invaluable acquisition for any cinematic library.

The who’s who of the whodunit, 1974’s "Murder on the Orient Express" is one of the finest murder mysteries ever committed to celluloid. Not the first attempt to bring one of Agatha Christie’s stories to the screen, but it remains among the best. Albert Finney in an Oscar-nominated performance leads an all-star cast (with an Oscar-winning turn from Ingrid Bergman) in this crackling production from director Sidney Lumet. One of my true favorites, I love revisiting it as often as I can and this 4K disc from Kino Lorber Studio Classics is a good reason. Three years after a great Blu-ray from Paramount, the 4K upgrade is a worthy visual enhancement. A little sharper, a little cleaner, the colors are magnificent and the elaborate production values absolutely shine. With two very good audio options and an inviting selection of new and archival extras makes for a Highly Recommended release.