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

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Murder on the Orient Express" offers a magnificent presentation that significantly elevates the film's visual experience. Sourced from the original camera negative, this new 4K restoration stands as the most compelling version to date. The 2160p Dolby Vision transfer refines the previous visual inconsistencies found in older releases by Paramount and StudioCanal, offering improved sharpness, superior detail, and an attractive color balance that eliminates previous inaccuracies, such as unwanted pink hues in older prints. The visuals maintain an organic and authentic appearance, leveraging Dolby Vision and HDR grading effectively to enhance brightness without altering the original color scheme. The pristine condition of the frames, free from dirt or dust, underscores the disc's excellent visual fidelity.

The release painstakingly preserves the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 across both 2160p and 1080p resolutions using HEVC/AVC codecs. Despite the inclusion of Dolby Vision, the grain structure, a hallmark of Geoffrey Unsworth’s Oscar-nominated cinematography, remains appropriately intact—providing a grit that enhances the film's visual ethos. The film achieves a perfect balance between clarity and period-appropriate stylization, brought forth by Unsworth’s unique use of diffusion to represent snow's glare through train windows. Notably, shadows and black levels are managed expertly, exhibiting depth without compromising the atmospheric richness of Lumet's stylized production.

Despite some minor encoding optimizations still desirable in darker sequences, the presentation is formidable, ensuring fluidity and stability throughout. It retains a delicate balance between sharpness and color richness, with specular highlights delivering added visual "pop." While not a night-and-day transformation compared to past editions, this release represents a formidable upgrade that pays homage to the film’s original aesthetic intentions. A highly recommended upgrade for cinema aficionados seeking an immaculate visual journey aboard this classic whodunnit.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Murder on the Orient Express" provides two notable audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. These tracks uphold the quality evident in past releases while offering unique auditory experiences tailored to the film's atmospheric nuances. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track creates a captivating soundscape, effectively utilizing both Front/Center and surround channels to immerse viewers in the film’s tight, confined settings. This version delivers dynamic contrasts that resonate with the film's period ambiance, ensuring clear and coherent dialogue without any noticeable anomalies.

In addition to the immersive 5.1 mix, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track is commendable for its clear fidelity and slight increase in volume compared to the 5.1 track, enhancing specific sequences without compromising sound quality. Despite these differences, both tracks maintain well-balanced sound effects and music that enrich the viewing experience. The 2.0 mix, while more straightforward, doesn't seem like a simple downmix from higher channels but presents a robust standalone presence. Notably, it steers clear of issues such as missing audio effects or dropouts common in inferior mixes.

Both audio tracks stand out for their sound integrity and are complemented by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. While the purist may yearn for a mono restoration, these offerings ensure a superior auditory experience that honors the film’s atmospheric requirements and technical fidelity, providing listeners with a profound appreciation of Agatha Christie's classic mystery.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Murder on the Orient Express" collectively offer a rich exploration of both the film's production and its place within the broader cinematic landscape of the 1970s. The standout extra is the insightful audio commentary featuring film historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson, whose lively discussion provides a wealth of information on the movie's production nuances and its cinematic context. Complementing this are archival featurettes such as "Agatha Christie: A Portrait" and "Making Murder on the Orient Express," which deliver in-depth historical perspectives through interviews with key figures like director Sidney Lumet and producer Richard Goodwin. These supplements form a comprehensive understanding of the film's creation, highlighting its retro appeal and intricate storytelling.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion by historians Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson.
• Agatha Christie: A Portrait: Featurette with insights from Christie's grandson, Mathew Prichard.
• Making Murder on the Orient Express: Behind-the-scenes look at the production, divided into four segments.
• Interview with Producer Richard Goodwin: Recollections on the film's production.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer.

Sidney Lumet's 1974 adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" is a cinematic achievement that melds an all-star cast with robust visual and narrative artistry. The film begins with an inventive montage of newspaper headlines and photographs to recount the infamous Daisy Armstrong case, offering subtle narrative clues. Albert Finney’s portrayal of detective Hercule Poirot stands out for its depth and eccentricity, though his interpretation diverges from more familiar portrayals with an idiosyncratic blend of commanding presence and aloofness. The supporting characters, including Lauren Bacall, Sean Connery, and an Oscar-winning Ingrid Bergman, imbue the film with vibrant personalities, though some critics note inconsistencies in character tone, where humor occasionally overshadows suspense.

Lumet’s direction capitalizes on the exotic allure of mid-1930s railway travel, creating a rich backdrop of sophistication that is enhanced by Geoffrey Unsworth's Oscar-nominated cinematography. The film leverages warm colors and soft lighting to evoke a sense of nostalgic opulence, reinforced by Tony Walton's elegant period costumes and production design. Complemented by Richard Rodney Bennett’s moody orchestral score, the aesthetic contributes to a palpable tension that contrasts dramatically with modern adaptations known for their high-speed editing and action.

Despite its confines on the stranded train, Lumet maintains a dynamic narrative through astute interrogation sequences and clever visual storytelling. The film eschews fast-paced action for cerebral intrigue and layered character interactions—the essence of classic whodunits. As Poirot investigates Ratchett's murder, connections to the Armstrong case unfurl compellingly. While some scenes may feel constrained to contemporary viewers, the meticulously woven plot and its culmination in a gripping resolution underscore the timeless appeal of Christie's story. This meticulous adaptation offers an immersive and atmospheric exploration into a bygone mystery genre, maintaining its stature as one of the definitive renderings of Christie’s iconic tale.

Sidney Lumet's 1974 adaptation of "Murder on the Orient Express" remains a distinguished representation of the whodunit genre, celebrated for its star-studded ensemble cast led by Albert Finney in the role of Hercule Poirot. While Finney's portrayal may spark some debate among purists of the Christie novels, the film's allure is underscored by Oscar-winning performances and meticulously crafted production values that captivate audiences. The film deftly captures the period atmosphere and maintains a gripping narrative, making it a definitive cinematic experience.

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release delivers a substantially enhanced visual presentation, showcasing a new restoration from the original camera negative by Paramount. The upgrade offers a cleaner, sharper image with vivid colors that highlight the film's elaborate art direction and design. While this 4K restoration aligns closely with the original theatrical presentation, some viewers might argue that it doesn't significantly elevate the Blu-ray version. Nonetheless, the package enriches the viewing experience with both contemporary and archival bonus materials, complemented by robust audio options.

In conclusion, while "Murder on the Orient Express" may have its occasional shortcomings in fully embodying Agatha Christie's classic narrative, this 4K UHD offering is undeniably the best version available. The enhanced visual clarity and well-curated extras provide compelling reasons for both loyal fans and newcomers to appreciate this masterful iteration. Despite its imperfections, this version stands as a testament to Lumet's skillful adaptation and remains a highly recommended addition to any cinephile's collection.