King Kong 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "King Kong" displays a significant improvement over previous editions, thanks to its remarkable restoration and precise presentation. The film was scanned from its original 35mm negative in 4K, color-graded by Paramount, and further restored by L'Immagine Ritrovata. This effort results in a native 3840 x 2160p resolution image with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, utilizing 10-bit video depth and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) technologies alongside both HDR10 and Dolby Vision passes. The overall image quality is praiseworthy, with notably deep blacks, vibrant greens, and robust skin tones. However, there is a noticeable teal push in certain scenes, particularly those featuring swathes of blue sky or ocean, which may not appeal to all viewers.

Fine detail is one of the standout aspects of this release. Close-up shots reveal every pore and hair with a level of clarity that a 1080p resolution cannot achieve. The film maintains its authentic grain structure, which is uniformly presented across the image, enhancing its filmic appeal. The Dolby Vision HDR enhances highlights beautifully, especially in scenes with bright lights or fireworks, adding both dimension and depth to the visuals. However, it is worth noting that the HDR implementation doesn’t overwhelm and is rather subtle in its application, avoiding oversaturation or unnatural contrasts.

While the print exhibits excellent stability with no signs of dirt or scratches, some issues were noted with bitrate modulation. Inconsistent bitrates, ranging from low 50mbps to highs not surpassing 70mbps, are present but do not significantly detract from the image quality due to the effective compression that prevents any evident artifacts. Overall, "King Kong" in 4K UHD is a commendable upgrade over the Blu-ray version, offering superior resolution, color accuracy, and an immersive viewing experience that honors the film's cinematic roots, despite minor color grading issues.

The audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "King Kong" offers both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and restored 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 mix stands out for its fuller, crisper, and more immersive sound profile, enhancing action scenes with broader engagement and precise spatial placement. John Barry’s score, in particular, benefits from the additional channels, sounding rich, full, and wide. However, the mix does not achieve a surround sound extravaganza but delivers a satisfactory sense of immersion, clear and centered dialogue, with limited LFE providing subtle but effective support.

The original theatrical mix, available on the default English stereo track, effectively balances dialogue, music, and sound effects without technical issues such as hiss or sibilance. Despite its dense nature at times, it maintains clarity and separation of orchestral instruments. When switching to the 5.1 mix, though expanded across more channels, the surround elements do not significantly come to life during intense action sequences, and thinning of midrange somewhat diminishes the scale of the audio landscape.

Meanwhile, the Extended TV Cut utilizes a DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix due to restoration constraints. This track functions adequately but lacks the range and precision of the theatrical 5.1 mix. It experiences occasional lip sync issues and a meager output that does not quite match the theatrical mix's spatial dynamics and musical clarity. Overall, both tracks serve their purposes well but shine differently depending on user preferences for audio depth and engagement during playback.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "King Kong" is a mixed bag when it comes to extras. While the disc includes the theatrical trailer, it lacks the wealth of special features seen in previous releases, such as commentaries and interviews from Shout Factory’s edition or Studio Canal’s making-of featurettes and deleted scenes. Fans hoping for an extensive array of bonus content will find this release underwhelming, as the standout inclusions are minimal. The primary extra is the extended TV cut from the Shout Factory Blu-ray release, but its inclusion is somewhat redundant for longtime collectors. The lack of comprehensive supplements results in a missed opportunity for a definitive edition, leaving enthusiasts to seek out older versions for a richer experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional trailer.

The 1976 remake of "King Kong," directed by John Guillermin and now available in 4K UHD Blu-ray, boldly updates the original story with a 1970s flair. This version shifts focus to an oil company's ill-fated expedition, led by an engaging trio: Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and Jessica Lange in her debut role. A high-budget production from Dino De Laurentiis, its box office success and Academy Award win underscore its popularity. The film uses stunning Hawaiian scenery to recreate Skull Island and delivers impressive early shots, establishing an epic atmosphere. Unfortunately, when Kong himself appears—portrayed by Rick Baker in a suit—the film’s ambitions falter. The limitations of the practical effects significantly diminish the emotional impact and grandeur that defined the original.

The technical presentation on this UHD release is noteworthy. The theatrical cut runs at a clean 2:14:32 in 2160p with Dolby Vision color grading, offering substantially improved visual clarity and color depth compared to previous versions. The audio is robust, featuring a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, which helps enhance John Barry's sumptuous score. However, the Blu-ray only includes a trailer as a supplementary feature, and the additional extended TV cut—presented in 1080p—stretches to 3:12:47, although confined to the non-4K format. Adding to its collectible appeal, the release ships in an exclusive SteelBook packaging that aesthetically complements the overall presentation.

While this version of "King Kong" may not rival the timeless magic of the 1933 original or feature the groundbreaking effects seen in Peter Jackson’s 2005 rendition, it remains an ambitious production applauded for its scale and earnest performances. Guillermin's social satire adds a layer of humor, especially through Grodin's character, providing pointed critiques of corporate and public sectors alike. Despite its shortcomings in special effects, it holds a place in the broader Kong lore, contributing to ongoing debates among fans about which version reigns supreme.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "King Kong" (1976) offers a solid and visually satisfying viewing experience, though it is not without its flaws. The 4K transfer presents a cleaned-up image that, while not the best on the market, is impressive and effectively highlights the groundbreaking creature effects. Unfortunately, the tweaked color palette has sparked some controversy, tinging the visuals with a noticeable yellowish tone that may not appeal to all viewers. Audio-wise, the 5.1 track delivers a robust and immersive soundscape that complements the film's action sequences and John Barry's majestic score.

This release also includes both the longer cut and the theatrical cut of the film. The theatrical cut emerges as the superior option, offering a more concise and engaging narrative. The longer cut, while intriguing, often feels padded with unnecessary content that detracts from the storytelling. The set’s limited bonus features are disappointing, especially given the potential for a more comprehensive package. The SteelBook packaging, however, adds a touch of collector's appeal despite its lack of substantial extras.

In conclusion, while "King Kong" (1976) is far from the definitive Kong film, it remains an entertaining entry with a unique 70s charm. Offering good video and audio quality, this 4K UHD release satisfies on a technical level but falters in additional content. For die-hard fans, importing the more feature-packed U.K. edition might be worthwhile. Nevertheless, this domestic release is a worthwhile addition for those who prioritize high-resolution film presentation over supplementary material.