Up! 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Severin Films’ 4K UHD release of "Up!" offers a significant leap in visual fidelity, thanks to a meticulously executed restoration sourced from the original 35mm camera negative. The HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer, presented in the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, delivers a striking presentation with HDR10 enhancement and impressive bitrates that rarely dip below 90 Mbps. Restoration work was performed at Illuminate Studios Hollywood, and Severin’s attention to both color grading and grain management is evident throughout. The HDR grade yields vibrant, saturated primaries—particularly in outdoor sequences—that far surpass the already strong 1080p Blu-ray edition.

The increased resolution highlights subtle variances in color temperature, clarity, and film grain, making some minor age artifacts—such as faint nicks or slight dirt—briefly visible. Grain remains organic and well-resolved, though sequences derived from opticals and split screens exhibit noticeably coarser grain, consistent with their original elements. Sharpness and fine detail are markedly improved, allowing for greater texture fidelity across the frame. Occasional scenes display a slightly faded or muted palette, most notably in the opening moments and select outdoor environments, but such instances are isolated. Overall, this UHD transfer stands out not only as a significant archival achievement but also as a visually engaging experience that retains the film’s period texture while maximizing its cinematic boldness.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Up!" delivers its audio via a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track sourced directly from 35mm release prints, as noted in the restoration card. The monaural soundtrack is presented in lossless form on both the 4K and Blu-ray discs. While the track unmistakably reflects the film’s age and its lower-budget origins, it remains remarkably clear and serviceable for modern playback. Dialogue is reproduced with clarity throughout, despite the occasional slight looseness in sync—indicative of some lines having likely been recorded in post-production. The score, particularly during the opening fanfare, can verge on brashness but otherwise complements the film’s tone appropriately.

Detail retrieval is significantly improved thanks to the clean restoration work, revealing subtle ambient effects such as heavy breathing and environmental nuances, as well as making certain sound effects more prominent than in previous presentations. While minor artifacts—such as a touch of harshness—appear in isolated moments of the soundtrack, there are no pervasive issues like noise or distortion. Optional English subtitles are available for accessibility. Overall, the DTS-HD MA mono track succeeds in balancing fidelity with authenticity, ensuring the original audio character of "Up!" is preserved while meeting contemporary expectations for clarity and detail.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Up!" delivers a focused yet insightful slate of extras, most notably headlined by Elizabeth Purchell’s audio commentary, available on both UHD and Blu-ray discs. Purchell, an established film historian, provides substantial background that enriches the viewing experience with context on Russ Meyer’s directorial style, the film’s place in his broader oeuvre, and detailed information on the cast. The package includes "No Fairy Tale… This!," a lively interview with actress Raven De La Croix, offering first-hand perspectives on the film’s production. A classic radio spot, presented in HD with accompanying key art, rounds out the extras. Packaging is enhanced by a slipcover utilizing artwork reminiscent of the film’s original VHS release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Elizabeth Purchell: In-depth analysis on the film’s context within Russ Meyer’s career and cast insights.
• No Fairy Tale… This!: Interview with actress Raven De La Croix providing anecdotes and production insight.
• Radio Spot: Archival audio promotional piece paired with key art.

Russ Meyer’s Up! exemplifies a deliberately provocative blend of sexual farce and cartoonish violence, often abandoning cohesive storytelling in favor of a string of audacious vignettes. The film opens with a nude Greek Chorus (Kitty Natividad) delivering arch, tongue-in-cheek narration before careening into a lurid sequence involving “Adolf Schwartz”—a barely disguised take on Hitler—engaging in various sexual acts, only to be dispatched via piranha in a moment of absurdist black comedy. This sets the stage for a cavalcade of eccentric characters, including the buxom Margo Winchester (Raven De La Croix) and Sheriff Homer Johnson (Monty Bane), as Meyer revels in orchestrated chaos filled with copious, explicit nudity, exaggerated prosthetic appendages, and intentionally over-the-top sexual antics.

The technical craftsmanship behind Up! is unmistakable; Meyer directed, produced, shot, edited, and co-wrote the film, infusing it with an unwavering commitment to his unique vision. Framed as both an exploitation film and a self-aware parody of smut and melodrama, Up! straddles the boundary between satirical comedy and X-rated provocation. While some elements—particularly its casual juxtaposition of sexual aggression with slapstick hijinks—may sit uneasily with contemporary viewers, the film’s gonzo exuberance and relentless parade of salacious, surreal set pieces evidence Meyer’s total creative control. Up! is less concerned with narrative logic and more invested in the spectacle of its own excess, making it as infamous for its transgressions as for its meticulously orchestrated visual style.

Severin Films’ 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Russ Meyer’s "Up!" delivers an impressive technical presentation, reflecting a meticulous restoration effort. The video quality is a clear standout, with sharp detail and bold colors that breathe new life into the film’s vibrant visual style. While the audio doesn’t quite reach the same pristine level as the video, it still holds up well, capturing both dialogue and the energetic soundtrack faithfully. The package is bolstered by value-added content, including an insightful audio commentary, which deepens appreciation for Meyer’s distinct cinematic approach.

The film itself remains quintessential Russ Meyer: a goofily enjoyable and provocative work, though its uneven tone and graphic sexual violence distinguish it from some of his more playful outings. Longtime fans will find this presentation essential, but newcomers should approach with an understanding of the film’s transgressive themes and bold stylistic choices.

Overall, this 4K release stands as a first-rate edition on technical merits alone. Severin Films has crafted a high-quality upgrade that honors both the film’s legacy and its audience’s expectations, making it an excellent addition to any cult cinema enthusiast’s collection.