The Ladykillers 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Ladykillers" features a stunning 4K restoration sourced from StudioCanal’s work on the original 3-strip Technicolor negatives. The restoration is presented in 1.37:1 with Dolby Vision and HDR grades, delivering exceptional delineation, clarity, and depth. The decision to offer the film in native 4K exclusively in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio might disappoint some collectors, given that the original 1955 release likely had widescreen exhibition. However, a 1.66:1 version is available on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. The restoration showcases vibrant visuals with a fine mist of grain, reminiscent of recent high-quality Warner and Paramount remasters, resulting in an image devoid of scratches and boasting rock-steady stability.

The film's color reproduction is notably balanced, with new, vibrant primary colors and subtler nuances adding a lush quality, particularly in daylight scenes. Grain structure is even and well-resolved across all frames. In both brighter and darker scenes, the Dolby Vision grade adds depth and richness to the visuals, enhancing the overall experience. Viewers will notice significant improvements over the previous Blu-ray presentation from 2010, which appeared softer and somewhat anemic.

Overall, Kino Lorber’s release ensures that "The Ladykillers" looks pristine and engaging, maintaining its classic charm while benefiting from modern restoration techniques. Upscaling the 1080p 1.66:1 version to 4K may yield visuals nearly matching those of the native 4K 1.37:1 presentation. The restoration’s high bitrate and strong encode further contribute to the seamless viewing experience of this timeless film.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Ladykillers" is equipped with an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, offering an accurate and faithful reproduction of the original monaural soundtrack. The dialogue on this dual Mono track is notably clean, sharp, and exceptionally easy to follow, ensuring that every line is distinctly audible without any balance issues. However, it is important to note that some minor unevenness may be detected in certain areas, which are attributes inherited from the original recording. Both encoding and presentation are handled smoothly with no noticeable artifacts disrupting the listening experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are thoughtfully provided to aid clarity when needed.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 encoding does a commendable job of preserving the integrity of the original audio. While the music can feel slightly thin at times, this remains consistent with the monaural nature of the track and should not detract from overall enjoyment. The clarity of voices stands out as a highlight, allowing the film’s dialogues to shine without any unwanted distortions or noise. The effort to maintain an authentic sound environment with this restored Mono track aligns closely with the StudioCanal release, ensuring an experience that respects the film's historical audio characteristics while meeting contemporary technical standards.

The "Extras" section of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of The Ladykillers delivers a comprehensive and in-depth array of features that will delight film enthusiasts and scholars alike. Both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs include two engaging audio commentaries, each offering unique perspectives on the film's production history, direction, and cast. The first, by historian Phillip Kemp, provides a scholarly insight into various critical aspects of the film and its context within Ealing Studios' legacy. The second commentary, by critics David Del Valle and Dan Marino, is more lively, exploring the film's defiance of expectations and realism in locations. Additional features include vintage and archival pieces focusing on the Ealing Studios’ rich history and Alexander Mackendrick's directorial techniques, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Philip Kemp: Scholarly insight into The Ladykillers.
• Commentary by David Del Valle and Dan Marino: Engaging discussion on film's tone, style, and locations.
• Forever Ealing: Documentary on Ealing Studios’ cinematic legacy.
• Cleaning Up The Ladykillers: Restoration featurette with before-and-after comparisons.
• Interview with Allan Scott: Discussion on the film’s unique humor and identity.
• Interview with Ronald Harwood: Insight into Alexander Mackendrick’s working methods.
• Interview with Terence Davies: Recollections on Alexander Mackendrick and The Ladykillers.
• Trailer: Promotional trailer for the 4K restoration.
• Additional Trailers: Includes trailers for Kind Hearts and Coronets, The Lavender Hill Mob, The Man in the White Suit, and The Captain’s Paradise.

Alexander Mackendrick's The Ladykillers (1955) stands as a seminal British comedy, effortlessly blending comedic elements with thriller and heist genres. The film stars Katie Johnson in a memorable role as the elderly widow, Louisa Wilberforce, who becomes an unwitting participant in a bank robbery plot masterminded by Professor Marcus, played by Alec Guinness. The gang, composed of Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, Danny Green, and Cecil Parker, attempts to exploit Mrs. Wilberforce's naivety, adding layers of humor and tension to the narrative. Johnson’s endearing performance offers a delightful counterpoint to the frenetic energy of the criminals, mirroring the film's dichotomy of chaos and order.

Visually, the film is notable for being one of the final productions shot in 3-strip Technicolor, resulting in a distinctive look characterized by deep shadows and rich pastels. Cinematographer Otto Heller skillfully creates a noir-like atmosphere with clever set designs that enhance the quirky, almost expressionistic feel of Mrs. Wilberforce's lopsided house. This visual style, reminiscent of German expressionism, underscores the film’s whimsical yet sinister tone. The efficient storytelling, clocking in at just over 90 minutes, maintains a brisk pace that makes the film feel even shorter.

The Ladykillers boasts not only strong direction and a compelling screenplay but also notable contributions from its production team. Screenwriter William Rose crafted a tight script that is both witty and engaging. Tristram Cary’s first film score further complements the narrative’s rhythm and tone. Despite Mackendrick’s limited filmography, his direction here is masterful, contributing to making The Ladykillers one of the greatest comedies, period. This 4K UHD release by Kino Lorber enhances the classic film’s legacy, allowing new audiences to experience its enduring charm and technical brilliance.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Ladykillers" showcases a meticulous restoration effort that brings this classic British comedy to new heights. StudioCanal's recent 4K restoration is truly captivating, presenting the film in pristine visual quality. The restoration captures remarkable detail and color accuracy, breathing new life into this beloved classic. However, it should be noted that the 4K UHD disc only supports the 1.37:1 aspect ratio, which may be seen as less appropriate than the 1.67:1 ratio better suited for modern displays. The Blu-ray disc remedies this by including both the 1.37:1 and 1.66:1 versions, and they both perform outstandingly when upscaled to a 4K display.

The audio presentation is equally impressive, delivering clear and balanced sound that complements the visual upgrade. The restored audio track enriches the viewing experience, making dialogue crisp and background scores notable without being overwhelming. Extras included in this combo pack offer valuable insights and are a treasure trove for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

This combo pack release presents StudioCanal’s recent 4K restoration of The Ladykillers, which is gorgeous. However, in native 4K, the 4K restoration can be viewed only in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio, not in the more appropriate 1.66:1 aspect ratio, and this will likely frustrate some viewers. The Blu-ray disc has both versions of the film, and they look outstanding, especially when they are upscaled, but I think that it would have been much better to have the 1.66:1 version on the 4K Blu-ray and the 1.37:1 version added as a bonus on the Blu-ray. Regardless, the 4K restoration is a stunner, so the combo pack should be on your radar. RECOMMENDED.

"The Ladykillers" is definitively one of the best British comedies and Kino Lorber has executed an exceptional job of translating it into 4K UHD. For fans of classic cinema or high-quality restorations, this release is an essential addition to your collection. Extremely highly recommended.