Murder by Decree 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Murder by Decree" offers a marked improvement in video quality over its predecessors, particularly the 2020 Blu-ray edition. The new 1.85:1 2160p SDR transfer, sourced from a fresh 4K scan of the original camera negative by StudioCanal, significantly enhances image clarity and detail while maintaining the film's original theatrical presentation with the HEVC codec. Despite the absence of HDR or Dolby Vision, this upgrade successfully addresses prior issues such as color anomalies and scratches, ensuring a cleaner and more visually appealing experience.

The cinematography by Reginald H. Morris, characterized by its intentionally soft and diffused style, is now effectively rendered. While maintaining the intended artistic softness, the transfer reveals an impressive level of detail in facial features, clothing textures, and makeup effects. Whites, previously prone to hot blooming, and slightly washed-out vintage colors are more stable and present with healthier skin tones. Black levels have improved significantly, exhibiting stability without graying, contributing to a stronger sense of image depth and an average bitrate resting in the mid-90mbps range.

While some optical segments exhibit thicker grain and brief stuttering was noted in Chapter 7 of the UHD disc—unseen in the included 1080p Blu-ray version—the overall presentation is vastly superior. The enhanced transfer ensures that even fog-encrusted street scenes retain their atmospheric softness without sacrificing detail in sharp interior shots. This new release restores the film’s integrity and offers a superior viewing experience, resonating well with fans and cinephiles alike seeking high-quality video fidelity.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Murder by Decree" provides an intriguing audio presentation with its dual audio options: a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track and a newly offered DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix. The original 2.0 track remains a strong contender, praised for its authentic, clear dialogue and seamless integration of Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza's atmospheric score with ambient sound effects. This track preserves the original theatrical sound, ensuring a nostalgic experience free from common audio issues such as hiss, pops, crackle, or flutter.

Meanwhile, the 5.1 remix endeavors to enhance the audio experience, providing a more pronounced front/center channel imaging and spread. However, it admittedly maintains a conservative use of surround channels, coming to life primarily during specific scenes such as the opening theater sequence or a dynamic carriage chase. The music and sound effects receive a decent spread across the soundstage, yet there is a notable absence of directional envelopment typical of advanced surround mixes. Both tracks exhibit minimal low-frequency presence, an area that remains largely underexplored, even when functions like DTS Neural:X are applied, offering only moderate improvement. Despite some early music distortion in the 5.1 track, both audio experiences serve the film well and uphold the overall sound quality expected of this release.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Murder by Decree" offers a robust selection of engaging extras, focusing on in-depth audio commentaries. Both discs retain the insightful commentaries from director Bob Clark and historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell, providing valuable perspectives on the film's production and thematic influences, as well as comparisons to other Sherlock Holmes adaptations and related cinematic works. The included materials deepen the viewer's appreciation of the film's context and artistry. While the UHD version maintains these core features, the Blu-ray additionally presents a standard trailer gallery. Although no new features have been added, the existing content remains relevant and rewarding for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Bob Clark: Director’s detailed reminiscence on the making of the film.
• Audio Commentary featuring Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell: Insightful discussions on film influence and thematic depth.
• Theatrical Trailer
• KLSC Trailer Gallery: Includes trailers for various classic films, enhancing the contextual understanding of the era’s cinema.

Bob Clark's 1979 film "Murder by Decree" presents a gripping interpretation of Sherlock Holmes embroiled in the infamous Jack the Ripper case. The 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a finely calibrated audio-visual experience, highlighting Reginald H. Morris's atmospheric cinematography. Through its blend of fictional detective work with historical intrigue, the film becomes more than just a procedural thriller—it interrogates the societal complexities surrounding power and secrecy. The narrative weaves through grimy streets and fog-enshrouded alleys of Whitechapel, enhanced by immersive production design that brings Victorian London to life.

Christopher Plummer embodies Holmes with intellectual gravitas, steering away from more physically active portrayals, instead focusing on cerebral strength. His depiction, while not aligning with every canonical aspect of Doyle's detective, captivates with nuanced engagement. James Mason complements this with a sharp yet thoughtful Dr. Watson, a departure from typical portrayals that often lean towards comic relief. Together, they unravel a mystery that exposes the labyrinthine connections between crime and royalty. Among the ensemble, performances by Donald Sutherland and John Gielgud add depth to the complex narrative fabric.

"Murder by Decree" excels in juxtaposing the chilling brutality of the murders with sharp social commentary, captured succinctly through John Hopkins' screenplay. While the plot occasionally meanders beyond the two-hour mark, it is buoyed by moments of levity that contrast the overarching grimness. The film doesn't simply capitalize on the sensationalism of the Ripper lore but instead uses it as a backdrop to question moral ambiguities and institutional complicities. The 4K presentation further aids this vivid storytelling, ensuring that each suspenseful sequence is rendered with clarity and precision.

"Murder by Decree" masterfully intertwines the legendary figures of Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper in a meticulously crafted murder mystery. The film excels in blending historical conspiracy theories with fiction, delivering a narrative rich in intrigue and suspense. Christopher Plummer and James Mason provide outstanding performances, offering depth and gravitas under Bob Clark’s skilled direction, which heightens both tension and excitement. This cinematic gem has now received a much-needed visual revival courtesy of Kino Lorber's new UHD/Blu-ray release.

The 2024 Blu-ray edition showcases a significant upgrade over its predecessors with a flawless 4K scan by StudioCanal. The 2160p SDR transfer demonstrates impressive clarity and detail, which paired with a concurrent new 1080p transfer, breathes fresh life into the film's visual appeal, effectively removing any previous detriments from lesser releases. Audio enhancements also merit commendation, as an improved 5.1 track complements the original recordings seamlessly, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. Moreover, the inclusion of not one but two engaging audio commentaries enriches the package, offering critical insights into this Victorian narrative.

In conclusion, this new release stands out as a definitive edition for collectors and enthusiasts, preserving the thrill and intellectual engagement that "Murder by Decree" effortlessly delivers. Highly recommended for fans of classic thrillers, Victorian intrigue, or Sherlockian adventures, this release serves as an essential acquisition, expertly revitalizing a distinguished film for both new viewers and longtime admirers alike.