Kramer vs. Kramer 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

"Kramer vs. Kramer" receives a stellar 1.85:1 native 4K presentation, vastly improving upon the previous 2009 Blu-ray release. The fresh remaster, derived from the original 35mm camera negatives, delivers a remarkably filmic transfer with a natural look, evident in every detail from skin tones to fabric textures. Uniform color grading ensures stability across varying scenes, despite periodic shifts between warm and cool tones. The Dolby Vision HDR presentation significantly enhances contrast and brightness levels, showcasing inky black levels and bright whites with crisp specular highlights. Sony's refined HEVC H.265 encode maintains unobtrusive grain, providing a pleasing cinematic feel without technical distractions like blocking or banding.

This updated 4K transfer, created through Grover Crisp's meticulous restoration process, offers a pristine digital image free from previous blemishes like print spots and scratches. Enhanced contrast brings newfound depth and solidity to the image, with shadow details remaining intact even in dim scenes. Colors appear boldly vivid yet never oversaturated, and fine textures are incredibly detailed, from pores on actors’ faces to the intricate decor in various settings. Although some softness and minor dark scenes trace back to the original source, they do not detract from an overall immaculate presentation. While fans may miss a remastered Blu-ray option, this edition undeniably represents the best video quality "Kramer vs. Kramer" has ever achieved.

The audio presentation for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of Kramer vs. Kramer delivers an expertly crafted Dolby Atmos track that enhances the film's original sound design. While at first glance, the Atmos mix might seem unnecessary for such a dialogue-driven film, it quickly proves to be a valuable addition. This modern remix maintains the believability and everyday nature of the story by preserving the original organic sounds and ambiance, now more spatially dynamic. The effective use of multiple channels creates an immersive sense of space with excellent rear speaker engagement and precise directionality. Though occasional thinness in dialogue is traceable back to the original elements, the overall fidelity shines with improved low-end output, adding dramatic weight to key moments.

Offered in English Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, and 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio, the new Atmos mix stands out by expanding the film’s soundstage subtly and effectively. Deluxe Audio Services built upon Chace Audio's 2004 5.1 remix to create an Atmos experience that includes enhanced ambient effects such as traffic noises, courtroom reverberations, and chirping birds. While some may find the acoustics of courthouse scenes a bit overdone, overall, the mix remains front-heavy and true to the film’s original design. The height channels widen the soundstage, and although the surrounds are mostly silent, this focus ensures dialogue and character interactions are crystal clear.

The music score stands out with impressive warmth and fidelity, contributing to a half-dome soundstage that balances well with the film's dramatic elements. While the low-end does not offer significant memorable moments, it still provides enough bass to add presence and weight to critical scenes. This Dolby Atmos track makes for a satisfying object-based mix that enhances Kramer vs. Kramer, respecting its original audio design while offering a subtly more immersive experience for modern audiences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kramer vs. Kramer" includes an array of insightful extras that greatly enhance the viewing experience. These features offer an in-depth look at the production, script analysis, and the film’s historical significance. The standout is the audio commentary by film professor Jennine Lanouette, who delves into the three-act structure, character development, and power dynamics of the story. Additionally, the set contains a comprehensive making-of documentary found on the accompanying Blu-ray and a series of deleted scenes and featurettes that provide fascinating details about the film's creation process. Each piece complements the other, providing a well-rounded exploration of one of the most significant films of its time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With film professor Jennine Lanouette, providing script analysis insights.
• Making of Kramer vs. Kramer: An exhaustive making-of documentary.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes with unfinished audio and black-and-white video.
• Featurettes: Four archive featurettes – Robert Benton on Acting, Justin Henry on Acting, Mothers and Daughters, Points of Pride.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

"Kramer vs. Kramer," part of the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 4, remains a profoundly impactful film, effectively capturing the emotional landscape of divorce and custody battles. Dustin Hoffman stars as Ted Kramer, a Manhattan advertising executive whose life is upended when his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) abruptly leaves him and their young son Billy (Justin Henry). Hoffman's portrayal encapsulates the turmoil and hardship of suddenly becoming a single parent while juggling career pressures. Meryl Streep delivers a powerful performance as Joanna, adding depth to her character's internal conflict and struggle. The film's raw depiction of the challenges Ted faces, illustrated by seemingly simple tasks like making French toast, makes the narrative authentically touching.

The screenplay, based on Avery Corman's 1977 novel, serves as a poignant commentary on the societal shifts associated with second-wave feminism. It scrutinizes traditional gender roles and highlights ignored social inequalities, translating them into an intimate portrayal of family dynamics disrupted by divorce. The courtroom drama in the film’s third act emphasizes the biases in custody battles during the 1970s, illustrating the often automatic preference for mothers over fathers. This tension is expertly navigated by Robert Benton's direction, which was rightfully awarded an Academy Award.

Despite being a product of its time, with notable scenes of workplace cigarette smoking and reflections on period-specific legal norms, "Kramer vs. Kramer" offers timeless insights into parental love and personal growth. The film showcases Ted’s evolution from a career-focused individual to a dedicated father, culminating in emotionally resonant moments like the collaborative effort to make French toast. The film's genuine performances and heartfelt storyline have earned it critical acclaim, including five Academy Awards. Justin Henry’s portrayal of Billy was notably recognized with an Oscar nomination, making him the youngest actor ever nominated at the time. Overall, "Kramer vs. Kramer" remains a significant cinematic achievement that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Robert Benton’s “Kramer vs. Kramer” remains a poignant cultural touchstone, tackling the sensitive challenges of divorce and single parenting with compelling performances by Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The 1979 legal drama explores the evolving dynamics of familial roles in the face of profound societal shifts, making its narrative just as resonant today. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release, part of Sony’s Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 4, elevates the film’s timeless message through stunning visual fidelity and atmospheric soundscapes.

The transfer to 4K Ultra HD delivers an exemplary Dolby Vision HDR presentation, bringing a remarkable level of clarity and depth that enhances the film's visual storytelling. Complementing this is the immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack, which breathes new life into each scene, enveloping the viewer in the film’s emotional highs and lows. Accompanying the elevated AV quality are enriching bonus features, including new commentaries, deleted scenes, and the standout documentary "Finding the Truth," offering invaluable behind-the-scenes insights.

In conclusion, "Kramer vs. Kramer" on 4K UHD is a masterful release, maintaining its relevance through superior technical enhancements and valuable supplementary content. The film’s daring narrative and Sony's meticulous restoration efforts ensure it stands out as a highlight of the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 4 box set. Whether you're revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, this edition offers an unmatched viewing experience.