Purple Rain

The 40th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Purple Rain" delivers a remarkable visual upgrade, thanks to a meticulous restoration process. Utilizing an 8K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative (OCN), the transfer is presented in its accurate 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio, maintaining the film's original framing and intent. High Dynamic Range (HDR) grading, specifically HDR10, provides a significant enhancement in contrast, brightness, and color depth. Fine details are notably enhanced, extending to facial features and textures in close-ups and mid-range shots. The increased detail and corrected aspect ratio contribute to an immersive viewing experience, especially in capturing Donald E. Thorin's gritty yet vibrant cinematography. Shadow details and black levels are greatly improved, revealing deeper nuances in darker scenes without any evidence of crush.

Color reproduction is another standout feature of this 4K transfer, showcasing the vibrant palette of "Purple Rain." The colors are rich and varied, with stage lighting, neon signage, and flamboyant costumes appearing more dynamic and saturated than ever before. While HDR10 occasionally pushes colors, particularly reds, into slightly excessive territory, the overall effect remains visually striking and faithful to the film's aesthetic. The film's natural grain is well-preserved, maintaining a film-like quality that enhances the viewing experience while providing a noticeable upgrade from previous Blu-ray editions.

The content encoding of this release demonstrates excellent efficiency and stability. Encoded in HEVC H.265 and housed on a dual-layered (66GB) disc, it maintains a consistent bit rate in the mid to high 50Mbps range, ensuring minimal compression artifacts. Despite a few scenes derived from workprint sources due to missing negatives, which show a drop in quality, the overall presentation is exceptional. This definitive version of "Purple Rain" on 4K UHD Blu-ray sets a new benchmark for fans and cinephiles alike to appreciate the film with unprecedented clarity and vibrancy.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "Purple Rain" showcases a meticulously restored and remastered audio landscape. The film offers a new English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, rejuvenated from its original Dolby Stereo (LCRS) 35mm magnetic source elements, supplemented by the separate dialogue, music, and effects (DME) tracks from the 20th anniversary’s 5.1 print master. This modern restoration provides an extraordinary, immersive soundstage, particularly during the high-energy musical performances, where the main channels come alive and blend seamlessly with ambient rear channel effects, delivering a concert-like atmosphere. The optional DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track faithfully represents the theatrical audio experience.

Technically, the new 5.1 mix is significant, providing an expansive and rich auditory experience. It excels in its low-frequency extension, offering incredibly deep and resonant bass that adds profound depth to the musical numbers. Tracks like "Let's Go Crazy" and "The Beautiful Ones" benefit from this enhancement, creating a palpable presence that shakes the soundstage. Despite being predominantly front-heavy, the mix carefully uses the rear channels to maintain ambient environmental sounds and directional effects, ensuring an enveloping sonic environment. However, occasional drops in dialogue clarity and minor audio imbalances present in certain scenes from the original workprint elements slightly detract from the otherwise stellar auditory performance.

The primary DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix notably surpasses previous audio versions, providing a resonant mid-range and clarity that brings Michel Colombier’s score and Prince’s iconic music to life with unprecedented warmth. While some critique persists regarding the subdued dialogue in the 5.1 mix compared to the brighter new stereo mix, it remains a superior choice for most viewers. Optional subtitles in English (SDH), French, and Spanish enhance accessibility, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience. Overall, despite minor flaws, this audio restoration demonstrates significant advancements in preserving and enhancing the original cinematic experience of "Purple Rain."

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Purple Rain" disappoints with a minimal collection of extras that fails to build upon previous editions. Despite retaining essential content like the commentary featuring director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo, and cinematographer Donald Thorin, the package omits several beloved featurettes and a vintage MTV Premiere Party previously available. This sparse offering, while preserving high-quality music videos and an insightful mini-documentary, lacks fresh material to celebrate the film's milestone anniversaries and Prince's enduring legacy. Enthusiasts seeking comprehensive extras will need to supplement with past Blu-ray editions for a full experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo, and cinematographer Donald E. Thorin: Insightful track identifying filming locations and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• First Avenue: The Road to Pop Royalty: A mini-documentary on the iconic club.
• Let’s Go Crazy: Music video.
• Take Me with U: Music video.
• When Doves Cry: Music video.
• I Would Die 4 U/Baby I’m a Star: Music video.
• Purple Rain: Music video.
• Jungle Love: Music video.
• The Bird: Music video.
• Sex Shooter: Music video.

Albert Magnoli’s 1984 film "Purple Rain" is as iconic a cultural artifact as it is a showcase of Prince's unparalleled talent. This semi-autobiographical musical drama follows The Kid (Prince), a rising Minneapolis musician navigating fraught personal relationships and rivalries in the vibrant club scene, with an aim to avoid the self-destructive path of his abusive father. The film captures the raw energy of Prince's stage performances and provides an evocative portrait of his early career, with standout scenes at the legendary First Avenue nightclub. The nuance in character development, especially the portrayal of The Kid’s father as a complex figure filled with personal regrets, adds emotional depth to the narrative.

The release of "Purple Rain" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray marks a significant technical upgrade from its previous HD iterations. Warner Bros. has equipped this version with a pristine 2160p/HDR10 transfer and a newly remixed lossless 5.1 audio track, including the original theatrical 2.0 audio. The enhanced visuals bring out the film’s gritty texture, and the audio overhaul amplifies the electrifying musical sequences that define the film’s charm. Despite some sacrifices—including missing extras found in older Blu-Ray versions—the 4K UHD edition stands as the definitive home release for fans and an essential piece for any collection.

Visually, the film retains its unpolished allure, fitting perfectly with Prince's eclectic and intense performance style. While it may lack the polish of blockbuster productions, "Purple Rain" compensates through its spirited portrayal of pursuing artistic dreams amidst personal turmoil. The chemistry between Prince and his romantic interest, Apollonia Kotero, alongside the rivalry with Morris Day, infuses the plot with tension and emotion. The soundtrack remains a cultural touchstone, its appeal enduring as strongly today as upon its release. Despite the shoddy directing and inconsistent acting, "Purple Rain" continues to resonate due to its authenticity and Prince’s magnetic presence.

"Purple Rain" has solidified its place as a cultural touchstone and an essential watch for music movie enthusiasts. This 40th Anniversary Ultra HD release by Warner Bros. is a mixed bag yet notable for its remarkable audiovisual upgrade. The 4K HDR10 presentation is visually stunning, delivering impressive clarity and color vibrancy that breathes new life into the film's iconic imagery. The audio quality, anchored by a powerful DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, elevates the unforgettable musical performances that define the movie. However, this edition falls short in terms of supplementary content, lacking the previously available special features from past releases.

Despite these deficiencies, the aesthetic and auditory enhancements make this UHD package a significant improvement over previous versions. While the absence of additional content on the digital version is a clear oversight, fans of Prince and "Purple Rain" will find the 4K upgrade indispensable. The film remains a high-voltage mix of live performances, music video aesthetics, and autobiographical elements that showcase Prince at his creative pinnacle. The underlying story, albeit simple and laden with campy dialogue and uneven performances, provides a snapshot of a phenomenal moment in pop culture history.

In conclusion, while retaining existing bonus features would have been ideal, this Ultra HD release triumphs in delivering "Purple Rain" with exceptional video and audio quality. For dedicated fans and collectors who cherish Prince's legacy, this edition is a must-own despite the shortcomings. The enhanced visuals and sound make it an extraordinary audiovisual experience, capturing Prince's genius like never before. This release stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of both the film and its legendary star, ensuring that "Purple Rain" continues to captivate audiences for years to come.