Election 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Election" from Paramount delivers a notable enhancement over the previous 2009 Blu-ray, as well as a compelling alternative to Criterion's iteration. It presents a filmic image with stable grain and robust color. The transfer effectively sustains detail, providing crisp clarity that highlights textures in clothing, expressive facial features, and environmental elements like school lockers and McAllister's basement. Saturation is significantly enriched, with blacks remaining mostly true and white balance solid. Encode or print imperfections are absent, contributing to a high-quality viewing experience.

The disc’s 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD visuals offer discernible improvements over the standard Blu-ray. Enhanced grain structure, increased sharpness, and intensified colors contribute to its superior presentation. Texture clarity is elevated, garnering detail and depth in even the minutiae of every scene. The impact of Dolby Vision is evident, enriching colors in environments such as gymnasiums and enhancing skin tones' vitality. Although black levels verge on crush occasionally, the overall balance remains commendable. Paramount’s work with this UHD release demonstrates careful attention to maintaining the film's natural aesthetic while providing significant image upgrades.

Despite certain aspects being less vibrant than preferred, particularly with HDR implementations adding darkness and muted tones, this release stands out with appreciable improvements. Some flattening of the image and toned-down reds were observed; however, these do not detract significantly from the overall quality enhancement achieved. Additionally, any minor source flaws seem attributable to print issues rather than the transfer itself. Ultimately, viewers are encouraged to assess the available gallery of screen captures juxtaposing this version against the Criterion Blu-ray to form their own opinions on this remarkable upgrade.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Election" features a new Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, a distinct upgrade from previous iterations. This track includes a subwoofer channel, adding notable depth to the overall audio experience. Though the film is dialogue-driven, incorporating only minimalistic musical and ambient effects, the added LFE channel enhances the otherwise light score, providing a satisfying auditory experience. While this film isn't abundant with bass-heavy elements, the balanced use of the subwoofer enriches the score, grasping listener attention without overshadowing the other sound components.

Dialogue clarity remains paramount in this presentation; the central and prioritized audio completely commands the film’s sonic landscape, carving out distinct vocal performances. Compared to its predecessors, including the 5.0 Dolby TrueHD from an earlier Criterion release and the original Dolby Digital 5.0 in the DVD version, this version exudes improved clarity and a more robust presence. Furthermore, atmospherics around school settings are richly depicted through immersive audio cues, particularly in busy environments such as hallways and gyms, smoothly blending lighter nuances from quieter spaces like classrooms.

Overall, those familiar with Alexander Payne's work will recognize and appreciate the subtle improvements in audio depth and texture that this release offers. While these enhancements may seem marginal to some, the refined soundtrack provides a richer auditory backdrop for the nuanced storytelling of "Election," underscoring its inherent focus on dialogue without overwhelming additional sound elements.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Election" provides a valuable but somewhat limited set of extras, focusing mainly on new supplements for enthusiasts and cinephiles. While the audio commentary offers a detailed and technical reflection by Director Alexander Payne, existing fans may find it redundant. This edition stands apart in the Paramount Presents line, numbered 46, and includes new featurettes under the series "Who Cares About This Stupid Election!" which are exploratory retrospectives that enrich the viewer's understanding of the film's production and legacy. However, this offering is not comprehensive, as the Criterion version contains some different supplements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Alexander Payne provides detailed insights into the meticulous preparation and production of the film.
• Not Another High School Movie: Exploration of project origins and themes with Payne and Taylor.
• Pick Flick: Casting 101: Analysis of the casting process.
• That's Why It's Destiny: Examination of scenes, cinematography, and adaptation nuances.

Paramount's 4K UHD release of the 1999 classic "Election," directed by Alexander Payne, effectively enhances the originally distinct visuals and audio. The film, celebrated for its sharp wit and insightful commentary on high school and adult life dynamics, is notably tuned with 2160p/Dolby Vision visuals. This update provides vivid clarity and depth to the colorful depiction of high school politics. Accompanying this is a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless audio track, providing an enriching auditory experience, particularly proficient in capturing the film's sardonic humor and nuanced score. This release also retains a legacy commentary track and introduces new retrospective featurettes, although it omits other extras previously available on the Criterion disc.

"Election" dives beneath its high school election facade to explore intricate personal dynamics and societal commentaries. With Reese Witherspoon's exceptional portrayal of Tracy Flick, a determined and polarizing student candidate, and Matthew Broderick as Jim McAllister, a disgruntled teacher, the film articulates themes of ambition, consequence, and petty vindictiveness. Payne's narrative weaves through various storylines, from the complexities of sibling rivalry to marital disillusionment, presenting a microcosm of middle-American life. While Tracy's diligence is depicted with a verve that could be perceived as near-flawless, Broderick provides a solid counterbalance in his portrayal of a teacher grappling with his mid-life crisis.

Overall, despite mixed previous assessments—Ken Brown giving it a 4.5 and Dr. Svet Atanasov a 3.5—this UHD release allows viewers to experience "Election" with newly enriched video and audio specifications. It remains an unflinching portrayal of relatable societal archetypes, adeptly merging humor with pointed critiques. This combination makes it a distinctive contribution to the sardonic comedy genre, cementing its place as an insightful reflection on ambition and morality.

Paramount's release of "Election" on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a technically impressive package that revitalizes this classic film for modern audiences. The upgrade to UHD is notable, with enhanced picture clarity and vivid colors that accentuate the film's satirical edge. The film's visual detail is further supported by a clean and immersive 5.1 sound mix that enriches the viewing experience, allowing the sharp script and engaging performances to shine. This edition thoughtfully balances the nostalgia of its original release with the demands of contemporary home theater setups, making it a significant addition to any collection.

While die-hard fans may be drawn to the Criterion edition for its extensive feature set and preferred cover art, this Paramount Presents version is appealing in its own right. It perhaps falls short in terms of additional material but redeems itself with a compelling visual and auditory upgrade, effectively breathing new life into the film. Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick's performances remain as impactful as ever, their roles solidifying the film's status as a cult classic.

In conclusion, "Election" holds up now even a quarter-century since its original theatrical release, and Paramount has breathed new life into the film with this Paramount Presents bundle that offers both a new Blu-ray and a new UHD. Both pictures look tremendous, but the UHD is really the way to go. The new 5.1 track is everything the film needs, and the new extras are icing on the cake. Highly recommended.