Highlander 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Highlander's transition to 4K UHD Blu-Ray represents a significant polishing of this cult classic, employing a native 4K, 3840 x 2160p resolution that respects its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Enhanced with 10-bit video depth and benefitting from High Dynamic Range grading, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the visuals have been encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec. This meticulous restoration from its 35mm film origins using J-D-C Cameras and spherical lenses offers a visually rich experience. Although filmed relatively inexpensively, the enhancement process has been rigorous, reconciling grain issues and ensuring depth and detail are more pronounced than in previous versions. The preservation of the film's inherent grain structure, particularly in first-generation footage, adds a filmic and textured quality to the image that fans will appreciate.

The color grading of this release dodges the notorious teal/yellow tint seen in some of StudioCanal’s other 4K ventures, instead providing a slightly darker image that enriches depth and adds dimensionality without compromising detail. This is particularly noticeable in enhanced shadow detailing on characters' faces and clothing, offering more nuanced portrayals with richer textures and colors. Sean Connery's maroon velvet outfit, for example, benefits greatly from this treatment, showcasing a new vibrancy and lifelike texture. However, some issues persist, such as variable grain resolution and minor digital artifacts, especially in scenes laden with complex imagery like smoke and haze, which exhibit some chroma noise. These issues aside, the upgrade presents a markedly improved viewing experience, especially in brightly lit or outdoor scenes where grain is finely resolved.

Despite minor inconsistencies and the occasional digital tinge in color grading highlighted by some reviewers, Lionsgate’s presentation of Highlander in 4K UHD is a testament to the film's enduring appeal. The restoration effort has mostly succeeded in enhancing clarity, detail, and color fidelity across a variety of scenes, maintaining the film's original rough aesthetic while offering viewers a pristine visual experience. The use of Dolby Vision contributes effectively to the depth and intensity of colors, supporting an overall picture quality that respects the source material. While there is a noticeable reduction in fidelity in some areas due to encoding challenges, these shortcomings are overshadowed by the significant improvements made. This release underscores Highlander’s cinematic legacy, offering fans and newcomers alike a compelling reason to revisit the highlands of Scotland through this visually enriched 4K UHD presentation.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray for "Highlander" provides users with both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 options, catering to different preferences in sound experience. An analysis conducted with a Denon AVR-X4300H paired with a 7.2.4 KEF speaker array highlights the unique characteristics of each track. The 5.1 mix, lauded for its commendable fidelity and dynamic range, houses its strength in the low frequencies and a clear, distortion-free output. This mix especially shines with the iconic Queen score, offering a spirited auditory experience despite its age. However, it suffers from a few drawbacks, such as occasional dialogue echo issues and a lack of consistent surround activity that could have otherwise enriched the immersive sensation. The surround sound, while enhancing ambient environmental noises and effects in certain scenes, was described by some as overbearing and lacking in directionality.

On the other hand, the stereo option emerges as the preferred choice for many due to its well-mastered and accurate audio design. It provides a balanced auditory environment, with slightly more presence to Queen’s music and a more natural resolution of sound. Despite some fidelity compromises, such as scratchy dialogues and less impressive range compared to the 5.1 mix, the 2.0 track maintains a semblance of dynamism and directionality without overextending its capabilities. Subtitles are confined to English SDH and French, which might limit accessibility for a broader audience.

In sum, while "Highlander's" audio does not boast an aural assault typical of more contemporary soundtracks, its offerings in both 5.1 and 2.0 formats have their merits and flaws. The decision between the two hinges on the listener's preference for either a more robust musical experience with the Queen score or a more immersive environmental sound. However, the stereo track is ultimately favored for its clearer dialogue and musical body, as well as its avoidance of the rear channel exaggeration and muddy bass found in the surround option. Each track retains its character from previous releases, ensuring long-time fans of the series will find familiar ground audibly within this latest release.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Highlander" not only matches but indeed surpasses fan expectations with its comprehensive catalogue of extras. Key highlights include a new hour-long documentary that delves deeply into the film's four-decade legacy, enriched by interviews with its pivotal cast and crew, revealing fascinating on-set anecdotes and a palpable affection for the making of this iconic film. Notably, it retains all previous commentaries, introducing a fresh one with John Melville that offers insightful perspectives. Although it regrettably excludes the extensive making-of from the 30th anniversary edition, the new content, particularly the explorations of the film's unique score and interviews with figures such as Clancy Brown and photographer David James, compensates well. The attention to detail and the care in curating this collection affirm its enhanced price tag, making this release a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Immortal Attraction of Highlander: A detailed look back at the legacy of Highlander, featuring key cast and crew interviews.
• A Kind of Magic: Music of the Immortals: Focuses on the film's hallmark score.
• Capturing Immortality: An interview with photographer David James.
• There Can Only Be One Kurgan: An interview with Clancy Brown.
• Audio Commentary with John Melville: Offers new insights into the film's production and impact.
• Audio Commentary with Russell Mulcahy: The director's perspective on the film.
• Audio Commentary with Russell Mulcahy, William Panzer, and Peter Davis: A joint commentary providing a multifaceted view of the movie's creation.

Highlander," a 1986 cinematic outing directed by Russell Mulcahy, dives into a visually stunning, if narratively perplexing, realm. This film, marrying the flamboyant aesthetics of music videos with the story of immortal warriors battling through the centuries, stands out as an artifact of its era—a period heavily influenced by the burgeoning MTV culture. Despite its uneven reception and critique for narrative sloppiness and sometimes wooden performances, particularly from its lead Christopher Lambert, "Highlander" has carved out a cult status, bolstered by a memorable soundtrack from Queen and standout sequences that showcase Mulcahy's penchant for fast cuts, inventive transitions, and glowing lights. The dichotomy of its enchantingly captured historical Scotland and the neon-lit grit of 1980s New York City serves as a visual feast, even as the film wrestles with its own logic and coherence.

At its core, "Highlander" explores themes of immortality, encapsulated in the journey of Connor MacLeod (Lambert), from his early life in the Scottish Highlands to modern-day NYC. The movie's narrative structure ambitiously attempts to weave between different timelines, often leveraging its music (notably from Queen) and visually striking transitions to bridge these gaps. Despite criticisms of Lambert’s performance and some action sequences that verge on the comical, the film benefits from Sean Connery's charismatic turn as Ramirez and Clancy Brown's villainous portrayal of The Kurgan. These performances inject vitality into the movie's occasionally languid pace and provide a strong counterpoint to its otherwise murky exposition.

Furthermore, "Highlander's" embrace of music video sensibilities—a direct product of its time—offers a unique blend of genre elements that challenge classification. While it may falter in narrative execution and clarity, its stylistic boldness, coupled with impressive cinematography and soundtrack contributions, affirms its enduring appeal. The film remains a peculiar milestone in cinema: a blend of fantasy-adventure with the visual flair of 80s music videos, encapsulating the era’s experimental spirit despite its flawed execution. Its cult status is a testament to its distinctive style and the memorable impression it leaves, navigating through its fantastical premise with a mix of earnestness and camp that continues to resonate with audiences.

Highlander's 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands as a beacon for fans and collectors, embodying an era where charm and style triumph over traditional cinematic excellence. The release, by Studiocanal, marries a visually stunning transfer with an array of new extras, each enhancing the nostalgia and appreciation for this cult classic. Its embrace by audiences can largely be attributed to its unique blend of mythical storytelling, memorable rock opera soundtracks, and a presentation that leans heavily into the aesthetics of the music video era. Despite its critically noted flaws in dialogue and performances, notably from its lead, Christopher Lambert, the film's 4K rendition elevates its source material to an unprecedented level of clarity and audio-visual crispness that both newcomers and long-time fans will find appealing.

This edition is particularly noteworthy for its preservation and enhancement of the film’s original allure, combining a visually rich 2160 presentation with supplements that delve deeper into the Highlander lore. Such enhancements not only cater to the dedicated fanbase but also serve to introduce the quirks and charm of the Highlander saga to a potentially uninitiated audience, ensuring its whimsical tale of immortality continues to enchant. As with other cult classics transitioned to 4K, such as "Flash Gordon" and "The Lost Boys," the emphasis on high-quality visuals and sound, alongside significant extras, underscores a trend towards curating more immersive and comprehensive home viewing experiences for iconic films.

In conclusion, the Highlander 4K UHD Blu-ray not only solidifies its place in the hearts of its devoted fans but also reaffirms the film’s cult status for future generations. Its release is a testament to the enduring appeal of a film that transcends its cinematic imperfections through sheer style and uniqueness. For collectors and aficionados alike, this edition represents a nostalgic journey back in time, accented with modern-day finesse that enriches its viewing experience manifold. It stands as a compelling invitation to explore or revisit the lore of Highlander, presented in a format that honors its legacy and influence.