The Usual Suspects

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Usual Suspects," released by Kino Lorber, has certainly given the classic film a brand new gloss, however, it's not without its concerns. Originating from a new master approved by director of photography Newton Thomas Sigel, the 2160p Dolby Vision HDR transfer impressively amplifies the film's visual style, enhancing the meticulous details and texture within each scene. The exceptional resolution highlights precise grain and maintains an incredible fidelity that showcases facial features and the film’s intricate production design vividly. This is particularly evident in the darker sequences, bathed in shadows and deep black tones, which the Dolby Vision enhancement portrays with remarkable depth and clarity without compromising the integrity of the film grain or succumbing to overt digital noise reduction.

However, the 4K upgrade warrants a mixed reception when it comes to color grading. Despite a flush of vibrant primaries and an intentional intensity in flesh tones, there are instances where the color balance veers off, notably with an over-reliance on variations of cyan at the expense of authentic blues. This imbalance creates moments within the film that appear digitally enhanced rather than true to the original cinematography, detracting from what could have been a definitive home video presentation. Such discrepancies are even more pronounced on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, where color temperature spikes become distracting and undermine the otherwise commendable clarity and fluidity that mirrors its 4K counterpart.

On balance, while the 4K UHD Blu-ray disc of "The Usual Suspects" offers a significant improvement over previous home video releases in terms of sharpness, texture, and dynamic range courtesy of Dolby Vision, the color grading decisions pose a conundrum. They affect the overall aesthetic fidelity to the film’s original palette, leading to a presentation that dazzles in many respects but occasionally falters in delivering a fully authentic visual experience. This release, nonetheless, represents a substantial upgrade from past editions, allowing fans and newcomers alike to appreciate the finer details and aesthetics of this iconic film in ultra high definition.

The audio presentation of "The Usual Suspects" on 4K UHD Blu-ray comes equipped with two English audio tracks: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, alongside optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Our analysis predominantly centers on the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which exhibits a high degree of clarity, sharpness, depth, and balance throughout the viewing experience. The lossless audio impresses with its detailed soundstage, preserving every nuance from quiet dialogues to the more bustling scenes without any discernible flaws or encoding anomalies. Even at heightened volumes, the audio quality remains impeccable, showing no signs of needed improvements.

Upon closer examination, the 5.1 track ensures a consistent auditory experience, producing a fine yet underwhelming soundstage in certain scenarios. Environmental sounds, like those in police stations, present a mild ambiance with slightly directional dialogues and a well-spaced score that engages the subwoofer modestly. However, specific sequences such as the boat explosion fall short in impact due to a lack of firmness in the low-end rumble, although gunfire effects exhibit a slightly more organic quality.

Switching between the film's audio offerings reveals that the 5.1 mix might not be significantly different from previous releases, suggesting a port-over rather than an entirely new track. The film's dialogue-heavy nature doesn't fully exploit the capabilities of the surround channels, but occasional atmospheric touches add vibrancy to certain locales. Nevertheless, John Ottman's score remains a highlight, offering clear and crisp dialogue throughout. For those seeking to enhance the spatial dimensions of their audio experience, employing a receiver's DTS Neural:X function might present a notable improvement in channel spacing. While the 2.0 track is decent, it pales in comparison to the immersive qualities provided by the 5.1 mix, making the latter the recommended audio option for viewers seeking a more enveloping sound environment.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Usual Suspects" presents an enriching collection of extras that both new and longtime fans will appreciate, bridging archival content with fresh insights. The dual commentaries from the director Bryan Singer and writer Christopher McQuarrie, as well as editor/composer John Ottman, offer deep dives into the creative process behind this cinematic masterpiece. Notably, the new program featuring cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel reveals intriguing details about the film’s visual composition and Singer's directorial prowess. Archival featurettes including "Pursuing the Suspects" and "Keyser Soze: Lie or Legend?" provide a comprehensive look at the film’s conception, production, and enigmatic characters. A delightful mix of deleted scenes, a gag reel, and interview outtakes hosted by Ottman and Bryan Singer add levity and further context. Promotional materials and both U.S. and International trailers round out a package that pays homage to the film's legacy while offering new angles of appreciation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Bryan Singer and Christopher McQuarrie: Archival audio commentary from the creative duo behind the film.
• Audio Commentary with John Ottman: Insightful audio commentary by the film's editor and composer.
• The Devil in the Details: An exclusive new interview with cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel.
• Interview with John Ottman: Archival interview detailing Ottman's dual role in the film.
• Pursuing the Suspects: An examination of the film's conception and production.
• Doin' Time with the Suspects: Continuation of "Pursuing the Suspects," featuring additional interviews and raw footage.
• Keyser Soze: Lie or Legend?: A focus on the film's most mysterious character through various interviews.
• Heisting Cannes with The Usual Suspects: Archival footage and interviews from the Cannes Film Festival.
• Making of Featurette: Original Electronic Press Kit prepared by Polygram.
• Deleted Scenes: A selection of deleted scenes introduced by John Ottman.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of humorous moments on set, introduced by Bryan Singer.
• Interview Outtakes: Unseen outtakes from interviews with key cast and crew members.
• Promotional Materials: Including U.S. and International trailers, along with TV spots.

Bryan Singer's "The Usual Suspects" (1995) has been masterfully upgraded to 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, presenting an iconic film with unparalleled clarity and depth. This release celebrates the film's technical and narrative brilliance, encapsulating its complex storytelling and exceptional performances with enhanced visual details and a richer color palette. A story of deception, intricate plot twists, and the enigmatic Keyser Soze, it retains its power to enthrall and mystify, urging viewers to sift through the misdirections and clues with a detective's keen eye. The film's narrative structure, heavily inspired by the misdirection plays found in Agatha Christie's novels, is both a homage and a reinvention, transferring these elements into a contemporary setting with a distinctive, colorful language.

The ensemble cast, led by notable performances from Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Benicio Del Toro, brings to life a tale of criminals with unique backstories, personas, and motives, blending traditional noir trappings with a modern edge. Director Bryan Singer and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie craft a narrative that is as compelling on the screen as it is challenging to the mind, framing their story with lush cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel and a moody score by John Ottman. Their collaborative effort elevates the material from a typical crime saga to a multifaceted exploration of identity, loyalty, and the art of the con.

Technical enhancements of this 4K UHD presentation not only revitalize the visual aesthetics but also accentuate the film's atmospheric tension and character dynamics. The disc's supplemental features offer a deeper dive into the making of the film, yet it is in the movie's main feature where this release truly shines. "The Usual Suspects" in this format becomes an immersive experience, inviting both longtime fans and new viewers into its intricately woven mystery with renewed vigor and insight.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Usual Suspects," a cinematic masterpiece recognized for its compelling characters and monumental twist, has garnered mixed reviews. While the film itself retains its status as one of the 1990s' most remarkable creations, praised for its precision direction by Bryan Singer and its Oscar-winning screenplay, the 4K makeover has been met with some criticism. The transition to 4K, intended to enhance the viewing experience, has unfortunately led to an imbalance in color accuracy. This shift significantly affects the film's distinctive noir ambiance, introducing an unwelcome garish cyan that disrupts the original palette of blues, thereby detracting from the film’s carefully constructed atmosphere.

Despite these color issues, the release boasts high-quality raw 4K files and includes exclusive content that enriches the viewing experience. Among these is a new program featuring the film's cinematographer, Newton Thomas Sigel, who shares insights into the 4K makeover process. Furthermore, this release is lauded for providing a Dolby Vision transfer of exceptional quality, crisp audio, and a wealth of archival bonus features long absent since the DVD Special Edition. These additions, alongside an illuminating interview with Sigel, substantiate the release’s value to both new audiences and long-time fans.

In conclusion, while the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Usual Suspects" presents certain challenges in color balance that detract from its iconic visual style, it nonetheless offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience with superior audio and visual quality and exclusive bonus content. This release is a must-have for enthusiasts seeking to delve deeper into one of the '90s most iconic films, balancing minor visual discrepancies with substantial added value, thus earning a "Highly Recommended" status despite its flaws.