The Train 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Train" emerges as a significant upgrade over its predecessors, offering an exemplary viewing experience that showcases the potent potential of 4K restoration. Sourced from a new 4K master struck from the original camera negative, the rendition breathes new life into this classic film, presenting it in native 4K with options for Dolby Vision or HDR, alongside a 1080p version. The shift to 4K elucidates superior density levels and revitalized visuals, bringing forth an enriched depth and clarity that significantly surpass prior presentations. Despite these advancements, certain criticisms emerge, particularly concerning darker scenes where details tend to lose their fidelity resulting in crushed blacks, and a noticeable discrepancy in quality when viewed in 1080p. This inconsistency suggests that the transition from 4K to 1080p may not have been as seamless as anticipated, underscoring a complexity in achieving uniform excellence across all viewing formats.

The profound impact of Dolby Vision HDR on the film's grayscale offers an extraordinary enhancement, articulating whites with pristine sharpness while delineating blacks with profound depth, altogether casting a nuanced spectrum of shadows that contribute to an unprecedented sense of three-dimensional depth. This technological infusion revives the film's aesthetic dimensions, making evident the meticulous textures of costumes, facial features, and set designs that had previously gone unnoticed. Not only does this release mend the visual flaws marked by staining, speckling, and age damage observed in earlier editions, but it also preserves the film grain with meticulous care, avoiding common pitfalls of digital noise reduction (DNR) or artificial enhancement. Consequently, this upgrade not only redefines the visual palette of "The Train" but also sets a new standard for the preservation and presentation of classic cinematic works.

While this release represents a significant leap forward in terms of visual fidelity, offering viewers a crystalline clarity and enriched textural details unseen in prior versions, it is not without its drawbacks. Particularly, the handling of darker sequences remains a point of contention, with some native details obscured owing to overly pronounced blacks. This aspect accentuates the nuanced balancing act required in mastering films for 4K, especially when translating them into lower resolutions such as 1080p. Despite these challenges, the overall improvement has been met with acclaim, with most viewers likely to appreciate the meticulous care taken in bringing a fresher, more vibrant visual experience to this beloved cinematic treasure.

The audio presentation of "The Train" on its 4K UHD Blu-Ray release has been met with both anticipation and mixed reactions due to its varied audio tracks. This release features three main audio options: the English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, available on both the 4K Blu-Ray and standard Blu-Ray; an English Dolby Digital 5.1 track exclusive to the 4K Blu-Ray; and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 for the Blu-Ray disc. Interestingly, this marks a departure from Kino Lorber's previous releases, which did not include a 5.1 track, introducing not one but two different 5.1 tracks on this edition, a choice that appears puzzling at first glance.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, while not adding substantially to the overall experience compared to its mono predecessor, delivers a clear and impactful sound stage where dialogue is crisp, and Maurice Jarre's memorable score is well-preserved, capturing a balance between patriotism and suspense. This track consistently performs, offering a surprisingly robust experience for a 2.0 mix. In contrast, the addition of a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, albeit not in the superior DTS-HD format, presents an acceptable surround experience. Dialogue and critical sound effects are primarily funneled through the front and center channels, with side and rear channels being used for ambient sounds and music, creating a more immersive atmosphere albeit without significantly enhancing the auditory experience.

Despite the introduction of a 5.1 mix, there remains a preference for the original DTS-HD MA 2.0 track among audiophiles, maintaining its stance as the go-to option due to its fidelity and clear representation of the film's audio landscape. The Dolby Digital 5.1 track's decision not to utilize the full DTS quality is a missed opportunity for a fully immersive auditory experience. Nevertheless, these audio options provide listeners with a variety of listening experiences, catering to both purists and those seeking a modest surround sound experience without delivering any substantial anomalies or issues in quality.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "The Train" offer a somewhat mixed bag in terms of freshness and exclusivity, leaning heavily on archival material while still delivering a substantial amount of content poised to enrich the viewing experience. Key highlights include two detailed audio commentaries that delve into the film's production intricacies, visual storytelling, and historical context, offering insights from director John Frankenheimer and film experts Steve Mitchell and Jay Rubin. These are complemented by the isolated score of Maurice Jarre, presenting a pure auditory experience of the film's musical backdrop. Additionally, a variety of trailers, including a quirky Trailers From Hell segment with Brian Trenchard-Smith, and an archival Making of The Train featurette provide further historical context and a peek behind the scenes of this cinematic treasure. While the release recycles some features from previous Blu-ray editions, it compensates with its comprehensive look at the movie's legacy, underscored by the inclusion of a reprint of Julie Kirgo's insightful essay in an illustrated booklet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring John Frankenheimer: Archival audio commentary exploring the film’s production history.
• Audio Commentary featuring Steve Mitchell and Jay Rubin: A newer commentary discussing the visual style and explosive sequences of the film.
• Isolated Score by Maurice Jarre: The film's score presented in Dolby Digital 2.0.
• 1964 Making-of-The-Train: An archival featurette giving a raw glimpse into the film's creation.
• Trailers From Hell with Brian Trenchard Smith: A unique take on the film’s trailer.
• TV Spot, Teaser Trailer, Theatrical Trailer: A collection of promotional materials for the film.
• Run Silent, Run Deep Trailer; The Great Escape Trailer; The Manchurian Candidate Trailer: Additional trailers for context and comparison.
• Booklet: An 8-page illustrated booklet with an essay by critic Julie Kirgo.

John Frankenheimer's "The Train" (1964) has been meticulously rejuvenated in a 4K Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber, presenting a vivid piece of cinema that intricately balances the tension of wartime narratives with the allure of a Hollywood action-thriller. Focusing purely on the movie aspect of this release, it's evident that the film, despite its age, captivates with an impressive blend of factual wartime endeavors and embellished cinematic drama. The narrative follows Paul Labiche (Burt Lancaster), a French National Railway inspector and Resistance member, tasked with a morally complex mission to prevent Nazis from stealing priceless art treasures. Frankenheimer’s direction alongside Burt Lancaster’s enthralling performance brings a tangible intensity to the film, enhanced further by the authentic use of period-specific trains and locations, not to mention the meticulously crafted action sequences that are both grandiose and grounded in realism.

The film benefits significantly from its stunning visuals, courtesy of the 4K restoration. The attention to detail in set design, locomotives, and even down to the smallest prop adds an unparalleled layer of authenticity that immerses viewers directly into the tense atmosphere of WWII France. This authenticity is further bolstered by dynamic action scenes, notably the massive air attack shot at the Gargenville yard, showcasing Frankenheimer's capability to blend large-scale action with intricate storytelling. Despite its Hollywood flair, "The Train" doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes such as the value of human life versus cultural heritage, which resonates through Lancaster’s nuanced portrayal of Labiche.

However, not all is flawless. The film occasionally succumbs to melodrama, particularly in the portrayal of secondary characters and their interactions, which sometimes diverges into overacting. The intensity of Simon's character as Papa Boule and his early departure from the plot is one such example where the balance between dramatic tension and believable narrative falters. Additionally, while the film’s decision to predominantly use English may cater to a broader audience, it arguably dilutes the historical authenticity that its visual and thematic elements work hard to achieve. Nonetheless, "The Train" remains a compelling watch, not just as a piece of historical fiction but as a showcase of Frankenheimer’s directorial prowess and Lancaster’s captivating lead performance, all of which are amplified by the clarity and detail afforded by the 4K UHD presentation.

John Frankenheimer's "The Train" has continuously enthralled audiences with its gripping portrayal of World War II events, amplified through the lens of authentic and physically real filmmaking techniques, a rarity in the current digital age. Despite its adherence to some Hollywood spectacle elements that detract from its credibility as a war masterpiece, the film remains an undeniable classic, captivating viewers with its blend of intense action and suspense-filled narrative. The physicality of the action scenes, bolstered by Frankenheimer's adept direction, elevates "The Train" beyond the conventional war film, offering a thrilling cinematic experience that is both dramatic and visually impressive.

The recent release by Kino Lorber on a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack breathes new life into this classic, showcasing a stark visual improvement that imbues the film with a renewed vibrancy through a meticulous 4K restoration. Despite some inconsistencies in visual quality across different scenes, the introduction of Dolby Vision HDR accentuates the cinematic texture, making this release a tempting proposition for collectors and new viewers alike. The upgrade dilemma for owners of previous Blu-ray editions hinges on the discernible enhancements in picture quality and the undeniable appeal of experiencing one of Frankenheimer's finest works in its most technically refined presentation yet.

In conclusion, while debates may persist about "The Train's" place in the pantheon of great war films, its latest 4K UHD release unequivocally cements its status as a must-have for aficionados of classic cinema and connoisseurs of high-quality home media presentations. The technical prowess displayed in this release, coupled with the film's undiminished thematic and aesthetic appeal, offers a compelling argument for adding this version to one's collection, irrespective of prior ownership of the film in earlier formats. This 4K upgrade is not just an improvement but a celebration of "The Train" in all its cinematic glory.