Tootsie 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray video presentation of "Tootsie" is a testament to the meticulous restoration and mastering efforts led by Sony. Utilizing a wetgate scan of the original 35mm camera negative, the 2160p HEVC encode has undergone a remarkable HDR upgrade, enhanced through Dolby Vision and HDR10 technologies. Under the expertise of colorist David Bernstein, the new HDR master captures vibrant colors and natural gradations while maintaining the authenticity of Owen Roizman’s original vision. The result is a striking visual display that faithfully represents the film, with its 1980s aesthetics and high-definition textures.

Detailed improvements are evident throughout this presentation. Colors remain impressively vivid with true-to-life representations of reds, blues, and yellows. The HDR enhancements breathe new life into night scenes set on the streets of New York, enriching black levels and shadow details without distorting the original color palette. The transfer showcases rich imagery that transitions seamlessly between bright primaries and meticulously delineated darker tones, providing crisp clarity and dimensionality across various environments such as dressing rooms and sound stages.

The presentation benefits from finely rendered film grain, adding an authentic layer to each scene without being intrusive. This refinement offers viewers moving close-ups, revealing nuanced textures in costumes and props—especially in Dustin Hoffman’s transformation scenes. Despite a few softer shots attributable to the inherent limitations of the film negative, the absence of any blocking or banding issues underscores a highly efficient encoding process. As a catalog title, "Tootsie" receives a demo-worthy transfer that stands as a visually compelling testament to sophisticated remastering technologies, making it a must-see for home cinema aficionados.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Tootsie" presents diverse audio options, offering Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1, and DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono tracks. With its newly crafted Dolby Atmos mix, derived from original mono stems and enhanced with the stereo score, the result is a subtle yet effective enhancement of the soundstage. This mix employs modern DSP techniques to enrich acoustics, presenting a more immersive urban environment through effects like city sirens and car horns in apartment scenes. While it doesn't engage as deeply as other Atmos mixes in the Columbia Classics Collection, dialogue remains crisp and centrally focused, with rear and side speaker support effectively rendering a believable sound field. Those seeking a traditional experience might appreciate how the mono track retains its historical charm while providing clarity and precision where needed.

Distinctly, the Dolby Atmos track extends the front soundstage and introduces nuanced background sounds, yet it lacks the depth desired in more action-intensive films. Although smoothly directional, scenes could benefit from greater immersion, particularly outdoors. LFE output supports Dave Grusin’s score modestly, maintaining dynamic range beyond previous releases. While the enhanced 5.1 mix provides a balanced channel spread for principal audio elements, it refrains from aggressive surround channel use due to the film’s dialogue-heavy nature. This track mirrors its Atmos counterpart efficiently, ensuring a comprehensive auditory experience without overemphasis on surround performance.

Overall, Sony’s inclusion of these audio options allows for user customization across varied home theater setups. While none of the tracks reach groundbreaking status in immersion or intricacy, each option secures clarity and a satisfying representation of "Tootsie's" comedic and narrative essence. The mono track notably mirrors its original theatrical sound, upholding authenticity for purists who cherish its original auditory design.

The Extras section of the "Tootsie" 4K UHD Blu-ray provides a robust exploration into the film's creation and history, with a blend of archival and newer materials. Notably, the set includes "A Better Man," a comprehensive documentary divided into three insightful parts, although some featurettes from the Criterion release are absent, such as Sydney Pollack's commentary. New additions include a thoughtful audio commentary by Cerise Howard and Rohan Spong, which is engaging despite not matching the exclusivity of Pollack’s insights. Additionally, the collection offers the intriguing screen test footage and an insightful interview with Dustin Hoffman, giving fans a varied perspective on the film’s legacy through deleted scenes and a vintage theatrical trailer. Overall, these extras enrich the understanding of "Tootsie" and its enduring acclaim.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features film critic Cerise Howard and filmmaker Rohan Spong.
• A Better Man: A comprehensive making-of documentary divided into three parts.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes nine scenes.
• Dustin Hoffman Interview: An in-depth interview discussing his role and career.
• Screen Test Footage: Full footage from Hoffman's interview.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Tootsie" presents Sydney Pollack's 1982 comedy masterpiece with remarkable clarity, perfectly highlighting Dustin Hoffman's stellar performance. As Michael Dorsey, Hoffman is an uncompromising actor struggling to find work until he reinvents himself as Dorothy Michaels, landing a role on a soap opera and turning the situation into a conduit for exploring complex gender roles. The film brilliantly melds humor with an incisive commentary on gender politics, cultural perceptions, and the personal growth that occurs when these boundaries are explored. Hoffman's dual role as both Michael and Dorothy remains convincingly transformative and engaging, laying bare the societal norms that often dictate personal interactions.

The film's narrative is further enriched by its supporting cast, including Jessica Lange, whose character Julie Nichols becomes an object of affection for both Michael/Dorothy and the audience. Lange's performance, alongside Teri Garr's depiction of the neurotic Sandy and Bill Murray's effortlessly comedic portrayal of Jeff, contributes to a dynamic interplay that elevates the comedic nuances of the story. Although Jessica Lange received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, Teri Garr's and Murray’s contributions deserve equal mention for their humor and depth. Dabney Coleman offers a memorable performance as the soap opera’s misogynistic director, enhancing the film's critical yet comedic examination of sexism in the workplace.

This release ensures that "Tootsie" continues to resonate with new audiences through both its technical presentation and enduring themes. The vivid 4K restoration underscores the meticulous production values and vibrant performances that characterize this comedy classic, maintaining its relevance over four decades. As a result, "Tootsie" persists not only as a humorous escapade but also as a reflective examination of identity and societal expectations. This edition of "Tootsie" provides a refreshing look at a film that remains pertinent to discussions of gender dynamics today, enveloped in laughter and critical thought.

"Tootsie," a timeless comedy classic, continues to captivate audiences with its sharp wit and engaging performances. The film, praised for its deft direction by Sydney Pollack and exceptional script by Don McGuire, Larry Gelbart, and Murray Schisgal, delivers both humor and heartfelt drama. Dustin Hoffman shines in his role, supported by memorable performances from Jessica Lange, Bill Murray, Teri Garr, and others. Lange's portrayal justifiably earned her an Oscar, and Garr's comedic talent adds to the film's charm. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release solidifies "Tootsie" as a piece of comedic artistry that both entertains and resonates.

Sony Pictures has delivered a praiseworthy 4K UHD edition of "Tootsie," featuring a remarkable Dolby Vision transfer that showcases the film's visual strengths. The inclusion of English Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1, and various language audio options enhances the auditory experience. The supplementary features are, however, somewhat underwhelming, which may disappoint hard-core collectors. Despite this, the disc comes bundled with a standard Blu-ray, offering flexibility for different viewing preferences. Subscribers to the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 5 will find this release particularly enticing.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "Tootsie" remains an essential acquisition for both long-time fans and newcomers to the genre. While it captures the nostalgia of its era, its storytelling and performances transcend time, providing laughs and insights alike. The technical presentation excels, making this edition an admirable enhancement over previous releases. Despite some limitations in extras, the overall package is highly recommended for its visual and auditory rejuvenation of a comedy classic.