The Firm 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 79
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
The Firm excels in storytelling and performance, with a 4K release that leaves fans wanting.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 82
The Firm's 4K Blu-ray from Paramount UK shows inconsistent quality with occasional artifacts and compression but overall offers a satisfactory upgrade with vibrant colors and improved details.
Audio: 81
The Firm's Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack delivers clear dialogue and a distinct piano score, offering authenticity without the frills of Atmos, matching its dialogue-driven essence with ease.
Extra: 61
Paramount's 30th Anniversary UHD release of The Firm disappoints with zero extras or slipcover, downgrading from previous versions' minimal content to flat out nothingness, despite digital copy inclusion.
Movie: 89
John Grisham's gripping tales of legal thrills, from deep South injustices in 'A Time to Kill' to the corruption-exposing journey in 'The Firm', captivate through cinema adaptations and critical acclaim.
Video: 82
The Firm" makes its entry into the UK 4K Blu-ray market with a release from Paramount UK that showcases some of the inherent challenges and irregularities that come with upscaling older catalog titles to the latest home video standards. While the upgrade to 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 resolution, supported by Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Dolby Vision does bring noticeable enhancements, it is accompanied by a mixture of compression issues, digital artifacts, and an occasionally inconsistent sharpness across scenes. Paramount's efforts have rendered a product that shines in moments—exhibiting superb close-ups, improved detail, and a vibrant color scheme—but also disappoints with sporadic quality drops. Viewed on advanced setups, such as an LG 55B7 Dolby Vision 4K Ultra HD OLED TV coupled with a Panasonic DP-UB820EB-K Dolby Vision HDR10+ 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, the strengths and weaknesses of this release become evident.
In terms of specific strengths, "The Firm" on 4K UHD Blu-ray displays notable gains in visual quality over its predecessor, predominantly in the richness and liveliness of its colors. The judicial thriller benefits from Dolby Vision grading, which amplifies whites and deepens blacks to create a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience. Skin tones are rendered with natural fullness, and the textures of attire and settings receive a commendable boost in depth and vitality. However, the pleasure derived from these improvements is periodically dampened by scenes that suffer from a flatness and an artificiality in texture, suggesting mild digital noise reduction (DNR) has been applied. These interventions may have aimed to smooth over grain but instead often result in a loss of the filmic quality many purists value.
Despite heralding from a new remaster and promising an enthralling leap to Ultra HD territory with a marginally satisfactory HEVC H.265 encode, the transition introduces issues not uncharacteristic of attempts to modernize films shot in an era not anticipating such technological advancements. The inconsistency in visual fidelity—ranging from commendably detailed to disappointingly soft or altered—mirrors Paramount's varied success with their back catalog in 4K. While the film certainly looks its best more often than not, thanks to periods of solid effort visible in specific scenes and sequences, it struggles to maintain this consistently throughout its runtime. This release evidences the complex dance between preserving and enhancing older films for contemporary formats, where excellence is sporadic yet the overall direction is forward-moving, albeit with reservations regarding some technical aspects of the upgrade.
Audio: 81
The audio presentation of "The Firm" on 4K UHD Blu-ray retains the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack from its previous release, presenting a sound design that is meticulously faithful to the film's dialogue-driven nature and subtle sonic landscape. The piano-heavy score by Dave Grusin, which is not just memorable but also Oscar-nominated, takes a central role, filling the soundstage with a spacious and airy quality that enhances the film's tension without overwhelming it. This choice of score is adeptly realized across the front channels, setting a distinct tone for the film that remains consistent and engaging.
Dialogue clarity is paramount in this release, a critical aspect given the legal thriller’s reliance on intricate conversations and intense monologues. Voices are perfectly balanced and centered, ensuring that every whisper, threat, and dramatic exclamation is delivered with precision and without any distortion or loss of fidelity. Ambient sounds and the sporadic inclusion of effects, like aircraft noises and environmental buzzes, provide a realistic backdrop, subtly utilizing the rear channels to forge a modest yet effective sense of immersion.
Noteworthily, despite its repurposed nature, the track benefits significantly from modern AV receiver technologies, such as Dolby Surround and DTS: Neural:X up-mixing functionalities. These enhancements expand the soundscape beyond its original boundaries, subtly elevating the ambient detail and Grusin's score into the overhead channels for a more immersive auditory experience. While the soundtrack might not venture into bombastic territory, its handling of "The Firm's" nuanced sound elements with professionalism and an evident understanding of the film’s needs ensures a satisfying auditory experience that complements the on-screen narrative effectively.
Extra: 61
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Firm" by Paramount Pictures has been met with considerable disappointment regarding its lack of extras. Despite marking the 30th anniversary of this cinematic classic, the studio has failed to include any additional content that could have enriched the viewing experience. Notably absent are the original teaser and theatrical trailer, which were previously available on earlier DVD and Blu-ray editions. This oversight is particularly glaring as even these basic inclusions, potentially remastered for 4K, would have added value to this release. Furthermore, the package does not accompany a physical Blu-ray copy, only offering a digital copy code, and lacks even a slipcover, signaling an overall reduction in physical content and presentation quality compared to prior releases.
Extras included in this disc:
- Unfortunately, there are no extras included in this release.
Movie: 89
John Grisham's sophomore novel "The Firm" swiftly transitioned from page to screen, securing Tom Cruise for the lead role as Mitch McDeere, a bright yet naive lawyer drawn into a sinister web by a seemingly benevolent law firm. Fresh off "A Few Good Men," Cruise delivers a riveting performance, backed by an all-star ensemble including Gene Hackman in a role initially eyed for others, and supported by stellar turns from Holly Hunter, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Ed Harris, among others. Directed by Sydney Pollack, the film eschews the conventional courtroom drama for a deep dive into corporate and legal corruption, marking it as a standout in the genre. Its cinematic execution is enhanced by John Seale's adept cinematography and Dave Grusin's memorable score, blending seamlessly to create a tense and classic thriller vibe reminiscent of 70s cinema.
Set against the backdrop of Memphis, the narrative weaves Mitch's journey from an ambitious Harvard Law graduate to a man ensnared in the firm's illicit dealings with the Mafia. His descent into this morally murky world is paced immaculately over the film's substantial runtime, never feeling bloated but instead building tension with each revelation. The script expertly balances character development with suspense, leaving audiences invested in Mitch's fate amid the ever-tightening grip of his employers. This intricate plotting, combined with Pollack's direction, offers not just a legal thriller but an incisive exploration of ambition, ethics, and the personal costs of success.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, "The Firm" makes its 4K UHD Blu-Ray debut devoid of extras yet improved visually via a 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation that promises to bring Pollack's vision to life with greater clarity and depth than seen before. However, the choice to recycle the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack from previous releases may leave audiophiles wanting more. Nonetheless, the film's transfer to the UHD format ensures that both new audiences and longtime fans can experience this gripping legal thriller with renewed vibrancy, setting a high bar for home media presentations of classic films.
Total: 79
Thirty years since its original release, "The Firm" stands as a testament to storytelling prowess and cinematic tension. Sydney Pollack's direction ensures that the film remains a tightly wound thriller, emphasizing suspense and intelligent dialogue over gratuitous action. The adaptation of John Grisham's novel is noteworthy, distinguished by its faithfulness to the source material and bolstered by stellar performances from a cast led by Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, and Ed Harris. This convergence of a gripping narrative and exceptional acting ensures that "The Firm" remains relevant and engaging decades after its premiere.
Paramount's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Firm" arrives with its own set of expectations. Native 4K and Dolby Vision HDR enhance the viewing experience, offering an upgrade from previous 1080p versions. However, the upgrade, while solid, is not without its flaws. The video quality, though improved, still shows limitations, and the audio presentation, featuring a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack, is commendable but not extraordinary. Furthermore, the release is particularly sparse on extras, lacking even the basic inclusion of a trailer, which might disappoint collectors and fans of special features.
In conclusion, while "The Firm" itself remains an exemplar of the thriller genre, the 30th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-ray release from Paramount feels like a missed opportunity to celebrate such a landmark film fully. The visual and auditory improvements are appreciated but lack the polish expected of a milestone release. Collector's enthusiasm may be tempered by the barebones offering, suggesting a purchase on sale rather than at full price. Despite these limitations, the release is reluctantly recommended for fans who have yet to own the film in any high-definition format or those looking to complete their collection with its most updated version.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 70
Their Ultra HD Blu-ray delivers another strong but occasionally marginally questionable release to add to the pretty hit-and-miss batting average for Paramount's back catalogue 4Ks, affording excellent...
Audio: 80
a very good track with no complaints Dialogue is unsurprisingly the key aspect of this 2.5 hour legal thriller, and it's handled perfectly throughout, maintaining clarity and dominating the frontal array...
Extras: 10
Somehow, Paramount have gone one step lower though, as even the original Teaser and Theatrical Trailer (with brief footage and lines not from the final cut) would have been nice, remastered, and slapped...
Movie: 90
may have been made in the mid-nineties but has all the sensibilities of a seventies classic Boasting an all-star cast - the late addition of Gene Hackman (who had to drop out of the Jack Nicholson part...
Total: 70
A superb blend of well-informed legal corruption and atypical Hollywood justice all wrapped up in a thoroughly thrilling package, The Firm remains one of the finest book-to-movie adaptations (Robert Towne's...
Blu-ray.com review by Martin LiebmanRead review here
Video: 70
I instantly jumped to a conclusion that the video score would rate out at about a 2.5, at best, considering the dramatic appearance of digital smoothing, poor textures, wayward grain, and severe compression...
Audio: 0
Dialogue is consistently strong and accurate, remaining perfectly balanced in the front-center of the soundstage throughout....
Extras: 70
...
Movie: 90
He finally receives an offer he simply can't refuse -- matching his previous high offer and increasing it by twenty percent, along with plenty of perks and the understanding that money stretches further...
Total: 0
The Firm is a superb Thriller that stays true to genre tenants and emphasizes story and characterization, the picture deriving its action from suspense and dialogue rather than cheap thrills that would...
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 80
The 1.78:1 image also sports a brighter, more energetic contrast balance with crisper, more radiant specular highlights while brightness levels furnish the thrilling drama with rich, accurately-rendered...
Audio: 80
However, it is worth noting that when applying the receivers' Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X up-mixing functionality, the sound design opens up nicely by effortlessly spreading the few atmospherics and...
Extras: 0
For its 30th Anniversary, Paramount Pictures gives fans a barebones UHD edition of the film....
Movie: 80
Based on the novel of the same name by John Grisham, the plot follows the young, green, fresh out of law school Mitch McDeere (Tom Cruise) very quickly realizing that what initially seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime,...
Total: 80
Featuring the same Dolby TrueHD soundtrack but without any bonus material, the single-disc, barebones UHD package is reluctantly recommended for those who never purchased the BD or wait for when the price...
Director: Sydney Pollack
Actors: Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman
PlotA young, ambitious law graduate from Harvard, Mitch McDeere, finishes at the top of his class and is aggressively recruited by a small, seemingly prosperous law firm in Memphis. Seduced by the luxurious lifestyle the firm offers him and his young wife, Abby, Mitch accepts the position and quickly rises through the ranks. The firm showers them with a lavish home, a Mercedes, and promises of future wealth, completely immersing them in its exclusive community.
As Mitch becomes entrenched in his new job, he begins to encounter unsettling elements about the firm's operations. Two of his colleagues' mysterious deaths trigger his skepticism, and an encounter with an FBI agent reveals the sinister truth: the firm is a front for a massive money-laundering operation, controlled by the mob. Torn between his legal obligations and moral integrity, Mitch must navigate a web of deceit and danger to protect himself and his wife, while figuring out a way to escape the firm's grasp without landing in prison or becoming another one of its victims.
Writers: John Grisham, David Rabe, Robert Towne
Release Date: 30 Jun 1993
Runtime: 154 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English