The Blues Brothers 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

From the moment "The Blues Brothers" opens on Universal's 2160p/HDR UHD presentation, the film's 4K restoration asserts itself as a faithful and significant improvement over previous releases. The scene is set with striking sharpness and a pronounced film grain that enhances rather than detracts, promising a visual experience that honors the original photochemical process. Details in the urban landscape, from the decay of an alleyway to the vividness of nighttime illuminations, pop with an enhanced clarity and color depth that were simply unattainable in the Blu-ray format. Specifically, the improved black levels and contrast offer a richer, more immersive view, especially in darker scenes where the depth and texture now have a lifelike quality. This is evident in both the theatrical and extended editions, which have reportedly benefited from a new scan of the original 35mm camera negatives, ensuring that much of the fine detail and texturing are significantly more pronounced.

The HDR color enhancement brings to life the film's diverse palette with greater stability and accuracy than before, particularly noticeable in scenes showcasing the neon exteriors of bars or the nuanced shades of interiors. Sunrise scenes, stained glass windows, and neon lights all reveal a richness and natural saturation that underscores the meticulous attention given to the film's color timing. Despite some critiques noting occasional softness in extended cut footage or minor color grading inconsistencies, these do not detract from the overall excellence of the restoration. The balance between maintaining the film's original aesthetic and modernizing its visual appeal is well managed, providing an experience that respects its roots while catering to contemporary expectations of high-definition viewing.

However, amidst this praise, it's essential to address some imperfections acknowledged by reviewers, including a slight overcompensation in encoding leading to compression artifacts and chroma noise. These issues, while minor, remind us that even with advanced restoration techniques, challenges in achieving absolute perfection remain. Nonetheless, these instances are overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive attributes of this restoration. The deep blacks, enhanced contrast, and vibrant colors contribute to a visually stunning presentation that breathes new life into "The Blues Brothers," delivering a compelling upgrade that fans and newcomers alike will appreciate for its authenticity and refined quality.

The DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack of "The Blues Brothers" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an enthralling audio experience that elevates the film to new heights of sonic excellence. The mix taps into the full potential of the DTS:X codec, crafting a soundstage that is not just wide and engaging, but also remarkably consistent throughout the film. From the opening reunification of Jake and Elwood to the dynamic musical performances and lively street scenes, the audio track delivers exceptional instrumental detail, fidelity, and balanced immersion. Environmental sounds, such as the bustling streets of Chicago, elevated trains, and even the detailed ambience of dripping water in sewers, are rendered with convincing clarity and depth. The soundtrack's high points are undoubtedly the iconic R&B tracks, presented with outstanding lossless fidelity that boasts beefy lows, rich mids, and an overall warmth that does justice to the original recordings.

The object-based audio mix smartly utilizes height channels for a select few ambient effects, creating a convincingly wide and spacious half-dome soundstage that envelops the viewer. Such use of surrounds and overheads, while light, effectively augments the film's various environments and action sequences without ever feeling overdone or artificially inserted. Dialogue and sound effects maintain a clean, natural presence amid the lively mix, ensuring every word and sound effect sits perfectly in the mix. The soundtrack manages to strike a perfect balance between the muscular punch of its musical numbers and the detailed, atmospheric environmental sounds, from cheerful crowds to the roaring of Chicago’s elevated trains, all without losing clarity or succumbing to imprecision.

Beneath the robust mid-range and clear highs, the soundtrack's low-end delivers with unexpectedly powerful force, providing palpable presence to both the music and action sequences that can shake the couch. This strength in the lower frequencies adds a visceral dimension to car chases and musical performances alike. While there’s mention of some modern additions to the low-end potentially detracting from authenticity, these moments are few and far handled with care not to disrupt the overall excellence of the track. "The Blues Brothers" in DTS:X is not only a testament to audio remastering done right but also serves as a definitive way to experience the film’s auditory brilliance, enhancing each scene’s emotional weight and narrative impact without overshadowing the content itself.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Blues Brothers" offers a crisp and visually stunning experience, but when it comes to the extras, it essentially mirrors its predecessor; no new supplemental content makes its debut here. Both the Theatrical (2:12:48) and Extended (2:27:44) cuts of the film are provided, enhancing the viewing options for fans and newcomers alike. From a technical standpoint, while the main feature benefits from the 4K upgrade, the extra content is presented in standard definition, maintaining a nostalgic touch. Noteworthy extras such as "Stories Behind the Making of The Blues Brothers," "Transposing the Music," and "Remembering John" offer a deep dive into the production's lore, soundtrack intricacies, and a heartfelt remembrance of John Belushi. All these, along with the theatrical trailer, are carried over from the Blu-ray version; thus, those looking for novel insights or behind-the-scenes footage exclusive to this release might find the extras section familiar yet endearing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Stories Behind the Making of The Blues Brothers: A comprehensive look at the making of the film, featuring scene-by-scene breakdowns and set footage.
• Transposing the Music: An exploration into the film's iconic soundtrack and song selections.
• Remembering John: A tribute to John Belushi, remembered by friends and colleagues.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film (available on BD only).

Universal Studios has done a commendable job bringing the 1980 classic "The Blues Brothers" into the modern era with its release on 4K UHD Blu-ray. This edition shines with its 2160p/HDR video upgrade that provides a vivid and detailed picture, truly doing justice to the film's distinctive cinematography. The iconic Chicago landscapes, from the smoggy morning introduction to the meticulously staged car chases, have never looked better. Moreover, the DTS:X audio upgrade enriches the viewing experience with its dynamic range, ensuring that each musical number and comedic misadventure resonates with clarity. Viewers will find themselves immersed in the raucous energy of Jake and Elwood's mission from God like never before.

"The Blues Brothers" presents an entertaining blend of comedy, music, and action that has stood the test of time. With unforgettable performances by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, the film transcends its chaotic narrative to deliver a heartfelt message through its 'holy' crusade to save an orphanage. This release does not skimp on content either, featuring both the original and extended versions of the film, allowing fans to relive the magic in whichever format they prefer. Although it comes without new supplements, the legacy content included with the Blu-ray companion disc ensures that aficionados have plenty to explore.

John Landis' signature blend of humor and societal commentary is presented with newfound vigor in this 4K UHD version. From its meticulous car chases that leave no police vehicle unscathed to the seamless integration of musical legends, "The Blues Brothers" on 4K UHD blurs the lines between genres, creating a spectacle that feels equally ambitious and earnest. This release not only celebrates the enduring appeal of its titular characters but serves as a benchmark for how beloved classics should be transitioned to modern high-definition formats, ensuring that Jake and Elwood's mission continues to resonate with audiences old and new.

The Blues Brothers" 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an unparalleled revival of an American cinematic gem, melding humor, action, and iconic R&B in a package that feels both nostalgic and groundbreaking. This edition brings the legendary musical comedy and its historic slice of R&B into the modern era with a clarity and depth that surpass expectations. The transition from the original 35mm negatives to a sparkling 4K HDR10 presentation coupled with a phenomenal DTS:X soundtrack propels this cult classic into a new realm of audio-visual experience. The performances of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, portraying the mission-driven blood brothers, shine through with a freshness that pays homage to the film’s original vibrancy and spirit. While it’s regrettable that no new extras were included in this release, the sheer quality of the film’s restoration makes this a must-have for fans and collectors alike.

Despite this slight drawback in bonus content, the restoration work provides an astonishing improvement over previous versions, ensuring every legendary scene and musical number resonates with audiences as if experienced for the first time. The 4K UHD edition preserves the film’s unique blend of cartoonish action, deadpan humor, and classic R&B performances by legendary artists, making "The Blues Brothers" more than just a movie—it's a timeless celebration of music and comedy.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Blues Brothers" represents a significant milestone in home cinema, offering an experience that is as close to perfect as possible. Its combination of outstanding visual and audio enhancements with the unchanged charm and energy of the original film solidifies its position as a highly recommended purchase. While the lack of new special features may be a minor disappointment, the exceptional quality of this release more than compensates, ensuring its status as an essential addition to any cinematic collection.