King of New York 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate's 4K UHD presentation of "King of New York" utilizes an HEVC/H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio, a commendable correction over previous Blu-ray editions. The source for this release is a new 4K scan from the original camera negative, meticulously restored and digitally cleaned at L’Immagine Ritrovata, with grading performed at Silver Salt Restoration in London. Both Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading are present, and the results have received approval from both director Abel Ferrara and cinematographer Bojan Bazelli.

The visual presentation is notably richer and more nuanced than prior home video releases. Colors are rendered with remarkable vibrancy and depth—cobalt blues, blood reds, and tangerine oranges appear especially vivid, while pastel tones exhibit impressive highlights. The enhanced dynamic range afforded by HDR and Dolby Vision further deepens contrasts and accentuates the film’s darker, burnished aesthetic. Fine detail is consistently strong, particularly in close-up shots where facial features and costume textures are resolved with precision. While overall grain structure remains true to the source, there are moments—especially in intensely colored or bright backgrounds—where grain can appear splotchy or pixellated. Nonetheless, the overall image maintains filmic integrity and balances nostalgia with state-of-the-art clarity.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "King of New York" provides two principal audio options: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0, preserving the choices present on Arrow’s Region B release. The LPCM 2.0 track accurately reproduces the original theatrical Dolby Stereo experience and is essentially identical to Arrow’s previous offering in this regard, maintaining clarity and faithful dialogue presentation. Audiophiles seeking an untouched theatrical presentation will appreciate the consistency and authenticity of this stereo track.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, however, is more contentious. While it attempts to expand environmental immersion—most evident in scenes like the energetic club sequence—it presents notable technical inconsistencies. Some reviewers observed a quasi-phased quality and a lack of credible organic spatiality. More critically, there are identifiable authoring errors; for instance, during action-heavy moments such as the bordello sequence, street noises are disproportionately prominent in the front channels, while gunfire sounds are curiously muted or absent. These issues do not appear on the Arrow 5.1 track, indicating a potential error specific to this release. Both tracks maintain clean, intelligible dialogue, and optional English, English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are included. At present, there is no Dolby Atmos option, which may disappoint those expecting next-generation surround formats.

The extras for the “King of New York” 4K UHD Blu-ray offer a robust and well-curated slate of features that will appeal to both longtime fans and cinephiles seeking in-depth context. Both UHD and Blu-ray discs share an identical lineup, headlined by two commentary tracks: a candid and sometimes abrasive session with director Abel Ferrara—providing insider anecdotes about script evolution, casting improvisations, and production credit decisions—and an informative team commentary with the composer, producer, casting director, and editor. Newly produced featurettes highlight Christopher Walken and Paul Calderon, delivering insightful, engaging interviews. The set rounds out with archival interviews, a comprehensive Ferrara documentary, a Schoolly D featurette and music video, plus original trailers and TV spots. Offered in distinctive SteelBook packaging by Lionsgate Limited with Vance Kelly artwork, the release includes a digital copy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Abel Ferrara: Ferrara delivers unfiltered insights into the film’s evolution and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Audio Commentary with Composer Joe Delia, Producer Mary Kane, Casting Director Randy Sabusawa, and Editor Anthony Redman: An engaging group discussion focused on technical and creative aspects.
• The Sacred and Profane in King of New York: A new piece featuring interviews that contextualize the film’s themes.
• Flashback on King of New York: Christopher Walken: In-depth interview with Walken about his role and approach.
• Flashback on King of New York: Paul Calderon: Engaging reflections from Calderon on his character and experience.
• Interview with Director Abel Ferrara: An archival 2012 interview delving into Ferrara’s philosophy.
• Interview with Producer Augusto Caminito: Archival content subtitled in English, adding producer’s perspective.
• A Short Film About the Long Career of Abel Ferrara Documentary: A comprehensive Ferrara career overview.
• The Adventures of Schoolly D: Snowboarder: A 2003 featurette centered on artist Schoolly D’s influence.
• Schoolly D Music Video: Original music video tied to the film.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional theatrical trailer.
• TV Spots: Vintage television promotional clips.

Lionsgate’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "King of New York" offers a significant visual upgrade over earlier Region A and B editions, presenting Abel Ferrara’s urban crime saga in a new light. The release benefits from a freshly mastered 4K presentation, correcting previous shortcomings and accentuating the film’s moody, stylized cinematography. Details are crisp, particularly in shadowed interiors and neon-lit nighttime exteriors, and the HDR grading gives the image increased depth, contrast, and more lifelike color reproduction. This restoration corrects prior issues such as compression artifacts and dull color palettes found on the original Region A Blu-ray. Additionally, this edition also includes an improved 1080p Blu-ray transfer, expanding accessibility to collectors and fans.

The film itself remains a bold, uncompromising testament to director Abel Ferrara’s intense vision. Although initially divisive—prompting boos and walkouts at its New York Film Festival premiere—its predatory energy and unique thematic touch have since found a dedicated following. Ferrara and writer Nicholas St. John inject fresh life into familiar crime tropes, delivering a gritty narrative with an edgy, distinctive tone. The inclusion of extensive supplementary materials and collector-focused SteelBook packaging further cements this release as the definitive home video edition for aficionados of cult cinema, highlighting the enduring relevance of "King of New York" in the urban crime genre.

Lionsgate’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of King of New York marks a notable step forward, especially in terms of video quality and supplemental content. The visual presentation is significantly improved, with careful attention given to detail and color accuracy—an advancement that will please cinephiles seeking a high-fidelity transfer. Although subjective, the SteelBook design may not appeal to all collectors, but the package remains robust overall.

On the supplemental side, Lionsgate demonstrates a commitment to offering a comprehensive extras package. While it omits the Abel Ferrera: Not Guilty documentary found on previous Arrow releases, it compensates by including three exclusive new features, The Adventures of Schoolly D: Snowboarder, and a music video—content not present in the Arrow set. Additionally, Lionsgate’s inclusion of both a Blu-ray disc and a Digital Code adds flexibility, giving it an advantage over editions that only provide a UHD disc.

The audio options present a minor caveat: the 5.1 track reportedly suffers from issues, but the included original theatrical 2.0 remains a strong and preferable choice for purists. Despite these quirks and a single omitted documentary, this release stands out for its technical polish and thoughtful extras, making it an easy recommendation for fans and collectors alike.