Used Cars 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD release of "Used Cars" marks a significant upgrade from its previous editions, offering an exceptional viewing experience that highlights the film's vibrant palette and intricate details. Thanks to a new 4K scan, remastered directly from the original camera negative, the movie's presentation in Dolby Vision breathes new life into its colorful scenes - from the bright hues of car paint and neon signs to the natural skin tones and detailed textures found in costumes and environments. The Arizona landscape comes alive with vivid deserts and expansive blue skies, while cityscapes and interiors are rich with depth and detail, showcasing polyester's texture and the finer points of decor. However, viewers might notice some inconsistency in grain and slight encoding issues, alongside a notable damaged shot at the 9:13 mark, possibly due to the original cinematography or a preservation challenge.

This release's visual fidelity is further emphasized by comparisons with earlier Blu-ray versions, especially the notably softer presentations from Twilight Time in 2014 and Shout Factory in 2019. The 2160p resolution, combined with Dolby Vision HDR, unveils previously unseen details with an accuracy that surpasses former releases, ensuring that the film's aesthetic - characterized by Zemeckis' early-career rosy hue and boldly precise primaries - is preserved and enhanced. The transfer excels in reproducing natural flesh tones and maintaining a consistent layer of film grain that varies subtly across different scenes, from interiors to broader landscapes. This consistency is well-managed by a robust HEVC encode, demonstrating how advanced encoding can handle diverse grain levels without compromise.

In essence, this 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Used Cars" offers a visual presentation that is not only the best in the film's home release history but also a testament to the meticulous care taken in its transfer. The clarity of detail and richness of color afforded by the Dolby Vision HDR significantly elevate the viewing experience, ensuring that every scene, from neon-lit car lots to dusty desert roads, is rendered with stunning fidelity. While minor issues such as grain inconsistency and rare source damage exist, they do little to detract from what is overall an exceptional exhibit of film restoration and presentation technology.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Used Cars" presents its audience with two audio tracks: a default 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio (MA) mix and an alternative 5.1 DTS-HD MA track, aiming to cater to diverse home theater preferences. The 2.0 mix is particularly notable for its clear and robust delivery, which closely aligns with the film's original auditory experience, emphasizing sharp, snappy dialogues and vibrant performance dynamics without any distortion. The scoring across this track is crisp, enhancing comedic elements with precise instrumentation and ensuring that orchestral crescendos during climactic scenes are impactful and authoritative.

In terms of sound design, both audio options maintain a commendable level of clarity and balance. The 5.1 track, although not the default choice, offers an expanded auditory experience, especially during the film’s action-packed sequences, elevating the expressiveness and immersion with a broader soundstage. This track excels in creating a more enveloping atmosphere, with sound effects that are both punchy and well-defined, reflecting a Looney Tunes-esque exaggerated realism that complements the film's tone perfectly.

Shout Factory’s decision to include these two tracks, carried over from their 2019 Blu-ray release, showcases a commitment to preserving the film’s auditory legacy while also embracing the capabilities of modern home theater systems. The meticulous balance between dialogue and background sounds is a testament to careful sound engineering, ensuring that neither the bustling human nor machine noises overshadow each other. This audio presentation of "Used Cars" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a fine example of how older cinematic works can be revitalized for contemporary audiences without sacrificing their original sonic essence.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Used Cars" offers an extensive suite of extras that enrich the viewing experience by delving deep into its production, promotional strategies, and unique place in cinematic history. Notable features include a commentary with the film's creative trio: co-writer/director Robert Zemeckis, co-writer/producer Bob Gale, and lead actor Kurt Russell, providing invaluable insights into the filmmaking process. Two in-depth interviews with Bob Gale cover everything from the film's inception, influenced by Spielberg and John Milius, to its quest for authenticity achieved through real-world dealership research and on-set anecdotes that highlight the challenges and triumphs of production. The disc is rounded off with a collection of promotional materials, including radio spots and a creative press kit, alongside a candid radio interview with Kurt Russell that offers personal perspectives on the movie's thematic resonance and his career. While no new special features have been added for this 4K release, the archival extras present are thoroughly engaging, painting a comprehensive picture of "Used Cars'" legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features co-writer/director Robert Zemeckis, co-writer/producer Bob Gale, and actor Kurt Russell.
• Would You Buy a Used Car From These Men?: An interview with Bob Gale on the origins and production of "Used Cars".
• Kicking the Tires: Bob Gale discusses the film's production, stunt work, and promotional efforts.
• Radio Interview: A 1980 conversation with Kurt Russell about his role and career.
• Outtakes and Gag Reel: Includes cut scenes and humorous mishaps.
• Radio Spots: Commercials for "Used Cars".
• Still Gallery #1 - #3: Collections of film stills, behind-the-scenes snaps, publicity shots, poster art, lobby cards, press kit pages, and promotional item pics.
• T.V. Spot: A short commercial for "Used Cars".
• Teaser Trailer and Unrated Trailer: Promotional trailers for the movie.

The 1980 comedy "Used Cars," a collaboration between Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis, hoped to rebound their careers following a series of disappointments. Set against the backdrop of the cutthroat used car sales industry, the film follows Rudy (Kurt Russell) in his feverish quest to outmaneuver his rival, Roy (Jack Warden), across a Phoenix, Arizona business strip. Despite the innovative directorial approaches by Zemeckis and a spirited performance by Russell, the film's reception was lukewarm, which temporarily stalled the duo's careers until their later success with "Back to the Future." Nonetheless, "Used Cars" is marked by its relentless energy, sharp wit, and a Looney Tunes-esque embrace of chaos, which, despite its initial box office struggles, makes it a noteworthy entry in the careers of its creators.

The film's unique blend of humor and cynicism couples with Zemeckis’s knack for visual storytelling, producing a lively yet sometimes painfully honest portrayal of American greed and ambition. Despite some critiques, such as Roger Ebert’s view that its grandiosity doesn't always equate to humor, "Used Cars" undeniably captures the manic spirit of America's cultural and capitalist landscapes with clever one-liners and over-the-top scenarios. This is complemented by an outstanding performance from Kurt Russell, whose character's dodgy charm and moral flexibility carry much of the film's emotional and comedic weight.

"Used Cars" harbors a distinct aesthetic reminiscent of a lower-budget Roger Corman project while benefiting immensely from Zemeckis and Gale's creative partnership with Spielberg. Although it might have missed the mark in earning immediate acclaim, its relentless pace, inventive visual gags, and sharp critique on American consumerism resonate more today, highlighting its potential for cult status among enthusiasts of unconventional comedies. Critics may have been divided at its release, but the film's enduring qualities underscore its position as an underappreciated gem that laid foundational stones for its creators' subsequent successes.

In the world of comedic chaos and car dealership shenanigans, "Used Cars" manages to carve out a unique spot, primarily through its spirited and anarchic sense of humor that basks in the richness of bawdy one-liners and a demolition derby of conflicting egos. This 1980 Robert Zemeckis film, known for its pitch-black comedy enriched with predatory behaviors and idiocy, achieves a new level of viewing pleasure with Shout Factory's 4K Ultra HD release. The impressive 2160p transfer significantly enhances the visual experience, making it an invaluable addition for both longtime fans and newcomers. Highlighting an exceptional blend of energetic stunts and a storyline that, despite occasionally dragging, rebounds with a vibrantly chaotic final act, this release reveals the immense creativity and boldness of Zemeckis and Gale.

While "Used Cars" might initially seem to lose momentum, the film consistently redeems itself with an engagingly unruly finale that hails a 'cattle drive' of cars through the desert. This not only underlines the film's ambitious imagination but also its ability to pull off a level of goofiness that borders on anarchical joy. Despite not reaching the joyous heights of Zemeckis and Gale's other works, it solidifies itself as a worthwhile watch thanks to its cheeky mayhem and colorful dialogue, now more vividly presented than ever before in this stellar 4K upgrade.

In conclusion, Shout Factory's 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition of "Used Cars" is a commendable release that significantly enhances the film's visual narrative and overall enjoyment. It is an essential acquisition for devotees of the classic film and serves as a perfect gateway for those yet to experience its uniquely dark comedic charm. Between its high-quality video presentation and the unforgettable one-liners that punch through every scene, this release not only celebrates the film’s legacy but ensures its continued appreciation in the best possible format.