Footloose 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of Footloose is a significant upgrade over the notoriously poor 2011 Blu-ray release. Paramount's new 2160p remaster addresses the previous issues with Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), restoring natural film grain and delivering a warmer, more authentic color palette, replete with those distinctive sepia and peach tones characteristic of the original visual aesthetic. Fine details, especially in facial features and clothing during close-ups, are more discernible, providing a healthier and more organic filmic experience. This restoration finally allows Footloose to appear like actual film, enhancing the overall viewing experience substantially.

The Dolby Vision HDR enhancements contribute to the notable improvements, subtly boosting color richness and depth without over-brightening. Black levels are generally impressive, although some instances of crush remain in darker scenes, particularly in indoor and night sequences. Despite this, the stability and untouched detailing present a marked improvement, making the reproduction of skin tones, clothes, and various environments appear more lifelike and true to the movie's roots. Wide-angle shots also benefit from enhanced depth perception, albeit minimally, thereby accentuating the visual upgrade in comparison to the dated Blu-ray release.

Though not without its flaws—such as spots of excessive grain and some inconsistently resolved darker scenes—the 4K UHD transfer maintains a refined layer of grain that aligns more accurately with film expectations. The colors are more vibrant and dynamic, especially primary reds and secondary hues, and black levels are deeper and inkier overall. Highlights in various elements—from chrome detailing to brilliantly white clothing—are showcased crisply and radiantly. While the image retains a somewhat muted quality that is intentional to its era, fans will find the Dolby Vision HDR presentation both fuller and more vibrant compared to its HD SDR predecessor. Overall, this remaster is a vast improvement over the previous Blu-ray release, making it a worthwhile upgrade for enthusiasts of the film.

The 4K UHD release of "Footloose" includes an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless mix, maintaining an exemplary standard of fidelity that was initiated in its previous Blu-ray edition. The sound mix delivers clear dialogue through the center channel and a supportive front soundstage. Prominent scenes filled with nostalgic music cues are well-represented, though they don't manifest highly dynamic or extensive low-end coverage. Surround channels are strategically utilized to provide ambient noise and enhance the overall atmosphere, adding an immersive layer without overwhelming the primary audio elements.

This mix features Kenny Loggins’ iconic opening track, which vividly enlivens every speaker and fills the soundstage, emphasizing the importance of the film's musical backbone – a notable plus given the historic significance of the soundtrack. The track's low-end does present some impactful thumps that support its beats adequately, though it doesn’t reach the palpability found in more modern sound designs. The overall clarity is exceptional for a film released in 1984, achieving crisp dialogue and satisfactory range throughout.

The expertise involved in this audio presentation ensures that the songs and score benefit immensely from lossless fidelity and robust bass. The soundstage impresses with a wide, expansive presence, particularly during musical numbers where surround speakers effectively create an enveloping experience reminiscent of an 80s pop concert. The mix's tonal execution is marked by clear percussion, contributing to a full and dynamic auditory experience. Optional audio and subtitle selections, ranging from German to Japanese Dolby Digital tracks, further showcase the release's comprehensive accessibility, enhancing its appeal to a global audience.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Footloose" offer a comprehensive and engaging array of insights into the film's production and cultural impact. Paramount has ported over the same generous set of supplements from previous releases, housed on the accompanying Blu-ray disc. The two audio commentaries provide substantive perspectives, first from producer Craig Zadan and writer Dean Pitchford on the film's creation, and second from Kevin Bacon, adding personal anecdotes about his experiences. Featurettes, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage round out the package, ensuring aficionados and newcomers alike gain a deeper appreciation for this quintessential 80s dance film. This release is a rich trove for fans, underscoring "Footloose's" enduring appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Craig Zadan and Dean Pitchford: Discussion on the film's creation and production struggles.
• Commentary by Kevin Bacon: Anecdotes and personal experiences on set.
• Let's Dance! Kevin Bacon on Footloose: Featurette with Kevin Bacon reflecting on the film.
• From Bomont to the Big Apple: An Interview with Sarah Jessica Parker: Interview with SJP.
• Remembering Willard: Retrospective on Chris Penn's role.
• Kevin Bacon's Screen Test: Early screen test footage of Bacon.
• Kevin Bacon Costume Montage: Montage of Bacon's costumes.
• Footloose: A Modern Musical – Part 1: Behind-the-scenes look at production.
• Footloose: A Modern Musical – Part 2: Continued production insights.
• Footloose: Songs That Tell A Story: Exploration of the film's soundtrack.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

"Footloose," a quintessential artifact of ‘80s cinema, encapsulates the decade's flair for melodrama and youthful rebellion. Featuring Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack, a city kid thrown into the conservative confines of Bomont, the film delves into the clash between modernity and tradition. The plot centers on Ren's struggle against a dancing ban imposed by Reverend Shaw Moore, played convincingly by John Lithgow. Moore's character is not a one-dimensional antagonist; instead, he embodies the complexities of a well-intentioned yet overly protective parental figure grappling with a tragic past.

The film’s narrative bridges the generational divide, offering rich character arcs. Ren's dance-driven rebellion acts as a catalyst, pushing for societal change while forming alliances with Moore’s daughter Ariel (Lori Singer) and best friend Willard (Chris Penn). Lithgow’s portrayal of Moore stands out as he evolves beyond a stereotypical authority figure, questioning his draconian views when faced with the community’s hysteria, climaxing in the poignant book-burning scene which mirrors real-world censorship debates.

Technically, the movie does not shy away from its period stylings—ranging from Kevin Bacon’s spirited but outlandish warehouse dance sequence to a whimsical array of rock-infused soundtrack pieces that boast double Oscar nominations. The characters are archetypes rather than deeply-drawn personas, ultimately serving the film's larger-than-life plot. Though criticized for its overly serious tone and predictable relationships, "Footloose" remains impactful due to its exploration of youth culture and resistance. The Ultra HD Blu-ray transfer by Paramount enhances viewing with 2160p/Dolby Vision video and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, revitalizing its visual appeal and making this relic of the past accessible to contemporary audiences.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Footloose" significantly elevates the viewing experience, especially for longtime fans. The remastered 4K video, enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR, offers a marked improvement over the previous, much-maligned 2011 Blu-ray edition. The visual presentation now boasts a richer, more filmic quality, capturing the energetic spirit and vibrant aesthetic of the 1980s. Nonetheless, the audio remains the same as previous releases, with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that delivers dependable, if unremarkable, performance. Paramount has also included the legacy supplemental materials, providing a comprehensive package for aficionados.

Despite its melodramatic narrative, "Footloose" still captivates due to its timeless themes of teenage rebellion and its iconic soundtrack. Kevin Bacon's breakout role, complemented by strong performances from Lori Singer and John Lithgow, infuses the film with enduring appeal. While some may view the movie as a quintessential ’80s relic, others appreciate its relevance and nostalgic value. Paramount’s new UHD edition is far from perfect—home theater aficionados may find areas for critique—but it's incontestably the best home video version of "Footloose" available to date.

In conclusion, "Footloose" is that bit of '80s cheese that just seems to hit the spot. It has an absolutely killer '80s pop track, Kevin Bacon in his major breakout role, and Lori Singer literally sizzling everywhere on screen—not to mention John Lithgow absolutely stealing the film as Reverend Moore. Also, it’s been a long time coming for 4K fans, as Paramount has sat on that absolutely awful Blu-ray release that we’ve had to suffer through for the last 15 years. The new encode is light years better, and there’s a hefty amount of extras ported over from the Blu-ray. Well worth upgrading from.