North Dallas Forty 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "North Dallas Forty" is an intriguing upgrade and offers a generally good presentation but comes with a few caveats. Sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative supplied by Paramount Pictures, the film is available in HDR and Dolby Vision, providing richer color saturation and better balance of primary colors and nuances versus previous editions. The release captures the film's cinematographic essence with accurate color reproductions and detailed highlight management, although grain fluctuations and some inherent production weaknesses, such as occasional anamorphic softness and optically printed title sequences, remain. Despite these minor issues, the native 4K presentation manages to conceal many of these imperfections quite well and ensures the film looks impressive even on large screens.

Cinematographer Paul Lohmann's work using Panavision Panaflex cameras with anamorphic lenses, framed at 2.39:1, reveals some intrinsic limitations, such as peripheral softness in many shots and diffusion filter usage that adds apparent softness. These characteristics mean this 4K presentation might not exhibit the ultimate clarity and detail some might expect. Nevertheless, the film grain, color palette, and fine details are rendered faithfully in this new transfer, with minimal instances of scratches or dirt present. While the use of diffusion filters and Panavision lenses results in some sections having only an oval in central sharp focus, the overall presentation is a marked improvement over previous releases. The combination of 4K resolution and the HDR/Dolby Vision grading makes this edition likely the best "North Dallas Forty" will ever look on home video.

Given these factors, Kino Lorber's version maintains a professional yet engaging tone and reflects careful attention to cinematic detail. This release should satisfy aficionados seeking a faithful home viewing experience that respects the film's original aesthetic while leveraging contemporary video technology.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "North Dallas Forty" offers two primary options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Both tracks deliver a high-quality audio experience with optional English SDH subtitles, unobtrusively positioned inside the image frame.

The preference leans toward the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track for its balanced and stable output. Though both tracks are remixed versions, considering the film's original mono release, the 2.0 track impresses with its clarity, sharpness, and dynamic potency. It must be noted that there were no anomalies such as distortion or hissing during playback. The 5.1 track adds some subtle reverb from the music into the surrounds, creating a slightly more immersive environment, but beyond that, the differences between the two are not drastic.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track benefits from a stronger stereo spread of John Scott’s score, compared to the 5.1 track, which directs some of the music centrally. Despite this, engaging a decoder on the 2.0 track can create phantom surrounds, remarkably similar to what the 5.1 setup provides. In summary, both audio tracks faithfully present dialogue and sound effects, making either choice a viable option for viewers, with only minimal cases of distortion observed across both formats. This release likely represents the zenith of how "North Dallas Forty" will sound on home video.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "North Dallas Forty" present a compelling and detailed insight into the film's conception, production, and legacy. The highlight is the commentary by screenwriter Daniel Waters and critic Daniel Kremer, with excerpts from director Ted Kotcheff. This track, carried over from the Imprint Blu-ray, blends humorous and informative anecdotes, portraying the film as the "Godfather of football movies." Other notable features include a video essay exploring the themes and visuals in Kotcheff's works and a candid reading from Kotcheff’s memoir. The inclusion of vintage promotional material adds a nostalgic touch. Overall, these extras are both entertaining and educative, designed to enhance the appreciation of this unique sports drama.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary: By director Ted Kotcheff with filmmakers Daniel Kremer and Daniel Waters.

Hit Me With Those Best Shots: Interview with Ted Kotcheff.

Looking to Get Out: Video essay by Daniel Kremer.

Introduction: By director Ted Kotcheff.

Trailer: Vintage theatrical trailer.

TV Spot: Vintage TV spot sourced from VHS.

Ted Kotcheff's North Dallas Forty (1979) conveys an unflinchingly raw portrayal of professional football, brought sharply into focus in Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release. The narrative centers on Phil Elliot (Nick Nolte), a weathered wide receiver for the North Dallas Bulls, who endures relentless physical pain as he grapples with the grueling demands of his career. Elliot's existence is a chaotic cocktail of pills, injections, and fleeting highs, juxtaposed with deep emotional lows, encapsulated in wild parties and moments of gut-wrenching vulnerability. The film highlights the stark contrasts in the lives of professional athletes – from perceived invincibility to palpable fragility – thus painting football as a brutal and unforgiving industry.

Adapted from Peter Gent's best-selling novel, the film’s authenticity is bolstered by genuine NFL veterans who lend their expertise to achieve a gritty realism that few sports films manage. This credibility is most evident in the film’s depiction of the manipulative, bureaucratic nature of football, eschewing any faux glamour for a satirical yet somber tone. Phil’s strained relationship with Coach Strother (G.D. Spradlin), who views him as an expendable commodity, underscores the perpetual disconnect between players and management, a theme that remains resonant in contemporary discussions about athlete welfare.

Kotcheff masterfully captures the darkly comic yet desperate lives of these seemingly indomitable athletes. The performances are stellar, with Nolte embodying Phil's non-conformist spirit and Mac Davis delivering a charming debut as quarterback Seth Maxwell. The supporting cast, including Dayle Haddon as the poignant Charlotte Caulder and G.D. Spradlin as the autocratic Coach Strother, contribute to a film that transcends sports to explore deeper human struggles. The result is a seminal sports film that remains relevant, offering an unsanitized glimpse into the burdens borne by those who live and die by the game.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "North Dallas Forty" by Kino Lorber epitomizes the evolution of classic sports cinema into the modern home entertainment era. Revered for its genuine portrayal of the physical and emotional toll on professional athletes, this film remains a paragon in sports filmmaking. The meticulous 4K HDR transfer accentuates the raw, gritty atmosphere that Ted Kotcheff intended, offering pristine image quality that enhances Nick Nolte's compelling performance. While there are minor shortcomings in absolute video perfection, this edition represents a significant upgrade over previous releases.

Technically speaking, the inclusion of all special features from the Via Vision/Imprint Blu-ray editions is a boon for enthusiasts and collectors. This comprehensive bundle offers insightful behind-the-scenes content that enriches the viewing experience, transforming it from mere entertainment to an immersive retrospective of sports culture and cinema. The audio remains robust, delivering clear dialogue and capturing the visceral soundscapes of football.

Is Ted Kotcheff's "North Dallas Forty" still a relevant film? Yes, absolutely. While he was active, Brett Favre endured much of the same misery that chokes Nick Nolte's character, and we knew that he did only because he was a big-time quarterback whose career and life were closely scrutinized by the media. There are thousands of other professional players -- and not only professional football players -- like Favre who dealt with pain in a similar way. What has changed since "North Dallas Forty"? The drugs and some of the publicity tricks. Plus, the club owners became richer and a lot more influential because now the sports market is global. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.