Hatari! 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's UHD Blu-ray release of "Hatari!" delivers a substantial upgrade in visual quality, showcasing a meticulously crafted 4K makeover executed by Paramount Pictures. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the native 4K disc employs Dolby Vision HDR, significantly elevating the viewing experience with superior clarity and depth. The improvements from previous DVD and Blu-ray editions are undeniable, as this new release offers stable organic qualities, albeit with inherent fluctuations in delineation and color balance attributed to the film's original cinematography. The nuanced color shifts—ranging from vibrant blues to warmer yellows—echo the film's authentic aesthetic, maintained without intrusive digital tinkering.

The transfer benefits from minimal interference such as scratches or dirt, ensuring fine details, color palettes, and film grain appear faithfully represented. Noteworthy is a minor print fade around the 25-minute mark seen in the lower left of the frame; however, it does not detract from the overall viewing pleasure. Dolby Vision enhances darker scenes and intensifies the stunning outdoor panoramas, particularly evident on large screens where the native 4K presentation can fully display its visual prowess. The overall imaging stability and color balance largely satisfy, with only a few sequences potentially benefiting from slightly adjusted warmth.

For those opting for the accompanying Blu-ray disc equipped with SDR, the presentation remains commendable. While it lacks some of the vivid density of the 4K version, several outdoor scenes gain brightness appeal, particularly those emphasizing natural blues. This UHD Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo emerges as a definitive home video release of "Hatari!", offering the film's best visual quality, validated by an impressive score of 4.25/5.00 for both formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Hatari!" offers two robust audio tracks, English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, both providing enriched and clear sound experiences. Notably, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track delivers dialogue with superior clarity, even amid the energetic hunting sequences. Despite some inherent unevenness within the busy hunt scenes, the dynamic range remains impressive, capturing the essence of the film's adventurous spirit, especially in sequences involving intense wildlife interactions like the rhino charge. This track effectively supports Henry Mancini’s memorable score, ensuring it resonates well throughout.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track widens the auditory experience with a vibrant surround quality that envelops the viewer without overwhelming any single element. While minor distortions such as occasional crackling or hissing are subtly present within both audio tracks, they are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall auditory experience. Remarkably, this release supersedes previous home video offerings in terms of audio fidelity, strengthening dialogue and musical presentations substantially.

In summary, both tracks maintain high clarity and fidelity standards. The nuanced delivery of dialogue, sound effects, and Mancini’s classic compositions highlight the technical acumen put into this UHD Blu-ray release. It sets a new benchmark for the film's audio rendition in home video formats.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Hatari!" offers a comprehensive and insightful range of extras that should delight enthusiasts and film historians alike. The highlight is the newly recorded audio commentary by noted critics Julie Kirgo and Peter Hankoff, offering a spirited exploration of the film's place in the careers of Howard Hawks and John Wayne. This commentary is available on both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs, providing consistency across different formats. Additionally, the inclusion of a vintage theatrical trailer captures the film’s historical release context, though it lacks subtitles. The Blu-ray disc exclusively supplements the main feature with a selection of bonus trailers from other classic films, enhancing the overall nostalgic value for fans of the era.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful discussion by Julie Kirgo and Peter Hankoff on the film's significance.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage trailer in English without subtitles.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Includes trailers for several classic films.

Howard Hawks' "Hatari!" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a compelling showcase of the 1962 classic that, while divisive in its reception, is undeniably a visual and auditory treat. The film's setting in the wilds of Tanzania is captured through Russell Harlan's Oscar-nominated cinematography, which beautifully renders the rustic landscape with remarkable clarity. Many viewers agree that the hunting sequences are a highlight, featuring impressive footage that underscores the film’s adventurous spirit. Henry Mancini's score further elevates these moments, with pieces like "Baby Elephant Walk" achieving enduring popularity.

Despite its technical feats, "Hatari!" is critiqued for its narrative and pacing. The film, often deemed overly long, centers on themes of camaraderie among John Wayne's character Sean Mercer and his team of hunters. Although Leigh Brackett's screenplay attempts to inject humor and romance—particularly through Elsa Martinelli's character—the execution sometimes falters, leading to mixed reviews about its impact on the story's integrity. The relationships depicted, especially with Wayne’s intimidating screen presence, can feel imbalanced, resulting in performances that oscillate between authenticity and parody.

In terms of performances, John Wayne's portrayal of Sean Mercer carries his signature charm but is juxtaposed against a cast whose dynamics vary in effectiveness. Hardy Krüger provides a refreshing portrayal of Kurt Müller, while Elsa Martinelli adds Audrey Hepburn-esque allure. Red Buttons and others contribute to the ensemble with varying degrees of success. While "Hatari!" may not meet the high expectations set by previous Hawks-Wayne collaborations like "Red River," it remains an intriguing film from Hawks' later career, noted for its adventurous spirit and the cultural backdrop of a Hollywood expedition into East Africa. Nevertheless, its outdated treatment of wildlife and leisurely pace are aspects that modern viewers might critique unfavorably.

"Hatari!", directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne, presents a visually captivating experience set against the breathtaking landscapes of East Africa. While it stands out for its adventurous premise and international cast, the film has been criticized for its sprawling narrative and lack of cohesion in comparison to Hawks' other collaborations with Wayne, such as "Red River" and "Rio Bravo." Despite these storytelling concerns, "Hatari!" offers impressive scenes of animal capturing and hunting that provide moments of genuine excitement and intrigue.

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Hatari!" offers the most compelling home viewing experience yet. The high dynamic range (HDR) transfer enhances the rich color palette of East Africa, bringing the vibrant environments to life with precise detail and texture. This release is complemented by an engaging commentary track that adds layers of insight into the film's production and historical context, enhancing its appreciation for both new viewers and longtime fans. This package stands as a testament to Kino’s dedication to quality, suffusing "Hatari!" with newfound clarity and depth.

In conclusion, while "Hatari!" may not match the storytelling prowess of other Hawks-Wayne collaborations, Kino Lorber's 4K UHD edition elevates it with technical excellence. The release is a must-have for cinephiles and collectors, providing a strategic opportunity to upgrade from previous formats. Its underrated status in the filmography of Howard Hawks warrants reassessment, especially with this meticulously crafted restoration. Thus, it is highly recommended for both enthusiasts of classic cinema and those seeking a revamped visual journey into the wilds of Africa.