A Simple Plan 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD
Score: 85
from 4 reviewers
Review Date:
A Simple Plan 4K UHD stands out with a vibrant HDR upgrade and engaging performances, complemented by compelling special features from Arrow Video.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
DTS-HD MA
Video: 89
A Simple Plan's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation shines with a true 4K transfer and HDR/Dolby Vision, offering improved contrast, vivid palette reproduction, and enhanced detail, especially in wintry and colorful scenes; minor grain issues aside, this remaster approved by Sam Raimi offers the film's finest visual depth yet.
Audio: 87
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "A Simple Plan" offers DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, enhancing environmental depth with effective surround channels, though limited in directionality. Danny Elfman's score enriches the side channels, while dialogue clarity is consistently strong, marking a considerable upgrade from previous releases.
Extra: 78
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of 'A Simple Plan' delivers rich insight through new commentaries, in-depth interviews with key cast and crew, vintage on-set footage, and a thoughtful collector's booklet, all expertly packaged with reversible artwork, appealing to both cinephiles and Sam Raimi aficionados.
Movie: 78
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "A Simple Plan" from Arrow Video breathes fresh life into Sam Raimi's underrated gem, blending neo-noir and Shakespearian tragedy with stunning visual fidelity. Paxton and Thornton deliver career-defining performances in this gripping tale of greed's corrosive power amidst the icy Minnesota landscape.
Video: 89
Arrow Video's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "A Simple Plan" stands out with a meticulously restored 2160p transfer encoded using HEVC/H.265. The transfer has been sourced from a 4K remaster of the original 35mm camera negative, scanned and graded in SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision formats, courtesy of Fotokem in Burbank. This endeavor ensures that the visual quality remains faithful to the director Sam Raimi's original vision, providing an improved viewing experience with enhanced contrast and vibrant color reproduction specifically due to the advanced HDR grades.
The visual enhancement is immediately apparent in the film's expanded color depth. The snowy landscapes, though neutral in tone, showcase striking pops of color such as the vivid poinsettia scene and the crimson hue of the brothers' pickup truck—details that are significantly enhanced by HDR/Dolby Vision technology. Even in the muted wintry outdoor scenes, subtle gradations and shadow details are more discernible, offering marginal improvements over conventional 1080 presentations. Interior shots carry an authentic teal hue infusing depth into domestic scenes without oversaturating colors.
In terms of resolution, the 4K upgrade reveals remarkable detail, especially in close-ups and heavy winter clothing textures, notwithstanding occasional grain issues which can appear gritty over light backgrounds and during certain optical sequences. The grain, however, largely resolves accurately without hindering the viewing experience. With stable black levels that maintain consistent depth throughout the dark scenes, such as when the sheriff arrives unexpectedly, this UHD version introduces breathtaking visuals, defined crispness, and dynamic range that likely represent the peak presentation quality for "A Simple Plan" on a home video format. The absence of scratches or dirt further underscores the attention to restoring the film to its original cinematic integrity.
Audio: 87
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "A Simple Plan" is accompanied by two DTS-HD Master Audio options—5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo—enhancing its audio presentation. The 5.1 track notably enriches ambient environmental details, with effective use of side and rear channels that support Danny Elfman's emotive score. Although directionality is somewhat limited and not a defining feature, action elements such as snowmobiles and cars move adeptly across the soundscape, mainly in stereo channels. Directionality limitations are supplemented by the score’s contribution to low-frequency effects, providing an immersive experience during peak moments.
In terms of clarity and detail, both the 5.1 and 2.0 tracks deliver clean and clear dialogue, maintaining strong fidelity throughout. The audio tracks showcase every element, from sound mix to musical score, without unwanted distortions like crackling or hissing, ensuring a high-quality listening experience. This release represents a significant improvement over previous formats, with this UHD edition likely presenting the best auditory experience available for the film on home video, doing justice to its engaging narrative through a refined aural backdrop.
Dialog reproduction is notably crisp, consistently rendering voices with clarity, whether during quiet moments between characters like Hank and Sarah or within the atmospheric bustle of outdoor scenes. This precision in dialogue enhances the delivery of the film’s intricate plot, making the 4K UHD Blu-ray a superior choice for audiophiles and film enthusiasts seeking the highest quality home viewing experience. Optional English subtitles add further accessibility to this meticulously crafted audio presentation.
Extras: 78
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "A Simple Plan" offers a robust selection of extras, providing both depth and context to the film. Noteworthy features include two newly recorded commentaries: one by critics Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme, exploring the film's genre positioning, and another by production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein with filmmaker Justin Beahm in a Q&A format. Additional highlights are newly filmed interviews with cinematographer Alar Kivilo, actor Becky Ann Baker, and actor Chelcie Ross, offering valuable insights into the film's production challenges and personal experiences. The package also includes vintage on-set interviews with actors Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, director Sam Raimi, and producer James Jacks, as well as behind-the-scenes footage. A theatrical trailer and an illustrated collector’s booklet further enrich the offering, making it indispensable for enthusiasts.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary by Glenn Kenny & Farran Smith Nehme: Analysis of the film’s themes.
- Commentary by Patrizia von Brandenstein & Justin Beahm: Production insights.
- Of Ice and Men: Interview with cinematographer Alar Kivilo.
- Standing Her Ground: Interview with actress Becky Ann Baker.
- Dead of Winter: Interview with actor Chelcie Ross.
- On-set Interviews: Conversations with Paxton, Thornton, Fonda, Raimi, and Jacks.
- Behind the Scenes Footage: A look into the film's production.
- Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material.
- Illustrated Collector’s Booklet: Writing by Bilge Ebiri and John Kenneth Muir.
Movie: 78
"A Simple Plan" is a vivid character study that explores the dark side of human nature, expertly directed by Sam Raimi. The film showcases Raimi's ability to pivot from his dynamic horror roots to deliver a deeply engaging neo-noir thriller. Its plot centers on Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton), who alongside his brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton) and friend Lou (Brent Briscoe), stumbles upon a downed plane in the Minnesota woods with $4 million in cash. Cinematographer Alar Kivilo’s use of Minnesota’s wintry landscapes effectively transforms the vast, icy countryside into an oppressive setting, heightening the claustrophobic tension as the characters’ simple plan spirals into chaos.
The cast delivers standout performances that are critical to the film's success. Paxton, in one of his finest roles, portrays Hank's transformation from a principled everyman to a flawed conspirator with grave authenticity. Thornton, earning an Oscar nomination, gives a quietly compelling performance as Jacob, the downtrodden brother whose dim-witted earnestness masks a tragic vulnerability. Bridget Fonda’s portrayal of Sarah, channeling a modern-day Lady Macbeth, adds depth and nuance, while Briscoe’s Lou offers a balance of humor and despair as he becomes enmeshed in their greed-fueled scheme.
The movie intricately weaves themes of greed and moral decay reminiscent of "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," presenting a gripping narrative without relying on Raimi’s trademark humor or excessive mayhem. "A Simple Plan" distinguishes itself with its grounded realism and emotional resonance, driven by Scott B. Smith's screenplay adaptation of his own novel. The film's exploration of the American dream gone awry is both thrilling and unsettling, cementing it as one of the 1990s' cinematic hidden gems.
Total: 85
"A Simple Plan" stands as a study of moral decay, explored masterfully by Sam Raimi. The performances are commendable across the board, with Billy Bob Thornton delivering a standout portrayal characterized by Method acting intricacies. The narrative does not quite achieve its full emotional impact but consistently captivates with its tension and dark humor. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Arrow Video significantly outshines previous editions, notably Arrow's 1080 release, with a much richer color palette that enhances the overall viewing experience. The disc is further strengthened by an appealing collection of supplementary materials that add depth and context to the film itself.
Arrow Video's 4K UHD edition is acclaimed for its impeccable quality, fetching the film out of the shadows of box office underperformance to reestablish its merit among Raimi’s notable works. The HDR transfer is stellar, providing thoughtful attention to visual detail and vibrancy which were lacking in Paramount's DVD release. This comprehensive package includes a suite of special features that complement the film effectively, making it a desirable upgrade for collectors and new audiences alike.
In conclusion, "A Simple Plan" receives an outstanding home video treatment with this 4K UHD release. The technical enhancements combined with the meticulously curated supplements vividly bring to life one of Raimi's best works, showcasing the intricate performances and complex storytelling in their most definitive form. This edition is very highly recommended for both collectors and anyone interested in experiencing "A Simple Plan" in its richest presentation yet.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 90
The emphasis on wintry environments in the bulk of the outdoor material perhaps leads to a somewhat neutral looking palette at times, but that arguably only makes sudden pops of bright color, like the...
Audio: 90
The surround track significantly opens up the wealth of ambient environmental effects throughout the many outdoor scenes, and even offers more directionality is some of the quieter dialogue moments, notably...
Extras: 90
Commentaries Commentary by Glenn Kenny & Farran Smith Nehme Commentary by Patrizia von Brandenstein & Justin Beahm Of Ice and Men (HD; 8;18) is an interview with cinematographer Alar Kivilo....
Movie: 70
It may have been that some saw Raimi's name and just automatically assumed this would have the same levels of mayhem and cheeky humor that suffuse The Evil Dead Double Feature, and so were perhaps thrown...
Total: 80
For me personally, A Simple Plan doesn't quite deliver the gut punch it seems to be aiming for, but it certainly comes close, and the performances are uniformly interesting (even if Thornton is decidedly...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Inconsistencies at the source limit certain shots (appearing fuzzy, murky, and against the snow, show some ringing), but these last seconds in an otherwise faultless transfer....
Audio: 80
The score nicely fills the soundstage at its peaks (and produces some low-end response too), snowmobiles/cars pan around, but usually just into the stereos....
Extras: 60
Vintage interviews with Paxton and others follow, behind-the-scenes footage comes afterward, and then trailers....
Movie: 80
All this does is expose jealousy for Hank’s stability, and turns the money into a metaphorical grenade as mistakes are made, decisions discarded, and murder numbers grow to keep the secret....
Total: 75
Billy Bob Thornton shines in the gripping and even darkly funny story of money’s corrupting power in A Simple Plan...
Home Theater Forum review by t1g3r5fanRead review here
Video: 100
For this UHD Blu-ray release, the film is presented in its original 1:85:1 aspect ratio, taken from a brand new HDR/Dolby Vision transfer created from a 4K remaster of the original camera negative approved...
Audio: 100
Again, when compared with the previous Paramount DVD, this UHD Blu-ray release is likely the best the film will ever sound on home video....
Extras: 80
Dead of Winter (10:45) – Chelcie Ross, who portrays Delano Sheriff Carl Jenkins in the movie, talks about one of his favorite roles (and shares some stills from the film from his personal collection) in...
Movie: 90
From the visual standpoint, cinematographer Alar Kivilo makes great use of the pastoral vistas of Minnesota and Wisconsin – the latter when filmmakers ran into the problem of not having enough snow for...
Total: 90
Arrow Video has likely delivered the definitive edition of the film on home video, with a stellar HDR transfer and a great slate of special features to accompany the film....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 92
HDR: Dark Highlights: HDR: Bright Highlights: HDR: Expanded Color: Resolution: Visual Impact:...
Audio: 86
Dynamics: Low frequency effects: Surround Sound presentation: Clarity/Detail: Dialog Reproduction: DSU/DTS Neural:X...
Extras: 90
Nehme Brand new audio commentary by production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein with filmmaker Justin Beahm Of Ice and Men, a newly filmed interview with cinematographer Alar Kivilo Standing Her Ground,...
Movie: 80
One day while walking in the woods, Hank, Jacob, and Jacob's friend Lou (Brent Briscoe) discover a small plane buried in the snow, with a dead pilot inside... and a duffel bag containing over $4 million...
Total: 87
Dual SVS PC4000 Cylinder Subwoofers Niles Audio In-Ceiling/In-Wall Series Speakers Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling...
Director: Sam Raimi
Actors: Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda
PlotIn a small, snow-covered town in Minnesota, Hank Mitchell, his dim-witted brother Jacob, and Jacob's friend Lou stumble upon a crashed plane in the woods while out on a hunt. Inside the wreckage, they discover a dead pilot and a duffel bag containing over four million dollars in cash. Faced with the opportunity of a lifetime, the group debates what to do. Hank, a pragmatic and morally conflicted man, suggests keeping the money but hiding it until they can ensure it is not being tracked by the authorities. Reluctantly, Jacob and Lou agree to Hank's plan. Tensions quickly arise as paranoia and suspicion set in, testing their loyalties and threatening to unravel their fragile agreement.
As the three men attempt to navigate their way through this ethical quagmire, Hank's wife, Sarah, becomes involved, urging caution and strategizing on how to keep them out of trouble. However, each decision the group makes only seems to compound their predicament. Their plans for a simple escape with the money are complicated by unforeseen events and mounting pressure from both external forces and their own deteriorating trust. Misunderstandings and conflicts among the men lead to dire consequences, revealing the depths of desperation that people can sink to when tempted by greed. Each twist brings them closer to an inevitable clash between conscience and survival as they grapple with the high stakes of their choices.
Writers: Scott B. Smith
Release Date: 22 Jan 1999
Runtime: 121 min
Rating: R
Country: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, United States
Language: English