The Longest Yard 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD release of "The Longest Yard" presents a comprehensive visual overhaul, leveraging a new Dolby Vision HDR master sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. The overall image clarity and crispness are remarkable, particularly in native 4K, with HDR delivering a superior dynamic range that enriches the colors and adds significant depth. The saturated colors, especially in primary hues, achieve a vibrancy unseen in previous home video releases. However, occasional light smearing and black crush detract slightly in certain sequences such as the football game in the final act, which might disappoint highly critical viewers.

Film grain is preserved authentically through most of the film, maintaining the natural texture of the original 35mm stock. Minimal digital noise reduction has been employed delicately to remove damage without compromising the organic appearance. Exteriors and sequences involving natural light exhibit exceptional detail, while skin tones remain notably accurate. Nonetheless, there are subtle variances in sharpness due to inherent properties of optically printed elements and mid-range shots.

Balancing heightened contrast and a well-saturated yet not overly modified color palette, "The Longest Yard" provides a largely impressive viewing experience that respects the integrity of its original cinematography by Joseph Biroc. Despite some minor imperfections, Kino Lorber’s release stands as the definitive visual presentation for this near 50-year-old film, showcasing its best attributes with adept application of modern 4K and HDR technologies.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Longest Yard" provides a clear and stable audio experience that stays true to the original mono sound. Dialogue is impressively sharp and easy to follow, with minimal distortion, hissing, or crackling present. Frank De Vol’s energetic score is well-represented, highlighting the soundtrack's raucous moments effectively. Despite the lack of surround effects and a limited dynamic field, the track manages to improve significantly over the previous DVD release by offering better fidelity and balance.

While modern enhancements like DTS or Dolby Atmos could have added depth to the audio during action scenes, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 remains faithful to the original recordings. The channel split in stereo is virtually non-existent, but this does not detract from the overall listening experience. High treble does wane during some sequences, particularly noticeable during the opening car chase. However, these issues are typical for films of this vintage and do not severely impact the overall audio quality.

The film's soundtrack, filled with memorable hits and robust dialogue, shines through perfectly in this release. The audio track handles the soundscape of players on the field admirably, providing a more immersive experience despite its inherent limitations. Given the improved clarity and reduced noise levels, this release undoubtedly presents "The Longest Yard" in its best possible auditory form on home video to date.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Longest Yard" offers a comprehensive collection of extras that elevate the viewing experience. The newly recorded commentary by film critics Alain Silver and James Ursini is insightful, focusing extensively on Robert Aldrich's directorial style and career, embedding the film within its historical and political context. The archival commentary track by Burt Reynolds and writer/producer Albert S. Ruddy adds another layer of depth, reflecting their on-set experiences. Featurettes like "Doing Time on The Longest Yard" and "Unleashing The Mean Machine" offer succinct yet enriching insights into the film's production, its authentic sports footage and memorable characters, supplemented further by interviews with notable figures. The inclusion of the vintage trailer rounds out the package, making it an essential acquisition for fans of this iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Alain Silver and James Ursini: An in-depth look at the film through Aldrich’s career.
• Audio Commentary by Burt Reynolds and Albert S. Ruddy: Archival insights from the actor and producer.
• Doing Time on The Longest Yard: Examines film genesis with interviews.
• Unleashing The Mean Machine: Discusses sports authenticity and cast.
• Theatrical Trailer: Vintage promotional trailer.

Robert Aldrich's The Longest Yard (1974) captures a unique blend of gritty realism and dark humor, embodying the high-stakes world of prison football. Burt Reynolds stars as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a disgraced NFL quarterback whose journey begins with violence and spirals into a destructive joyride that lands him in Citrus State Prison. Reynolds' portrayal of Crewe is both magnetic and multifaceted, transforming from a selfish anti-hero to a reluctant leader who rallies a group of hardened inmates, including standout roles played by James Hampton and Richard Kiel, against their brutal guards led by Warden Hazen (Eddie Albert).

Aldrich’s film excels in crafting a visceral atmosphere, using the raw energy of its prison setting—shot on location in Georgia State Prison—to deliver a story loaded with unfiltered humor and brutal action. The opening sequence, marked by Crewe’s reckless behavior and arrest, sets a tone that revels in 1970s exploitation cinema while providing biting social commentary on the American penal system and racial disparities. Cinematographer Joseph F. Biroc's work ensures the film's visual style remains straightforward yet impactful, enhancing the authenticity of the plot’s hard-hitting moments.

Integral to The Longest Yard’s success is its deft subversion of genre conventions. Much like Aldrich’s earlier work, The Dirty Dozen, this film weaves in layers of satire beneath its surface, critiquing systemic corruptions and the transformative arc of its protagonist. Whether it’s the blistering football game that occupies the final act or the evolving dynamics between inmates and guards, every scene pushes Crewe's morality against ruthless authoritarianism. Aldrich’s skillful direction ensures that while The Longest Yard operates within familiar sports movie tropes, it also evolves into a narrative about dignity, redemption, and rebellion against oppressive forces.

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Longest Yard" presents a commendable upgrade that merges technical prowess with nostalgic charm. The 2160p presentation flaunts a dazzling new transfer, significantly enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR, which injects a vibrancy and clarity previously unseen in former releases. This pristine visual overhaul does come with minor caveats, such as occasional anomalies linked to degraining adjustments, which are noticeable on larger screens but may be overlooked by less critical viewers.

Moreover, the audio enhancements cannot be understated; the revamped track is a substantial improvement over previous DVD editions, offering a more immersive experience. Kino Lorber enriches the package with an array of special features, including a new audio commentary track, catering to both die-hard fans and new viewers alike. The diligent efforts from Kino Lorber ensure this release is a substantial step up from its predecessors, making it an essential addition for collectors and enthusiasts.

In conclusion, I found this 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray release of "The Longest Yard" rather underwhelming. It introduces a brand new 4K makeover of the film that is very similar to the one Paramount Pictures prepared for "Pretty Baby." Certain areas of the film reveal anomalies that are typically associated with degraining adjustments and they become quite easy to recognize on a large screen. Naturally, if you want it in your collection, my advice would be to find a way to test it first. Recommended to the fans.