Sorcerer 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Criterion 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Sorcerer" boasts a comprehensive new restoration, sourced primarily from the original 35mm camera negative, with select scenes taken from a 35mm color reversal intermediate. Color reference was meticulously maintained using a 1998 35mm print and a 2013 digital master, both approved by director William Friedkin. The Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading, performed by Resillion, delivers a presentation encoded on a high-capacity 100GB disc with robust video data rates ranging from 75-85 Mbps. The film is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio via HEVC 2160p for UHD and AVC 1080p SDR for the Blu-ray.

Video quality is marked by heightened image density and clarity, revealing a significant uptick over prior releases—especially noticeable when compared to DVD sources. Grain structure is fine and organic, staying true to the film’s 1970s 35mm origins, with nuanced detail in the darker jungle and urban scenes. Shadow delineation and subtle gradations are preserved well, although specular highlights tend to remain understated, only rising notably during sequences involving direct flames or explosions. The color palette, now distinctly cooler and more teal-inflected than before, has prompted debate; while some commend its modernized consistency and evocative earthiness, others find it veering too far into contemporary digital territory, sometimes glossing over the original’s organic nuances and exacerbating previous color balance concerns.

Despite ongoing discussion about the authenticity of its regrading—key moments see a dramatic shift in temperature and tone—the restoration undeniably offers some of the healthiest visuals the film has seen on home video. The newly revealed details and cleaner presentation enhance the immersive qualities of Friedkin’s taxing jungle odyssey, making this edition remarkable for both admirers of the director’s vision and those seeking faithful preservation of filmic texture in 4K HDR.

The Audio presentation on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of Sorcerer offers two lossless options, both presented in DTS-HD Master Audio: a 5.1 surround mix, created and approved by William Friedkin in 2013, and the original 2.0 stereo surround, sourced from the film’s 35mm magnetic track. The 5.1 track is skillfully expanded, immersing the listener with cleanly rendered rear-channel details—from jungle ambience and rainfall to explosive set pieces. Dialogue is crisp and intelligible throughout, with strong surround activity during key sequences such as crowded interiors and intense action scenes. Notable is the robust yet balanced presence of Tangerine Dream’s iconic score, presented with remarkable clarity and fidelity.

The original 2.0 mix preserves the vintage listening experience and is also provided in uncompromised quality. Proper playback (via Dolby Pro Logic decoding) yields an accurate recreation of the theatrical soundscape, characterized by a medium-wide soundstage and minimal noise or analog artifacts. Both tracks exhibit modest but effective bass response that gives weight to explosions, gunfire, and the grinding of heavy trucks without overwhelming the mix. Whether opting for the more immersive 5.1 remix or the authentic 2.0 presentation, listeners benefit from expertly managed dynamics, subtle environmental cues, and an overall engaging sound design. Optional English SDH subtitles are included for accessibility.

Criterion’s edition of "Sorcerer" delivers an impressive suite of supplements centered on the film’s production, legacy, and director William Friedkin’s larger body of work. The extras disc presents a robust archival documentary ("Friedkin Uncut") featuring extensive interviews with Friedkin and prominent filmmakers, providing rich context for his career. Newly produced interviews—like those between James Gray and Sean Fennessey—provide deeper insight into the evolving reputation and political subtext of "Sorcerer." The collection also includes a lively 2015 discussion with Friedkin and Nicolas Winding Refn, in-depth archival audio interviews with screenwriter Walon Green and editor Bud Smith, rare silent Super 8 behind-the-scenes footage, and the original trailer. An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Justin Chang rounds out the thoughtful package. Notably, bonus content is confined to the second Blu-ray; the primary 4K and main Blu-ray discs contain only the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Friedkin Uncut: Comprehensive documentary on Friedkin's cinematic legacy with contributions from major filmmakers and collaborators.
• James Gray and Sean Fennessey: In-depth discussion on "Sorcerer’s" political context and critical reevaluation.
• William Friedkin and Nicolas Winding Refn: Candid conversation exploring the film’s production challenges and reception.
• Walon Green and Bud Smith: Archival interviews offering technical and storytelling insights from the screenwriter and editor.
• Behind the Scenes: Silent montage of the New Jersey shoot, capturing rare production moments.
• Trailer: Theatrical trailer showcasing the film’s original marketing.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Justin Chang and technical credits.

William Friedkin’s Sorcerer (1977) is a visceral reimagining of Georges Arnaud’s novel Le Salaire de la peur, previously adapted by Clouzot as The Wages of Fear. Rather than merely remaking its predecessor, Friedkin crafts a singular vision characterized by four harrowing character prologues that drop the audience directly into the disparate, turbulent pasts of his protagonists: Scanlon (Roy Scheider), a doomed American wheelman; Manzon (Bruno Cremer), a disgraced Parisian banker; Kassem (Amidou), a Palestinian resistance fighter; and Nilo (Francisco Rabal), a cold-blooded Mexican assassin. These men, battered by fate and stripped of agency, converge in a squalid Central American village and are soon coerced into an impossible mission—hauling dangerously volatile, “sweating” dynamite through 218 miles of jungle hell to extinguish a raging oil fire. Unlike The Wages of Fear, which invests deeply in character development throughout its runtime, Sorcerer delivers its backstories in a fragmented, rapid-fire first act, resulting in a stronger focus on existential tension and visual spectacle but less emotional engagement with all but Scheider’s lead.

Tonally bleak and stripped of sentimentality, Sorcerer substitutes conventional heroism for moral ambiguity and thematic fatalism. Friedkin leans into relentless suspense, evoking the indifference of fate through astonishing setpieces—most notably the infamous rope bridge sequence, which involved complex practical effects and stunt work performed under punishing real-world conditions. Tangerine Dream’s pioneering electronic score, composed before the band even saw finished footage, augments the film's oppressive atmosphere and enhances its iconic status. While initially dismissed as grim and emotionally distant—and overshadowed upon release by cultural phenomena such as Star Wars—the film is now widely recognized for its technical bravura, gritty realism, and unyielding narrative tension. Decades later, Sorcerer stands as a harrowing testament to filmmaking ambition and the existential terror of men at the mercy of forces beyond their comprehension or control.

"Sorcerer," directed by William Friedkin, remains a polarizing entry in his filmography, eliciting both fervent admiration and pointed criticism since its release. While not universally regarded as Friedkin's finest work, it displays a level of ambition and intensity that has contributed to its growing cult status, especially as time has softened initial critical resistance. Technically, the Criterion Collection's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation introduces a new 4K restoration with HEVC 2160p video, supporting Dolby Vision HDR (also HDR10 compatible). The visual clarity, color depth, and overall image stability represent a significant upgrade from earlier substandard editions. Audio is offered in both English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and DTS-HD MA 2.0 Surround, effectively immersing viewers in the film’s treacherous environments. English SDH subtitles are also included.

The package is further bolstered by an impressive suite of supplemental features, highlighted by a contemporary documentary that provides critical context and insight into the film's troubled production and legacy. Criterion’s customary attention to supporting materials—such as essays and additional extras—adds substantial value for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The disc’s aspect ratio is 1.85:1, preserving Friedkin’s intended framing, while the 121-minute runtime remains uncut.

In conclusion, this Criterion 4K UHD release elevates "Sorcerer" to new technical heights, providing an opportunity for reassessment and appreciation of this challenging yet formidable film. Whether revisiting as a long-time devotee or discovering it anew, the sophisticated restoration and abundant archival material ensure that the film is now rightfully positioned as a cornerstone of 1970s American cinema—a must-have for serious collectors and cinephiles.