Born on the Fourth of July 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD debut of "Born on the Fourth of July" showcases an impressive visual fidelity thanks to a meticulous 4K restoration from the original camera negative, supervised by Oliver Stone himself. Utilizing Dolby Vision high dynamic range, the presentation maintains acute sharpness and detail, vividly rendering intricate textures and facial features. The cinematography, primarily shot on 35mm film with additional 16mm stock for specific sequences, benefits from a rich, authentic grain structure. The balance between sharpness and grain is particularly well-handled in high-contrast environments where compression challenges typically arise. Primary color saturation is enhanced without compromising natural skin tones, and Vietnam sequences exhibit a warm, near-monochromatic orange hue that energizes the color palette against the robust contrast and deep black levels.

Robert Richardson’s cinematography shines in the anamorphic 2.35:1 presentation, highlighting varied lighting conditions and color schemes applied to different settings within the film. The vivid oranges and yellows in the Vietnam scenes contrast effectively with the sterile lighting of hospital sequences, enhancing the narrative impact. Additionally, dramatic improvements are evident over previous home video releases, where older transfers suffered from telecine wobble, aliasing, and other artifacts. The new restoration corrects these issues with enhanced contrast and naturalism in black levels.

Grain stability across the runtime further underscores the high quality of the restoration. The film's political convention sequences utilize a mix of film stocks, producing large-grained textures that are faithfully preserved in this 4K edition. This attention to detail, coupled with Shout's efficient encoding and a formidable 71.9 Mbps video bitrate, results in an UHD experience that revitalizes the film's visual impact by resuscitating formerly muted elements with vivid clarity and depth.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Born on the Fourth of July" offers three distinct audio options, thereby enriching the auditory experience: a newly implemented Dolby Atmos track, the original 6-track stereo mix presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix. The Dolby Atmos track, encoded with a TrueHD 7.1 compatible bitrate, showcases enhanced directional sound using upward and surround channels. This innovation brings environmental sounds, such as gunfire and fireworks, to life, contributing to an immersive listening environment. However, the dialogue in the Atmos mix is noticeably softer, requiring a volume adjustment to match the clarity of the other effects. Despite its cutting-edge clarity and fidelity—unmatched for an '80s feature restoration—the Atmos mix tends to lean heavily on the fronts, making it necessary for users to occasionally adjust their audio settings.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track delivers a robust performance, reminiscent of the film’s original theatrical audio during its 70mm releases. This track encapsulates the raw power of war sequences while maintaining the emotional resonance of quieter moments. Listeners will appreciate its effective use of surround channels, creating a rounded and authentic soundscape faithful to the original cinematic experience. Some reviewers found the DTS track superior to the Dolby Atmos counterpart, citing its fuller and more muscular execution that demands no volume adjustments.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track serves as a commendable nod to its origins in the analog era. While it naturally lacks the dynamic range of its multi-channel counterparts, it provides a clear and direct auditory experience with excellent split-surround utilization, particularly effective during musical interludes and ambient sequences. Overall, this collection offers remarkable audio fidelity and presents a nuanced homage to Oliver Stone's classic.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Born on the Fourth of July" presents an impressive array of extras that enhance understanding and appreciation of the film. The standout feature is the new commentary from film critic Matt Zoller Seitz, providing comprehensive insights into the movie's themes and production details. Seitz's experience as an extra and his extensive interviews with Oliver Stone enrich the commentary, alongside the existing track by Stone himself that delves into the film's development. Complementing these are newly filmed interviews with Stone, special makeup effects artist Gordon J. Smith, and associate producer Clayton Townsend, offering unique behind-the-scenes perspectives. Supplementary promotional content includes TV spots, trailers, and a music video.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Matt Zoller Seitz: In-depth analysis and scene interpretations.
• Audio Commentary by Oliver Stone: Discusses production choices and era portrayal.
• The Battlefield at Home: Interview with Oliver Stone on film’s origins and challenges.
• The Ghost Generation: Gordon J. Smith discusses makeup effects used in scenes.
• The War Continues: Clayton Townsend on actor preparation and filming locations.
• TV Spots: Six promotional TV spots.
• Theatrical Trailers: Four trailers used for film promotion.
• Music Video by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians: "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall".

Oliver Stone's "Born on the Fourth of July" stands as a monumental work in his Vietnam Trilogy, adeptly bridging emotional and cinematic gaps left by predecessors like "Platoon". Stone adapts Ron Kovic's autobiography into a gripping, personal epic spanning from youthful patriotism to disenchantment with warfare. The film’s masterful narrative follows Tom Cruise as Kovic, tracing his transformation from an idealistic Marine to a vehement anti-war activist. Despite initial hesitations, Stone's decision to cast Cruise was pivotal, as his fearless performance vividly encapsulates Kovic’s journey, making audiences feel the acute shift from innocence lost to mature, driven protest against systemic injustices.

Technically, the film excels with its sharp, realistic portrayal of both battlefield and home-front trauma. The cinematography captures iconic American imagery and juxtaposes such idealism with the grim realities veterans face post-combat, keeping with Stone’s signature visual style that invites critical thought. The narrative dives into the visceral horrors of warfare without indulging excessively in violence. Instead, it focuses on Kovic's struggle with PTSD and societal rejection, investing viewers deeply in his emotional turmoil. Stone’s direction ensures that each scene builds an intense atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the era's turmoil and the protagonist’s internal conflicts.

In essence, "Born on the Fourth of July" transcends typical war films by spotlighting post-war disillusionment and the activist spirit that can arise from it. The ensemble cast, including Willem Dafoe and Kyra Sedgwick, alongside Cruise's acclaimed portrayal, underscores the film’s raw power and lasting impact. Stone crafts a narrative not only about the personal struggles of one man but also reflects a broader societal awakening. This evocative piece remains a powerful meditation on patriotism, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth, reinforcing its status as a crucial entry in American cinema’s exploration of the Vietnam War legacy.

"Born on the Fourth of July," directed by Oliver Stone, continues to resonate as a powerful exploration of the Vietnam War's harrowing impact on soldiers and society. Released on 4K UHD Blu-ray, this edition presents a visually stunning and sonically immersive upgrade that underscores the film's enduring strength. Tom Cruise delivers a riveting performance as Ron Kovic, capturing the transformation from idealistic soldier to a fervent anti-war advocate. The new HDR grading enhances detail and critical color accuracy, while the audio, especially the DTS-HD MA track, excels in capturing the emotional weight of the narrative. Shout! Studios' release is augmented by valuable supplementary content, including insightful interviews and a compelling documentary on Vietnam features.

The film is lauded not only for its technical prowess but also for its thematic depth, standing as one of the most realistic depictions of American soldiers during and post-Vietnam War. Stone's direction vividly evokes emotional states, with "Born on the Fourth of July" securing his second Oscar, solidifying his cinematic legacy. Its portrayal of moral and spiritual complexities remains profoundly engaging, making it an essential viewing for those interested in the intricate legacies of historical conflicts. Despite its intensity and self-righteous undertones, the film maintains its foundational impact on viewers, a testament to Stone's mastery and Cruise's exceptional performance.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "Born on the Fourth of July" is highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans. It not only revitalizes this cornerstone of anti-war cinema but also embellishes it with substantial extra content that adds further context and depth. With its enhanced visual and audio presentation, this edition achieves a definitive home-viewing experience, meriting it as an indispensable addition to any collector's library.