Three Days of the Condor 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Three Days of the Condor" showcases the title in an impressive new light, stemming from an exclusive new 4K master. This edition, a 4K/Blu-ray combo pack, highlights the film’s availability in both native 4K, with HDR and Dolby Vision enhancements, and 1080p resolutions. The 4K UHD disc is region-free, accommodating a broader audience, although the standard Blu-ray remains Region-A locked. Upon comparing this latest release to previous versions from StudioCanal and Eureka Entertainment, it's evident that Kino Lorber's version benefits significantly from the updated 4K master, offering a substantial upgrade in picture quality that leverages the format's strengths in clarity, color accuracy, and detail preservation.

The improvements in picture quality are palpable throughout various lighting conditions and scenes, including both indoors and outdoors. The presentation’s grain structure is well managed, contributing to an organic, filmic texture that stays true to the original cinematic experience without falling prey to excessive digital manipulation. Image stability and color balance impress as well, although there are slight deviations in primary blues toward turquoise shades in particular instances and occasional overemphasis on blacks that might obscure some details. These minor issues aside, the overall enhancement is marked by significant improvements in clarity, depth, and delineation across the board.

Viewers will particularly appreciate the careful application of HDR and Dolby Vision, which serve to enrich the visual experience without overshadowing the film’s inherent qualities. While Dolby Vision slightly darkens some blacks, diminishing nuances in a few darker scenes, this does not detract substantially from the viewing experience. The leap in quality compared to its predecessors not only warrants the update for long-time fans but also underscores Kino Lorber’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and appeal of "Three Days of the Condor" for new generations of viewers, ensuring it remains a visually compelling experience in the era of ultra-high definition.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray for "Three Days of the Condor" features a robust offering with both English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks. These options cater to different audience preferences, with optional English SDH subtitles being provided for the deaf or hard-of-hearing, which neatly fit within the image frame without overpowering the visual experience. This dual-track approach allows for a versatile auditory experience, ensuring that both purists and those desiring a more immersive surround sound can be satisfied.

On engaging with the English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, it's immediately apparent that this release has surpassed previous versions, such as the StudioCanal's 2.0 track, particularly in maintaining clarity without the intrusive background hiss - even when the volume is increased. Although there exists slight unevenness in certain segments, these are minor and do not detract from the overall high-quality audio presentation. The attention to maintaining the integrity of the original sound while enhancing it for modern systems is clear.

Experimenting briefly with the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, it presents no less impressive. Though my primary experience was with the 2.0 track, the instances tested in 5.1 showcased an adept handling of the film's nuanced soundscapes, offering a rich, enveloping experience that would likely please those seeking a more dimensional audio experience. Both tracks demonstrate a commendable effort in audio restoration, ensuring that "Three Days of the Condor" is heard in the best possible quality, irrespective of the listener's setup.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray of "Three Days of the Condor" offers an immersive deep dive into both the film's creation and its cultural impact. Director Sidney Pollack's commentary provides a comprehensive overview of the film’s production and a prescient take on its geopolitical relevance, echoed across both 4K and Blu-Ray discs. The critiques by Mitchell and Thompson offer a fresh, external perspective that complements Pollack’s insider views, enriching the overall understanding of the film. Archival pieces like "Something About Sidney Pollack" and "More About the Condor" further illuminate the longstanding collaboration between Pollack and Redford, alongside Redford's political awakenings through cinema. The inclusion of a remastered vintage trailer caps off the extras, offering a nostalgic gateway back to the film's initial release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One by Sidney Pollack: Director's insights into the film’s production and its geopolitical themes.
• Commentary Two by Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson: A new critique from two film critics.
• Something About Sidney Pollack: A documentary on Pollack’s career and collaborations.
• More About the Condor: Robert Redford discusses his role and the impact of cinema on politics.
• Trailer: A remastered vintage trailer of the film.

Sydney Pollack’s "3 Days of the Condor," released on 4K UHD Blu-Ray by Kino Lorber, retains its allure as a cerebral spy thriller, intertwining political paranoia and a gripping narrative with precision. The film, starring Robert Redford as Joe Turner, a CIA analyst caught in a deadly conspiracy after discovering his colleagues murdered, captures the essence of 1970s America’s political climate, resonating with the era's growing distrust in government following the Watergate scandal. The technical presentation of this release includes optional English SDH subtitles, ensuring its accessibility while maintaining the integrity of its original English dialogue. This Region-Free edition is enhanced by a host of supplemental features, including new and archival commentary tracks that provide nuanced insights into its production and thematic depth.

Redford delivers a multifaceted performance, portraying Turner’s evolution from a vulnerable intellectual to a resourceful survivor. His dynamic with Faye Dunaway’s character, Kathy, adds layers of complexity as their relationship unfolds under extraordinary circumstances. The film’s structure, effectively split into two segments showcasing Turner’s transformation amidst escalating tension, showcases Pollack’s adept handling of suspense and character development. Moreover, the cinematography and editing, notably earning an Oscar nod in 1976 for Best Film Editing, contribute to a heightened sense of urgency and immersion in the narrative’s unfolding conspiracy.

The antagonist's role, masterfully played by Max von Sydow, injects a chilling presence into the story, embodying the dark undercurrents of political power and manipulation. "3 Days of the Condor" stands out for its reflection on themes of government irresponsibility and corporate influence on politics, subjects that have only grown more pertinent over time. The blend of speculative fiction with real-world political anxieties offers a compelling exploration that continues to engage audiences, making this release a valuable addition to the collections of cinephiles and historians alike.

Three Days of the Condor" maintains its revered status in the thriller genre, even as the cloak-and-dagger antics it showcases have evolved into a far more technologically sophisticated and clandestinely operated landscape in the ensuing years. The essence of paranoia and suspense that underpins this classic has only grown more profound over time, as contemporary echoes of its narrative can still be felt. The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation by Kino Lorber brings this 1975 classic into the present with remarkable clarity and respect for its original atmosphere. Boasting a new 4K restoration, the film's visual and auditory elements are given requisite attention, ensuring that both the tension-laden shadows and nuanced performances shine through with renewed vigor.

The special features accompanying this release only deepen the appreciation for the movie's craft and enduring appeal. With a mix of archival material and fresh insights, viewers are treated to a comprehensive look behind the scenes that enriches the viewing experience. These bonus inclusions not only pay homage to the filmmaking process but also contextualize the film within its era and its lasting impact on the thriller genre.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Three Days of the Condor" is an essential addition for both aficionados of classic cinema and those drawn to meticulously crafted thrillers. The decision to restore this film and supplement it with meaningful extras reflects an understanding of its significance. This release does more than just preserve a cinematic milestone; it reinvigorates it for a new generation to discover and cherish. Highly recommended for those looking to experience a pivotal piece of thriller cinema with the added depth and clarity that only modern restoration can provide.