Prime Cut 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Prime Cut" showcases an impressive visual overhaul, sourced directly from the original 35mm camera negative. These enhancements are particularly visible with the inclusion of Dolby Vision and HDR grades, which offer a significant leap in image quality over previous releases. The film's inherent grain structure has been meticulously preserved, maintaining the authentic look of 1970s filmmaking while offering enhanced detail and depth. The HEVC encode, operating consistently between 80-100 mbps, ensures that the rich textures and vibrant colors of the Kansas fields and period-specific costumes are rendered with stunning clarity and stability.

However, the presentation is not without its minor faults. Some darker scenes exhibit a degree of black crush, where finer details become obscured due to overly dark shading. This issue is more pronounced in native 4K than in the 1080p downgrade. Additionally, a slight cool tint is noticeable throughout, occasionally pushing primary reds into light brown shades, which can distract from the intended color palette. Despite these drawbacks, the general image stability and lack of previous nicks and blemishes mark a substantial improvement over earlier editions, including Kino Lorber’s own 2015 Blu-ray release. The overall result is a visually compelling representation of "Prime Cut," sure to please both new viewers and longtime fans.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Prime Cut" features two standard audio tracks: an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Optional English SDH subtitles are also included for the main feature, appearing within the image frame. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track exhibits a robust and stable performance, effectively handling action sequences and allowing the music to breathe seamlessly throughout the film. Although the dynamic intensity is somewhat limited, which is expected for this format, the audio remains healthy and well-balanced.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound track, though less frequently engaged, reserves the rear channels for occasional score cues and sporadic gunshots. The overall use of the surround channels is sparse, with the front-end taking precedence in delivering dialogue and primary audio elements. The source material is in excellent condition, exhibiting no discernible damage or degradation. The balance between dialogue and music is particularly noteworthy in the 2.0 track, making it a preferred choice for many viewers due to its enhanced clarity and precision.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Prime Cut" boasts an impressive array of extras enhancing the viewing experience. Kino Lorber has included two deeply enriching commentary tracks, each offering unique perspectives on the film. The first, by Lee Marvin biographer Dwayne Epstein, provides insightful anecdotes about Marvin's on-set behavior, while the second, by critics Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson, delves into Lee Marvin’s career and Michael Ritchie’s distinctive satirical style. These commentaries, available on both the 4K and standard Blu-ray discs, make for a comprehensive exploration of the film’s background and production nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: Lee Marvin biographer Dwayne Epstein discusses Marvin’s on-set behavior.
• Commentary Two: Critics Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson examine Lee Marvin's career and Michael Ritchie's satire.
• Trailer: Remastered trailer for "Prime Cut", in English, not subtitled.

Michael Ritchie's 1972 film "Prime Cut" is now available in 4K UHD Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The film blends crime thriller elements with dark satire, creating a unique viewing experience. The plot revolves around Chicago mob enforcer Nick Devlin, played with gritty determination by Lee Marvin, who is sent to Kansas City to collect a debt from the cruel and chaotic cattleman Mary Ann, vividly portrayed by Gene Hackman. Along the way, Devlin encounters a disturbing world of drugged young women being sold into sex slavery, including the vulnerable Poppy (Sissy Spacek in her debut role).

Ritchie’s direction offers a fascinating mix of stark realism and absurdity, resulting in moments that are both grim and darkly humorous. The film's episodic structure showcases a series of striking set pieces: encounters with Mary Ann's bizarre entourage, a heart-pounding chase involving a combine harvester, and an intense showdown featuring Mary Ann's knife-wielding brother, Weenie, who attacks using an actual sausage. The tone oscillates between serious and parody, making it unclear whether the film lampoons or respects its genre conventions. The cinematography by Gene Polito provides a beautiful contrast to the film's grimy underworld, highlighted further by Lalo Schifrin's elegant score which evokes classic Italian genre films.

In conclusion, "Prime Cut" is an engaging hybrid that transcends typical crime genre fare with its blend of sleazy thrills, caricature-like characters, and visually stunning presentation. The 4K UHD release ensures that the film's unique atmosphere and dark humor are preserved in stunning detail. This release will undoubtedly delight fans of classic crime thrillers and aficionados of cinematic oddities alike.

Michael Ritchie's 1972 crime thriller "Prime Cut" emerges as a standout entry in the gangster genre, distinguished by its peculiar blend of dark humor and intense, gritty narrative. This Kino Lorber 4K UHD Blu-ray release benefits from an exclusive new 4K master sourced from the original camera negative, providing exceptional visual clarity. The 2160p presentation delivers a film-like experience enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR, which significantly uplifts the dynamic range and color accuracy, offering a viewing experience that closely aligns with the director's original vision.

The release includes two highly informative commentary tracks, enriching the contextual understanding of the film and its production background. While the transfer presents a mostly pristine image, there are minor issues that could have been handled better, such as occasional inconsistencies in grain management and rare color balance fluctuations. Nonetheless, these slight imperfections do not significantly detract from the overall high-quality restoration that Kino Lorber has accomplished.

In conclusion, Prime Cut is a compelling crime drama that benefits greatly from this well-crafted 4K restoration. The technical enhancements, coupled with the inclusion of insightful commentaries, make this release a definitive version for both collectors and new viewers. It comes highly recommended for anyone looking to delve deeper into Michael Ritchie’s unique cinematic vision.