I took advantage of some deals and added some great movies to the collection this month including the following:
“Baby Driver” is a 2017 action-comedy heist film written and directed by Edgar Wright. The film stars Ansel Elgort as the titular Baby, a young getaway driver who is forced to participate in a series of heists with a group of unpredictable criminals. The film is notable for its unique visual style and its use of music, which is diegetic and plays a significant role in the plot. “Baby Driver” was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for three Academy Awards.
“Starship Troopers” on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a visceral and visually stunning experience, showcasing Verhoeven’s over-the-top masterpiece in all its gory glory. The upscaled visuals offer a noticeable improvement over the standard Blu-ray, with sharper details, richer colors, and more impactful explosions. The crispness of the alien bugs and the futuristic weaponry adds another layer of immersion to the chaotic battle sequences. While the CGI, particularly some of the larger arachnid bugs, might show its age in a few scenes, the overall visual presentation is a significant upgrade.
Beyond the visuals, the 4K release retains the film’s satirical edge and its exploration of fascism disguised as patriotism. The performances, from Casper Van Dien’s earnest Johnny Rico to Denise Richards’s icy Carmen Ibanez, remain as campy and memorable as ever. The film’s blend of action, humor, and social commentary is still relevant today, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch.
However, the 4K disc itself is somewhat barebones in terms of extras. While it includes a commentary track and some featurettes, it lacks the comprehensive behind-the-scenes content that some fans might be hoping for. This is a minor drawback, but it’s worth noting for those who value bonus features.
Overall, the “Starship Troopers” 4K UHD Blu-ray is a worthy upgrade for fans of the film. The improved visuals and sound design enhance the viewing experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the film’s unique blend of action and satire. While the lack of extensive bonus features is a slight disappointment, the 4K transfer itself is a significant improvement, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts.
Same director of Robocop.
“Cliffhanger” on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a visually stunning and adrenaline-pumping experience, bringing Renny Harlin’s 90s action classic roaring back to life. The 4K transfer is a noticeable upgrade, boasting crisp detail, vibrant colors, and impressive clarity, especially in the breathtaking mountain vistas. The contrast between the bright snow and the dark shadows of the cliffs is striking, adding depth and realism to the perilous setting. Even the close-ups of Stallone’s grizzled face and the intricate climbing gear benefit from the enhanced resolution.
The audio is equally impressive, with the roar of avalanches and the crackle of gunfire enveloping the viewer in the action. The sound design effectively creates a sense of tension and immediacy, making you feel like you’re right there on the mountain, clinging to the icy cliffs alongside Gabe Walker.
Beyond the technical merits, “Cliffhanger” remains a thrilling and entertaining action film. Stallone delivers a solid performance as the tormented mountain climber forced to confront his past while battling ruthless criminals. The supporting cast, including John Lithgow as the cunning villain Qualen, adds to the film’s appeal. The practical stunts and special effects, while occasionally showing their age, are still impressive and contribute to the film’s visceral impact. The climbing sequences are genuinely suspenseful, and the film’s pacing keeps the action moving at a brisk pace.
However, this 4K release could have benefited from more substantial bonus features. While it includes some previously released content, there’s a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the making of the film, particularly the challenges of filming on location in the Italian Alps. A retrospective documentary or new interviews with the cast and crew would have been a welcome addition.
Despite the somewhat lacking extras, the “Cliffhanger” 4K UHD Blu-ray is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the film. The significant improvements in audio and video quality make this the definitive version to own. If you’re looking for a thrilling action film with stunning visuals and a healthy dose of 90s nostalgia, “Cliffhanger” on 4K is a must-see.
“Léon: The Professional” (or simply “The Professional” as it’s often known) arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray, and the question is: does this classic hold up, and is the upgrade worth it? The answer, largely, is a resounding yes on both counts. Luc Besson’s 1994 film, starring Jean Reno as the titular professional killer and a young Natalie Portman as Mathilda, a twelve-year-old girl who becomes his unlikely protégé, remains a compelling and often unsettling character study wrapped in a stylish action thriller.
The 4K transfer is a significant improvement over previous home releases. The detail is noticeably sharper, bringing out nuances in the grimy urban landscapes of New York City and the expressive faces of the actors. The colors, while not overly vibrant, are more natural and nuanced, enhancing the film’s gritty realism. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) adds depth and contrast, making the dark scenes truly dark and the bright scenes pop with a greater sense of realism. The visual upgrade alone makes this release worthwhile for fans of the film.
Beyond the technical improvements, “The Professional” continues to resonate due to its unique central relationship. Reno’s Léon is a man of few words, a highly skilled killer with a strict personal code. Portman’s Mathilda is precocious, street-smart, and deeply affected by the violence she witnesses. Their bond, while unconventional and sometimes controversial, is the emotional core of the film. It’s a strange mix of mentorship, protection, and a burgeoning, albeit complex, affection. The performances are superb, with Reno embodying Léon’s quiet intensity and Portman delivering a breakout performance that belies her young age.
The action sequences, while not overly elaborate, are effective and brutal, often punctuated by Léon’s signature moves. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the relationship between Léon and Mathilda to develop organically amidst the escalating danger. The supporting cast, including Gary Oldman as the corrupt and unhinged DEA agent Stansfield, adds another layer of intensity to the film.
However, the 4K release isn’t perfect. While the visual upgrade is impressive, the audio mix could have been more dynamic. While clear, it doesn’t fully utilize the potential of a modern surround sound system. Also, the included special features are somewhat lacking, primarily consisting of previously released content. A more comprehensive retrospective documentary or new interviews with the cast and crew would have been appreciated.
Despite these minor shortcomings, “The Professional” on 4K UHD Blu-ray is the definitive version of the film to own. The significant visual upgrade, combined with the film’s enduring appeal, makes it a must-have for fans and a great way for newcomers to experience this modern classic. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on themes of violence, innocence, and the complex nature of human connection.