1408 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

1408 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman January 22, 2026

1408 received a 1080 release at the veritable dawn of the Blu-ray era, so long ago that probably few even remember the distributor, Genius / Dimension. Now rather interestingly Lionsgate has teamed with Amazon for this exclusive SteelBook which actually offers two (count 'em) 4K UHD discs offering different cuts of the film, along with what seems to be that now long ago 1080 presentation on a third disc.

Martin Liebman's 1408 Blu-ray review of that now long ago Genius / Dimension 1080 release offers plot information, a list of supplements (ported over to both the 1080 disc and one of the 4K UHD discs in this new set), as well as Marty's reaction to the technical presentation. In the latest installment of my mantra "different reviewers means different opinions", I'm evidently a bit more of a fan of the overall film than Marty was, and my score reflects that.

1408 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Note: Due to the age of the previous 1080 presentation, I've opted to take screenshots directly from the 4K UHD disc for this review which are by necessity downscaled to 1080 and SDR. Color space in particular is therefore not accurate, and I recommend those interested to look at some of the screenshots in Marty's old 1408 Blu-ray review for a probably better representation of the palette despite the age of the release.

1408 is presented in 4K UHD courtesy of Lionsgate Films with HEVC / H.265 2160p transfers in 2.40:1 for both the Theatrical Cut and Director's Cut. I frankly noticed no real difference in video quality between the two with the possible exception of the extended footage at the end of the Director's Cut, which may show just very slight signs of lesser quality when compared to the bulk of the presentation. Perhaps unsurprisingly given some of the stylistic quirks on display, the Dolby Vision / HDR grades may attract the most immediate attention rather than any gobsmacking uptick in detail levels. Highlights throughout both 4K presentations are quite evocative, and some of the more extreme lighting and/or grading choices, like some almost cobalt blue sequences slathered over Cusack really pop incredibly well in these 4K versions. The kind of burnished (if deceptive, given what goes on) "golden hour" look of a lot of the hotel scenes also gets a bit of a polish courtesy of HDR. As is discussed in some of the supplements, quite a few of the special effects were actually achieved practically, and detail levels throughout many of those sequences is really rather impressive. Grain looks organic and is tightly resolved throughout.

1408 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There may be a few niggling complaints that this release only offers an upgraded Dolby Atmos track on the Theatrical Cut, while the Director's Cut features a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track, like the 1080 disc in this set (and the first 1080 release from years ago). Marty was generally well pleased with the audio presentation on the old 1080 disc, and I'm also a fan of the layering and directionality even the "standard" surround track provides. The Atmos track on the Theatrical Cut may therefore not be a huge improvement on the older track, but it does establish both a wider and higher soundstage at several key moments, and a number of the increasingly chaotic events in the room offer some really impressive immersive capabilities. Both discrete channelization but also maybe more evocatively some panning and weird skewing of sounds really help to establish the nightmare world of 1408. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

1408 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K UHD Disc One

• Theatrical Cut (1:44:25)


• Don't Enter 1408 (HD; 21:58) is a 2007 piece featuring an extended interview with Mikael Håfström.

4K UHD Disc Two

• Director's Cut (1:52:32)


• Audio Commentary by Director Mikael Håfström and Writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski


• Archival Bonus Content

Alternate Endings (HD; 10:39)




Deleted Scenes (HD; 11:23) feature optional commentary by Mikael Håfström, Scott Alexander and Larray Karaszewski.




The Secrets of 1408 (HD; 22:56)




John Cusack on 1408 - A Webisode (HD; 2:33)




Inside Room 1408 - A Webisode (HD; 2:07)




Theatrical Trailer (HD; 2:33)

1080 Disc

• Audio Commentary by Director Mikael Håfström and Writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski


• Alternate Endings (HD; 10:39)


• Deleted Scenes (HD; 11:23) feature optional commentary by Mikael Håfström, Scott Alexander and Larray Karaszewski.


• The Secrets of 1408 (HD; 22:56)


• John Cusack on 1408 - A Webisode (HD; 2:33)


• Inside Room 1408 - A Webisode (HD; 2:07)


• Theatrical Trailer (HD; 2:33)

The SteelBook features a Mylar O ring with the faces of Cusack and Jackson framing a clear section which reveals the "hotel door" that is on the front panel of the actual SteelBook. That door imagery is in fact embossed. The back panel features branding for The Dolphin and some imagery that will be clear to those who have seen the film. The same enigmatic character seen on the back panel is also seen in an illustration covering the inner panels. A digital copy is also included.

1408 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While at least the opening of this film might be generally termed a "two hander" between Cusack and Jackson, once the story actually enters the titular room the film is pretty much a solo act for Cusack, and he is continually riveting in what can admittedly be a slightly hackneyed premise. Lionsgate will probably be pleasing this film's fans by offering two versions in 4K on separate discs, along with an older "legacy" 1080 presentation. Technical merits are solid and the supplements are very enjoyable. Collectors should also find the SteelBook design appealing. Recommended.