Real Genius 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Real Genius 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released the fan-favorite 1985 film 'Real Genius' to the UHD format. New specifications include 4K/Dolby Vision video and Dolby Atmos audio. The Blu-ray also includes remastered video sourced from the 4K master. Sony has also included the commentary track from the 2017 Blu-ray release while adding both a new TV cut of the film and a deleted scene with nearly 20 minutes of outtakes associated with it.

Real Genius 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the remastered 1080p Blu-ray disc included with this set.

Wow. All of those years watching Real Genius on TV or taped off of TV or on any of the various physical formats, up to and including the previous Blu-ray, have yielded both a baseline for the movie's overall look and feel and allowed for a steady upward progression in quality but this...this is special. This is Real Genius looking as beautifully filmic and true to its roots as possible today. Grain is present, a little dense in spots, but very faithful to the source. A bit of mild photographic softness is present throughout as well, but such is inherent to the photography. The picture is generously detailed, well beyond any previous version, obviously, including the bundled remastered Blu-ray, which is very good, too. But here on the 2160p UHD the level of intricate detail on clothes, intimate revelations on faces, grime and graffiti in dorms, objects around the science lab, trees and grass around campus exteriors...everything is just well beyond the memories of shoddy quality and minimal clarity that hindered previous versions and flood the memory. This is a very satisfying image that is an absolute revelation, as imperfect as the source itself may be here and there.

The Dolby Vision color grading is a likewise a major gain for the image, bringing new life to the film's array of locations and colors, clothes and accessories. Black levels are particularly important in key scenes, such as when some lasers are illuminated round campus at night or when Mitch follows Lazlo back into his hideaway inside the walls. Those aforementioned lasers shine a beautiful bright blue. Natural greenery around campus dazzles. 80s clothing colors delight. There's so much newfound balance and tonal truth on display here as to make this almost like watching a brand new movie. Add in the absence of source flaws and encode artifacts and this a transfer that fans are going to treasure.

Real Genius 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack does not rewrite the rulebook for the film's core audio, but it does offer the most substantial gain for audio in the history of the film's home video presentations. The track is clear and full, finding the best of every moment, from a booming party at the 42-minute mark to hushed dialogue in the classroom and dorms. The rowdier moments around campus or in a burger joint/bar at the 76-minute mark always draw the listener in with commendable engagement and immersion, and while the top end doesn't make a massive impact, the sense of engagement certainly does. Score is wonderfully balanced for spacing and detail, playing through all speakers but never sounding out of order for doing so. Dialogue is clear and center positioned throughout.

Real Genius 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of Real Genius includes no extras, but the new Blu-ray includes the sole commentary from the 2017 disc -- a filmmaker audio commentary track -- while adding two new supplements, including an alternate cut of the film. A Movies Anywhere digital copy code is included with purchase. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover that features alternate artwork compared to the case inside.

Blu-ray:

• Audio Commentary: Director Martha Coolidge covers a broad range of topics that hit on most of the typical commentary insights, including the opening title sequence, characters and performances, sets, shot construction, visuals, anecdotes, and plenty more.
• NEW! TV Version (480i, 4x3, Dolby Digital 2.0, 1:34:59): An alternate cut of the film for its television broadcast. The picture and sound quality are obviously a far cry from the UHD and Blu-ray. Sony has broken this feature into 17 chapter stops.
• NEW! Balloon Chair Deleted Scene (1080p, ~2.39:1): Included are the actual scene itself (1:10) and Raw Takes from the scene (21:55) which are a lot of fun.

Real Genius 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Real Genius might not be a classic in the broader sense, but it's a little 80s gem with infinite replay value. It blends humor and humanity very well, even as its characters are off-the-chart geniuses. It's accessible despite intensive academics and science that really play second fiddle to the enjoyable characters and cadence. It's also one of Val Kilmer's best movies and one of this reviewer's personal favorites. Sony's UHD is an extraordinary upgrade from any previous source, visually and aurally; this not just the best the film has ever looked and sounded, its just about the best it can look and sound. The new extras are great, too. Very highly recommended!