SLC Punk! 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		0.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

SLC Punk! 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released the 1998 film 'SLC Punk!,' written and directed by James Merendino and starring Matthew Lillard and Christopher McDonald, to the UHD format. This is the film's North American debut on Blu-ray or UHD. The presentation features 2160p/Dolby Vision video, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless audio, and several supplements. No Blu-ray disc is included. At time of writing, this release is exclusive to the eleven-film Sony Pictures Classics: 30th Anniversary Collection boxed set.

SLC Punk! 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Sony's 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD release of SLC Punk! looks magnificent. The picture holds to its essential characteristics with a pleasing natural grain structure that captures the essence of the film roots and presents a wonderful filmic veneer on the screen. The image offers crisp facial definition and solidly defined clothing details. There is no need to worry about the film's texture and clarity at this resolution. While a few inherently softer and fuzzier shots are scattered very infrequently here and there, the image reveals a pleasing stability and consistency that brings nearly every frame to vivid, naturally filmic life. Print wear is practically zero and there are no obvious encode problems to note.

Sony's Dolby Vision grading offers a very natural color presentation. These are bold, but not overstated, colors, with some terrific vitality and accuracy across the board to be enjoyed. The hair colors are extraordinarily punchy and vivid, representing the single best color explosion on a screen filled with great color. The cold Salt Lake City skies are pleasantly light blue, while storefronts, brick facades, and pavement around the city streets offer very grounded tonal balance. Look inside a store at the 45-minute mark for one of the best examples of color balance and diversity on various Beer cases and bottles as well as clothes and hair. White snow on the ground a few moments later enjoys good crispness. Black levels are deep and natural, and skin tones are healthy and true. This is a well-rounded UHD presentation from Sony.

SLC Punk! 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Rather than remix for Dolby Atmos, Sony brings SLC Punk! to the UHD format with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The presentation is solid all around, beginning with the opening title music, which might not demonstrate significant low end weight, but it does offer fine width and surround engagement. The track is often lively and engaging, offering substantial spread and noticeable depth to music. The track offers excellent ambient support and well-defined immersion into various locales, whether bustling with activity or gentle atmosphere out on city streets. Dialogue is clear and effective with enjoyable clarity and fine front-center stability.

SLC Punk! 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This UHD release of SLC Punk!, as it ships in the Sony Pictures Classics 30th Anniversary boxed set, includes a commentary, a new director retrospective, comic book pages, and trailers. As it ships in the Sony Pictures Classics boxed set, a non-embossed slipcover is included.

• Audio Commentary: Director James Merendino and Actors Matthew Lillard & Michael Goorjian discuss the film.
• NEW! SLC Punk! Revisited (1080p, 12:14): Director James Merendino retrospectively looks back on the film: writing, inspirations, shooting locales, casting and characters, editing, deleted scenes, response and legacy, themes, and plenty more.
• Comic Book Gallery (2160p/Dolby Vision): A series of still comic book images
• Trailers (1080p): Included are Red Band Trailer (2:05), Theatrical Trailer (2:00), and TV Spot (0:32).

SLC Punk! 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

SLC Punk!'s UHD debut (and first time on physical high definition in the U.S.) makes for a quality viewing experience. Between the rock-solid UHD video, the enjoyable 5.1 lossless soundtrack, and the nice smattering of extras, fans should be delighted to find the disc in the Columbia Pictures Classics boxed set.