Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Terms of Endearment 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman January 10, 2024

Paramount has released the Oscar-winning 1983 film 'Terms of Endearment,' directed by James L. Brooks and starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Jeff Daniels, Danny DeVito, and John Lithgow, to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/Dolby Vision video. One new supplement is also included. The included Blu-ray disc includes a remastered transfer. The film was previously released to Blu-ray in 2013 by Warner Brothers.

Official synopsis: This quintessential Dramedy—directed, produced, and written by James L. Brooks (from a novel by Larry McMurtry)—features a powerhouse cast that includes Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Jeff Daniels and John Lithgow. Spanning three decades, it follows the ups and downs of a mother-daughter relationship with honesty, heart, and laughs. Both critically acclaimed and a box-office blockbuster, it has endeared as a fan favorite 40 years after its release.

For a full film review, please click here; note that this link points to the 2013 Warner Brothers Blu-ray and a wonderful review penned by Michael Reuben.

Terms of Endearment 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the included 1080p Blu-ray disc.

First, a few words on the included Blu-ray, which has also received a remastered presentation. The most obvious difference between this Blu-ray version of Terms of Endearment and the older Warner Brothers version is that this version is presented at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio rather than the old disc's 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Further, colors appear somewhat richer and more organically inclined (though less "punchy" and "vivid") while the image also yields a healthier filmic veneer. Grain is less pronounced on the new disc, and the image is a little softer looking but more naturally sharp than the somewhat processed look of sharpness on the WB disc. The image is very pleasing and fans should enjoy it.

Of course, the main question is this: how does the UHD fare? Well, in a word, wonderfully. Paramount's 2160p/Doby vision UHD restoration presentation of Terms of Endearment will satisfy the film's biggest fans and the staunchest of videophiles. Like the Blu-ray, the image is flatteringly filmic, presenting with a preserved and particularly natural grain structure that gives the film cinematic clout in every shot. Textures are absolutely wonderful. Sharpness is first-class and the picture captures definition and textural nuance well beyond the Blu-ray, which can look comparatively smooth and flat (even if it is itself pleasantly sharp). The richness seen on facial close-ups, the fine definition on clothes, and the wonderful elegance of various location details are striking. Look at a scene around the 25-minute mark. The worn and weathered paint on the house exterior, the old boxes roped down on the top of the car, and the faces and clothes are all a joy of visual richness and complexity within a near perfect film-like state. Even for those who have seen all of the best UHDs, this scene will still prove to be a joyful experience for those who love sharp, film-like accuracy.

The Dolby Vision color grading is equally stellar. The presentation offers rich colors with a fullness, depth, and vividness that well surpasses the Blu-ray. Colors are more organically rich and complex, boasting significantly improved accuracy and nuance. Colorful clothes are amongst the major highlights, offering newfound pop and punch that even the remastered Blu-ray cannot approach. Viewers will be regularly astonished at the accuracy and gorgeousness on display. Better, black level depth is excellent, whites are bold and lifelike, and skin tones are healthy and full. This is a very satisfying Dolby Vision grading that pops new life into the film while still perfectly maintaining its tonal integrity. Consider also the absence of print wear and encode troubles and this is Terms of Endearment looking as crisp, bold, and accurate as the day it was released.

Terms of Endearment 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Paramount brings Terms of Endearment to the UHD format (and to the remastered Blu-ray) with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, the same configuration from the Warner Brothers disc. This is a higher bitrate presentation but in practice doesn't appear to offer anything dramatically different from the Warner Brothers soundtrack. Please click here for Michael Reuben's thoughts on the track, which I believe do apply here as well. I have also awarded the same audio score as he.

Note that the restored Dolby Digital mono track is not included on the UHD disc; the only way to enjoy it is via the bundled Blu-ray.

Terms of Endearment 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This new release of Terms of Endearment contains a few extras, including the commentary track and trailer from the Warner Brothers disc and adding a new filmmaker retrospective. Note that all of the extras are included on the Blu-ray disc only; there are none, not even the commentary, on the UHD. See below for a list of what's included and a brief review of the new supplement. Please click here for coverage of the carryover content. This release is the 42nd in the "Paramount Presents" line and includes the slipcover with fold-open poster artwork. A digital copy code is included with purchase.

• Audio Commentary: Director James L. Brooks, Co-Producer Penney Finkelman Cox, and Production Designer Polly Platt.
• NEW! Filmmaker Focus with James L. Brooks (1080p, 13:57): The film's director discusses his reaction to the original novel, the core narrative elements in the story, cast and characters, performances, the film's tone, and more. This piece also includes some vintage interview snippets.
• Theatrical Trailer

Terms of Endearment 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In his review of the 2013 Warner Brothers Blu-ray, Michael Reuben concluded that Terms of Endearment "rewards multiple viewings, because so much happens between the lines (and apart from the jokes) that there's more to notice each time." Indeed, this Best Picture winner has stood the test of time and flourishes with regular, repeat viewings. Now, fans can enjoy this modern classic in the joys of 4K and a picture-perfect new UHD presentation. The included 5.1 lossless audio track is fine and the new filmmaker retrospective is a treat. Very highly recommended!