8.5 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David HuddlestonDark humor | 100% |
Crime | 97% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS:X
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: DTS 5.1
Spanish: DTS 5.1
Portuguese: DTS 5.1
Japanese: DTS 5.1
English SDH, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Universal has released Joel and Ethan Coen's classic film 'The Big Lebowski' to the UHD format. The 2160p/HDR presentation is a marked improvement over the previous Blu-ray and one of the better presentations on the format. The UHD disc additionally features a new DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack. No new extras are included, but the bundled Blu-ray is identical to that previously released in 2011 and carries over all of its supplemental materials.
The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Watch for 4K screenshots at a later date.
For its UHD debut, there's absolutely no reason to mark The Big Lebwoski's 4K/HDR transfer a zero. In fact, it's a stellar image and a
significant upgrade over the previously released VC-1 encoded Blu-ray. The image appears a little dull and flat in the opening moments over the desert
outskirts of Los Angeles, but once action
shifts to the
supermarket, the color explosion, stabilized detailing, and filmic veneer begin to take shape, and with screen-commanding authority. The HDR color
presentation in that scene reveals an intense, well saturated barrage of colors against white and off-white colors, under harsh grocery store lighting at
that, in the opening
minutes. Scenes inside the bowling alley reveal a more finely saturated and intensely bold accent coloring, a quality that carries over to Jesus' colorful
apparel.
The end scene features a superior presentation of the ash-scattering ceremony. The add in color saturation and density and vibrancy of the red coffee
can and the
blue sky above the characters presents a startling transformation from the Blu-ray that, combined with the significant add in detailing, makes it a
4K/HDR reference-worthy scene. Black level depth is greatly improved throughout the film, particularly in exterior
shots outside the bowling alley or when Walter takes a crowbar to a red sports car at night. Flesh tones are more even and accurate as well.
The UHD's benefits do not end with its beautiful color presentation. The movie was shot on film, and the native 4K resolution is presented with care and
accuracy. Grain is constant,
light, and complimentary, supporting a wonderfully organic filmic veneer. Textural bounties abound, from the innate clarity of faces to the lines and
complexities around the bowling alley, such as the wood floor and the seating and scorekeeping areas. Dude's car, which becomes increasingly more
dilapidated as the film progresses, showcases all the wear and rust
with remarkable precision. The 4K image presents the grime, mildew, wear, and tear around Lebowski's home, and particularly in his bathroom, with
startling, and sometimes nasty, detail. The picture is absolutely a revelation over the Blu-ray in color, detail, clarity, and filmic texturing and cannot
even approach the finesse and precision
the UHD has on offer. This is one of the most pronounced upgrades on the format yet and one of the finer UHD releases, period. But that's just, like,
my opinion, man.
The new DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack delivers rich, full music with seamless spacing and enjoyable width. Clarity is fine through selections of score and vintage tunes alike (from The Eagles to Kenny Rogers and The First Edition). The sound design is not particularly active to any significant degree. Bowling alley atmospherics gently draw the listener into the location, with more prominent sounds of rolling balls and crashing pins sonically detailed and deep when closer to the action. Smashing glass, a few gunshots, and a handful of additional support elements enjoy crispness and proper stage positioning but never stand out as beyond ordinary. Some of the dream sequences take advantage of the added overhead channels for a little supportive fill, as does the scene introducing Maude; top-layer engagement is limited to minor fill effects and support beyond. Dialogue, which is the primary sonic propellant throughout the movie, enjoys perfectly defined clarity, positioning, and prioritization throughout the film.
Universal's UHD release of The Big Lebowski contains no extras on the new 4K disc, but the bundled Blu-ray, identical to that released in
2011, carries over all legacy Blu-ray content. For full coverage of the supplemental content, please click here. For convenience, below is a basic listing of what's
included. A Movies Anywhere
digital copy code is included with purchase and the release
ships with a mildly embossed slipcover.
The Big Lebowski becomes progressively more weird as it moves along, but the film thrives on the story of a simple misunderstanding that lands a slacker and his hot-headed friend in the middle of a convoluted scheme involving a couple of rugs, a severed toe, a woman with baby fever, a briefcase filled with $1,000,000, and a more than a few White Russians. The movie is sharp, witty, quotable, and features some of the best performances from the 1990s, with Bridges and Goodman devouring the material like few actors could, or have in other films. It's great stuff that has finally earned the home presentation it deserves. With perfectly filmic and richly colored 4K/HDR visuals, a complimentary DTS:X Master Audio soundtrack, and a Blu-ray filled with all previously released extra content, one thing is clear: the film is not out of its element on UHD, and it's even modestly priced. Very highly recommended.
20th Anniversary Limited Edition
1998
25th Anniversary - Universal Essentials Collection
1998
25th Anniversary Limited Edition
1998
1998
1998
1990s Best of the Decade
1998
Universal 100th Anniversary
1998
Pop Art
1998
Iconic Art
1998
1998
Limited Edition
1998
Limited Edition
1998
2012
2008
2011
Unrated Director's Cut
2011
1987
1998
2005
Limited Edition
2005-2012
2016
The Unrated Version and Director's Cut
2003
Special Edition with Flair!
1999
2009
2009
2017
2013
2015-2022
2007
2012
1994
1994