Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Big Lebowski 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman September 6, 2023

Universal has re-released the cult sensation 1998 film 'The Big Lebowski,' directed by Joel and Ethan Cohen and starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman, to the UHD format, here as part of the "Universal Essentials Collection." Beyond new extremal disc artwork, there appears to be no discernible difference between this UHD disc and the first UHD issue, which Universal released in 2018. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes new disc artwork but is otherwise the same dated release from 2011. This set is distinguished by shipping in a slip box with additional swag. Note that Universal has also released the film day-and-date with this release in SteelBook packaging, minus the extra swag.

“Dude” (Jeff Bridges) is the self-appointed title of one Jeffrey Lebowski, by all accounts one of the laziest people in the entire world. A connoisseur of White Russians, a good J, and the sport of bowling, the unemployed Lebwoski scrapes by on life on the high, mooching where he can but generally living happily within his modest state of existence, which he shares with his bowling teammates, the oddball Donny (Steve Buscemi) and the unhinged Vietnam veteran Walter (John Goodman). One evening, Dude returns home to a couple of thugs who have invaded his space. His head is repeatedly flushed in the toilet and he’s asked about money he (or his wife) apparently owes to someone named Jackie Treehorn, a prominent pornographer in the Los Angeles area. Dude of course knows nothing, and it turns out the thugs have the wrong Lebwoski; they’re looking for a millionaire with a trophy wife, not a loser who lives out his life with a drink in his hand. To add insult to injury, one of the men urinates on Dude’s rug. “It really tied the room together,” he says, and seeks compensation (i.e. a new rug) for his loss from the thugs’ true target, the millionaire Lebowski (David Huddleston), a disabled Korean War veteran and a self-centered man who is high on his own success and demeaning of those who are not on, or working to approach, his level. When the “Big” Lebowski’s wife is kidnapped, the Dude is called in to facilitate an exchange of money for her life. The plan goes awry, leaving Dude in the middle of a growing war over $1,000,000 in which he wants no part. "Careful man, there's a beverage here!"

For a full film review, please see Jeffrey Kauffman's writing here (the movie score above reflects my own).

The Big Lebowski 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For a full UHD video review, please click here.

The Big Lebowski 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For a full UHD audio review, please click here.

The Big Lebowski 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This new release of The Big Lebowski ships in a sturdy slip box that measures approximately 7' x 5.5' x 1'. The box depicts The Dude on the front, simply facing forward, center, with the rug behind him filling the frame. The film's title appears at the top in a creamy white with Bridges' and Goodman's names accompanying. The rear features the same image of the rug, but minus The Dude or the film's title and credits. The same pattern is seen on the top and the spine, but with the film's title on both. There is no embossing work.

The Amaray case inside, which features familiar artwork that hearkens back to older home video releases, houses the Blu-ray and UHD discs as well as a digital copy code. The box also contains some extra swag. These include a glossy, full color booklet that is about the same length and width as the slip box. The book is packed with photos, quotes, essays, various helps to guide the viewer through the film, quizzes, artwork, and more. Next, the set includes a handful of cards depicting various behind-the-scenes photos. Also included is a card depicting the bowling alley and, above the pins, is a film frame depicting an image of the iconic dream sequence. Finally, the set includes a certificate of authenticity on heavy cardstock; this release is limited to 5,000 units.

For full coverage of the on-disc supplemental content, please click here.

The Big Lebowski 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's some good swag here that will entice hardcore fans to double dip, and the limited run number additionally makes a buy more attractive. There's nothing new in terms of what matters most, including video and audio presentations and supplements, but this is such a great UHD to begin with that it would be hard to squeeze much more visual or aural excellence out of it. Highly recommended for fans, but casual audiences need not double dip.