The Ladykillers 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		0.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		3.5

The Ladykillers 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 20, 2025

Alexander Mackendrick's "The Ladykillers" (1955) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The supplemental features on the release include archival audio commentary with author and critic Philip Kemp; archival audio commentary by critics David Del Valle and Dan Marino; archival program with screenwriter Ronald Harwood; vintage documentary about Ealing Studios; restoration comparison; trailer; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

We have a couple of different reviews of previous releases of The Ladykillers. Click here to read Dustin Somner's review of Lionsgate's first Blu-ray release. Click here to read my review of StudioCanal's 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack release.

The Ladykillers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

In 2024, Kino Lorber produced this standalone combo pack release of The Ladykillers, which offered two different presentations of it in 1.66:1 (on Blu-ray) and 1.37:1 (on 4K Blu-ray) ratios. This combo pack release presents the film only on 4K Blu-ray in the 1.37:1 ratio. The Blu-ray disc has only a selection of bonus features.

The technical presentation of the 1.37:1 version of the film in native 4K is the same. Please click on the link above to read more about it.

The Ladykillers 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The dual Mono track is a replica of the restored Mono track that is included on the StudioCanal release, so all of its native characteristics are the same. The dialog is exceptionally clean, sharp, and very easy to follow. There are no balance issues to report. However, in a few areas, you may notice some minor unevenness, which is inherited. I did not encounter any encoding issues to report in our release.

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

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary One - in this audio commentary, author and critic Philip Kemp discusses the conception of The Ladykillers, its production history, the Ealing Studios and the evolution of the British comedy, Alexander Mackendrick's directing style and specifically his interpretation of the original story by William Rose, etc.

• Commentary Two - in this recent audio commentary, critics David Del Valle and Dan Marino discuss in great detail the tone and style of The Ladykillers (plus some ways in which it may be similar to Kind Hearts and Coronets), how it constantly defies expectations, and the realism of its locations and how crucial they are for its identity. Also, there are plenty of observations about Alexander Mackendrick and the film's great cast.

BLU-RAY DISC

• Forever Ealing - this vintage documentary examines the history and incredible cinematic legacy of the Ealing Studios. Included in it are clips from many of its biggest hits as well as clips from interviews with Richard Attenborough, Stephen Frears, John Mills, John Landis, and Terry Gilliam, amongst others. The documentary was directed by Andrew Snell in 2002. In English, not subtitled. (50 min).

• Interview with Allan Scott - in this archival program, screenwriter Allan Scott (Don't Look Now) discusses the unique style of humor and identity of The Ladykillers. In English, not subtitled. (21 min).

• Interview with Ronald Harwood - in this archival program, screenwriter Ronald Harwood, who collaborated with Alexander Mackendrick on A High Wind in Jamaica, discusses the director's working methods and communication skills. In English, not subtitled. (23 min).

• Interview with Terence Davies - in this archival program, director Terence Davies recalls his interactions with Alexander Mackendrick and explains why he was a "natural teacher". The Ladykillers is addressed as well. In English, not subtilted. (14 min).

• Cleaning Up The Ladykillers - this short program provides before-and-after comparisons from different parts of The Ladykillers. Silent. (7 min).

• Trailer - presented here is a promotional trailer for the recent 4K restoration of The Ladykillers. In English, not subtilted. (2 min).

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

In 2024, Kino Lorber produced this standalone combo pack release of The Ladykillers, which offered two different presentations of it in 1.66:1 (on Blu-ray) and 1.37:1 (on 4K Blu-ray) ratios. This release, while technically a combo pack as well, presents the film only on 4K Blu-ray in the 1.37:1 ratio. If you wish to have the restored widescreen version of the film in your library, which is preferable, consider grabbing the combo pack release linked above.