8.1 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A U.S. Army hero returns to New York from Korea but has been mysteriously programmed by Communists to assassinate a presidential nominee. When his Army buddy becomes suspicious of the goings-on, he is on the trail to stop him.
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey (I), Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury, Henry SilvaDrama | 100% |
Psychological thriller | 25% |
Mystery | Insignificant |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
2.0 is stereo
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 0.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
John Frankenheimer's "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. The supplemental features the release include archival audio commentary with John Frankenheimer; archival video interview with John Frankenheimer, Frank Sinatra and George Axelrod, archival program with William Friedkin; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles are for the main feature. Region-Free.
Kino Lorber's release of The Manchurian Candidate is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. However, The Manchurian Candidate is available only on 4K Blu-ray. The Blu-ray has only bonus features.
In 2016, Criterion introduced a brand new 4K restoration of The Manchurian Candidate with this release, which was outstanding. The film was framed in the 1.75:1 aspect ratio. Kino Lorber's release presents the film in the 1.85:1 ratio. I do not find the discrepancy to be significant. The film looks as convincing in 1.75:1 as it does in 1.85:1.
The native 4K presentation is outstanding. I used Dolby Vision to view it in its entirety and then performed numerous comparisons with the 1080p presentation. I think that vast portions of the presentation can easily be used to demonstrate 4K black-and-white 'reference material'. Also, I think that the larger the screen is, the easier it becomes to appreciate its strengths because there are many. For example, in native 4K The Manchurian Candidate reveals some of the very best clarity I have seen from a black-and-white film. (Touch of Evil looks outstanding in native 4K too, but its cinematography emphasizes a wide range of unique shadows that produce striking contrasts). Depth is always impressive as well. The grayscale is excellent as well. However, I must mention that even with Dolby Vision the difference between the native 4K presentation and the previous 1080p presentation is quite small. Why? Because the dynamic range of the 1080p visuals was already outstanding. Fluidity is great. However, I was unable to detect any improvements. There are some minor grain fluctuations but they are part of the original cinematography. I did not see any age-related imperfections to report in our review.
There are two standard audio tracks on this release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.
I viewed the film with the 2.0 track (Stereo). It is serviceable and free of problematic age-related anomalies, but it is not the same restored track that is present on the Criterion release, which is LPCM 1.0 (Mono). So, some viewers will undoubtedly be presented with a very difficult dilemma. I usually choose the original audio track, but on this release there isn't one. I did not encounter any audio dropouts or distortions to report in our review.
4K BLU-RAY DISC
This 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo release of The Manchurian Candidate is not as easy to recommend as it should be. I am perfectly fine viewing the film in 1.85:1 and 1.75:1 ratios but understand why some viewers may not be as flexible. However, not having the restored Mono track from the Criterion release, or at least another solid Mono track, is a much bigger deal. So, should you consider an upgrade? If you wish you spoil yourself, yes, because the 4K restoration looks outstanding in native 4K. However, it will be just as easy to stay with the excellent Criterion release and spend your cash on another 4K Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber's catalog.
2011
4K Restoration
1975
20th Anniversary Edition
2004
2014
House of Cards / To Play the King / The Final Cut
1990-1995
2012
1959
2010
1965
2001
1981
1967
2005
1964
1968
1940
I girasoli
1970
1965
1979
1963