Rating summary
| Movie |  | 5.0 |
| Video |  | 4.0 |
| Audio | | 4.0 |
| Extras | | 4.0 |
| Overall |  | 4.5 |
The Princess Bride 4K Blu-ray Movie Review
One of the most enchanting films of all time receives a stunning 4K presentation.
Reviewed by Neil Lumbard September 21, 2021
The Princess Bride is a charming fairy-tale: one of the best in cinema. Based upon the book by William Goldman, the fable has an
enchanting heart – and it never loses sight of the wonders of pure imagination. Executive produced by Norman Lear, The Princess Bride
is a gem one can revisit time and time again.
While recovering from being home sick, a young grandson (Fred Savage) is read a beloved book by his grandfather (Peter Falk) about a
mysterious pirate, Westley (Cary Elwes). The farmer-boy turned pirate will stop at nothing to become reunited with the beautiful love of his life: The
Princess Bride (Robin Wright). A charming romance unfolds.
Along the journey, Inigo Montoya (Mady Patinkin), a swordsman, seeks revenge for his fathers murder. Some other odd-ball characters are met
along the epic journey: villainous Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) and larger-than-life Fezzik (Andre the Giant). The stakes are continually raised. Can Westley
be reunited with his princess?
The cinematography by Adrian Biddle (Aliens, V for Vendetta) is a true masterpiece of cinema. The visual component of the film
is breathtaking and there are many great cinematic moments where the lensing of Biddle helps the storytelling soar: the close embrace of Westley and
the Princess Bride, the ship sailing the sea, and the gallop of a horse across terrain. Beautiful images make the film even more special.
A timeless classic.
The production design by Norman Garwood (Glory, Hook) is also impressively realized. The sets and design layouts are creative
throughout the production. The art direction by Richard Holland (The Last of the Mohicans, Congo) is inventive and gives the
filmmaking an edge. The Princess Bride also has superb costumes designed by Phyllis Dalton (Much Ado About Nothing, Doctor
Zhivago).
Featuring a beautiful score composed by Mark Knopfler (Local Hero, Wag the Dog), the
music adds charm and grace to the experience. There is a sense of majesty to every sequence: the score has ample room for exploring these
beloved characters and the romantic themes of the film. (Vinyl fans, take note: The Princess Bride score has recently been
re-issued on collectible clear vinyl.)
The screenplay by William Goldman (Marathon Man, All the President's Men) adapts his
novel. Goldman brings the story to life with a sense of wonder throughout the film. The romance at the heart of the
story is as beautiful as love itself – and is deeply moving. A wonderful fable.
Rob Reiner (This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally...) directed one of his best efforts.
The creativity throughout the production is enormously fun. The scenarios are entertaining and the way Reiner directs the
cast helps to bring out the best of everyone. A great experience that rewards audiences from beginning-to-end. A genuine classic.
The Princess Bride 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
Arriving on 4K UHD, The Princess Bride is presented in 2160p. The native 4K resolution of the presentation is stunning. The picture-quality
is exceptional and appears nearly flawless – with outstanding cinematography throughout the entire feature-film. The film is presented in the
original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen.
Color reproduction is superb. Enhanced with a great HDR (high dynamic range) color grade, The Princess Bride is surprisingly robust with
the subtle but graceful enhancements in showcasing the natural beauty of the outdoors: the sky, the sea, the blades of grass, and more – these
elements are more vivid and enchanting in 4K. In HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision, the HDR enhances the presentation.
The Princess Bride 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The release includes multiple lossless audio options: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo. The original English language
audio sounds clear throughout the entire presentation. Dialogue is crisp and easy to understand. The music score by Mark Knopfler is beautifully
reproduced. The subtle sound design is engaging throughout the presentation.
The Princess Bride 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
4K UHD:
The Princess Bride Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:18) showcasing the 4K restoration.
Blu-ray:
The Blu-ray release of The Princess Bride includes the same bonus features as found on the standard edition. For additional information,
please refer to the review of the U.S. Edition reviewed by
my colleague Martin Liebman.
The Princess Bride 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
The Princess Bride is a classic: one of the most enchanting films in history. The romance, adventure, and comedy soars. The
performances are outstanding. The screenplay is full of great dialogue. The 4K UHD presentation is exceptional: The Princess Bride has never
looked better on home media before (and that is saying something – considering how great the Blu-ray presentation looked). The release is a must own
for fans. Highly recommended.
