Disc Reviews
Demolition Man 4K Review
Demolition Man is that rare of science fiction films that plays better now compared to when it first came out. The film was popular at the time, put Sandra Bullock on the map, and delivered an engaging villain in Wesley Snipes, but like Rollerball before it, Demolition Man has proven the test of time and has shown that it adeptly called out what the future held (now that the future is now the past!).
The film has been overdue a great Blu-ray release and finally, here it is, but also in glorious 4K should you need it. As said above, Snipes is brilliant in this film, Stallone himself makes for an engaging hero. John Spartan may very well be the funniest leading role he’s delivered. Sandra Bullock – with her mannequin-like airbrushed face can’t help but show her enthusiasm. A move that probably helped her land Speed and her ticket ride to the big time of leading parts. There is a whole host of other supporting character actors here helping to bring proceedings to life, but a shout-out to the world-building itself is a prime factor. This is just a great utopian dystopia!
The picture and sound are top quality and the 4K upgrade is just what you want going forward. Arrow have struck gold with this release as it is likely to be popular with hungry fans who have wanted an upgrade for some time. Adding to that are the various extras as well.
Various crew show up for recent interviews on the production design, stunts and effects work. The filmmakers provide two commentary tracks – both featuring the director, and both worth a listen. The director shares one commentary with producer Joel Silver, and it sounds like it was recorded some time ago back closer to the film’s release. The more recent one features screenwriter Daniel Waters who is always engaging on chat tracks (see Heathers for another good example) There is also a fan commentary track for anyone who fancies listening to a nerd talk about the film.
The release comes with a bunch of hard extras including a poster, art cards and a 60-page booklet.
A shame none of the actors could put time into this beloved farce – but as said, previously we had next to nothing for this release, and now we have plenty.
Steven Hurst
LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY CONTENTS
• Brand new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative by Arrow Films, approved by director Marco Brambilla
• Includes both the domestic “Taco Bell” and international “Pizza Hut” versions of the film presented via seamless branching
• High Definition Blu-Ray (1080p) presentation
• Original lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Dolby Atmos audio options
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new audio commentary by director Marco Brambilla and screenwriter Daniel Waters
• Brand new audio commentary by film historian Mike White of the Projection Booth podcast
• Archive audio commentary by Marco Brambilla and producer Joel Silver
• Demolition Design, a new interview with production designer David L. Snyder
• Cryo Action, a new interview with stunt coordinator Charles Percini
• Biggs’ Body Shoppe, a new interview with special make-up effects artist Chris Biggs
• Tacos and Hockey Pucks, a new interview with body effects set coordinator Jeff Farley
• Somewhere Over the Rambo, a new visual essay by film scholar Josh Nelson
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery
• 60-page perfect bound collector’s book featuring new writing by film critics Clem Bastow, William Bibbiani, Priscilla Page and Martyn Pedler
• Limited edition packaging featuring newly commissioned artwork by Laurie Greasley
• Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Laurie Greasley
• 6 postcard sized artcards
• ’Three Seashells’ and ‘Edgar Friendly graffiti’ stickers
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Laurie Greasley
Demolition Man 4K is out on 16th Now