Daylight (1996)

Daylight (1996)

Daylight 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Kino Lorber | 1996 | 115 min | Rated PG-13 | March 11, 2025


Film Synopsis

In the heart of New York, an ordinary day turns into a nightmare when a massive explosion collapses the Holland Tunnel, trapping a group of survivors inside. As rising waters, deadly fires, and dwindling oxygen threaten their lives, their only hope is former EMS chief Kit Latura (Sylvester Stallone), who must navigate the treacherous ruins and lead them to safety.

Directed by Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), Daylight is a high-stakes disaster thriller filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense, spectacular practical effects, and classic ‘90s blockbuster action. Co-starring Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen, Stan Shaw, and Dan Hedaya, the film delivers an explosive survival story that tests the limits of human endurance and heroism.


4K Ultra HD Video Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)

Kino Lorber debuts Daylight in a newly remastered 4K UHD transfer sourced from the original camera negative with Dolby Vision and HDR10, offering an impressive upgrade over previous Blu-ray releases.

Visual Highlights

Enhanced Clarity & Detail: The high-resolution scan breathes new life into Stallone’s classic disaster film, offering strong textures in character close-ups, environmental debris, and practical effects work.
Color Grading & HDR Improvements: Dolby Vision adds depth to fire-lit scenes, while highlights and shadows create a more dynamic image—though some dark areas appear slightly crushed in comparison to the Blu-ray version.
Black Levels & Contrast: The underground tunnel sequences maintain deep black levels, yet some visual effects shots (especially CGI-heavy moments) show their age with a softer appearance.
Film Grain & Authenticity: While the 4K remaster retains the film’s natural grain, some scenes exhibit inconsistent sharpness, particularly in panoramic shots of New York and select action sequences.

Overall: While Daylight‘s 4K presentation isn’t a game-changer, it offers a notable improvement in contrast, depth, and sharpness, making this the definitive way to experience the film.


DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)

While a Dolby Atmos upgrade would have been ideal, Daylight still delivers an impactful and engaging audio experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix.

Sound Highlights

Explosions, collapses, and rushing water fill the surround channels, creating an immersive disaster movie soundscape.
Dialogue remains clear and well-balanced even amidst high-intensity moments.
Low-frequency effects (LFE) provide deep, rumbling bass, especially during explosions, falling debris, and underwater sequences.
Ambient effects like echoing voices, dripping water, and fire crackles enhance the claustrophobic tension.

While the 5.1 mix is solid, a modern remix with enhanced object-based audio would have further immersed the audience in the disaster setting.


In-Depth Review: A Thrilling but Over-the-Top Disaster Flick

Daylight sits comfortably among ‘90s action-disaster movies, embracing practical stunts, high-stakes survival, and plenty of over-the-top heroics.

What Works

  • Sylvester Stallone’s commanding performance as Kit Latura—a hero burdened by past mistakes yet determined to save the day.
  • Practical effects and large-scale set pieces—including realistic tunnel flooding, fire hazards, and collapsing structures that heighten the tension.
  • Engaging ensemble cast, featuring Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen, and Stan Shaw, who each bring distinct personalities to the group of survivors.
  • Fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat sequences that keep the tension high throughout.

What Falls Short

  • Some of the science is wildly exaggerated, particularly the final explosion escape and how long characters survive in freezing water.
  • Viggo Mortensen’s character is hilariously overconfident, leading to one of the film’s most unintentionally comedic moments.
  • CGI elements, particularly in exterior shots, have aged poorly, highlighting the limitations of mid-’90s digital effects.

Despite its implausibility, Daylight remains a fun, nostalgic ride, particularly for fans of disaster movies like Dante’s Peak, The Poseidon Adventure, and The Towering Inferno.


Special Features & Extras: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)

Kino Lorber includes a well-rounded selection of bonus content, primarily sourced from previous releases:

4K UHD Disc – Special Features

Audio Commentary by Director Rob Cohen – A detailed breakdown of the film’s production, including its Cinecittà Studios shoot in Rome, Stallone’s performance, and the technical challenges of creating a tunnel collapse.

Blu-ray Disc – Additional Extras

“The Making of Daylight” Documentary (34 min) – A behind-the-scenes look at set construction, stunt work, and cast interviews.
Archival EPK Featurette (7 min) – A short promotional feature from the film’s original release.
Music Video – “Whenever There is Love” by Donna Summer & Bruce Roberts (5 min).
Theatrical Trailers (3 min each)Two original trailers showcasing the film’s action-packed disaster premise.

Though no new exclusive content is included, this remains the most complete home media release of the film to date.


⚖️ Final Verdict: A Solid 4K Upgrade for Disaster Movie Fans

While Daylight is far from a masterpiece, it delivers big-scale thrills, high-stakes survival action, and an entertainingly absurd plot that makes it a fun watch.

Pros:
Strong 4K transfer with Dolby Vision/HDR10 enhancements.
DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio delivers immersive disaster sequences.
Includes director’s commentary & making-of featurette.
Sylvester Stallone in prime ‘90s action-hero form.

Cons:
Some CGI-heavy shots don’t hold up in 4K.
Over-the-top moments make it hard to take seriously.
No Dolby Atmos audio upgrade.

FINAL SCORE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – RECOMMENDED
If you’re a fan of ‘90s disaster-action films, Daylight delivers suspenseful, popcorn-movie fun. Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD release offers the best presentation of the film to date, making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans and collectors alike.

$29.99

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Description

Daylight 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Kino Lorber | 1996 | 115 min | Rated PG-13 | March 11, 2025


Film Synopsis

In the heart of New York, an ordinary day turns into a nightmare when a massive explosion collapses the Holland Tunnel, trapping a group of survivors inside. As rising waters, deadly fires, and dwindling oxygen threaten their lives, their only hope is former EMS chief Kit Latura (Sylvester Stallone), who must navigate the treacherous ruins and lead them to safety.

Directed by Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), Daylight is a high-stakes disaster thriller filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense, spectacular practical effects, and classic ‘90s blockbuster action. Co-starring Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen, Stan Shaw, and Dan Hedaya, the film delivers an explosive survival story that tests the limits of human endurance and heroism.


4K Ultra HD Video Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)

Kino Lorber debuts Daylight in a newly remastered 4K UHD transfer sourced from the original camera negative with Dolby Vision and HDR10, offering an impressive upgrade over previous Blu-ray releases.

Visual Highlights

Enhanced Clarity & Detail: The high-resolution scan breathes new life into Stallone’s classic disaster film, offering strong textures in character close-ups, environmental debris, and practical effects work.
Color Grading & HDR Improvements: Dolby Vision adds depth to fire-lit scenes, while highlights and shadows create a more dynamic image—though some dark areas appear slightly crushed in comparison to the Blu-ray version.
Black Levels & Contrast: The underground tunnel sequences maintain deep black levels, yet some visual effects shots (especially CGI-heavy moments) show their age with a softer appearance.
Film Grain & Authenticity: While the 4K remaster retains the film’s natural grain, some scenes exhibit inconsistent sharpness, particularly in panoramic shots of New York and select action sequences.

Overall: While Daylight‘s 4K presentation isn’t a game-changer, it offers a notable improvement in contrast, depth, and sharpness, making this the definitive way to experience the film.


DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)

While a Dolby Atmos upgrade would have been ideal, Daylight still delivers an impactful and engaging audio experience through its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix.

Sound Highlights

Explosions, collapses, and rushing water fill the surround channels, creating an immersive disaster movie soundscape.
Dialogue remains clear and well-balanced even amidst high-intensity moments.
Low-frequency effects (LFE) provide deep, rumbling bass, especially during explosions, falling debris, and underwater sequences.
Ambient effects like echoing voices, dripping water, and fire crackles enhance the claustrophobic tension.

While the 5.1 mix is solid, a modern remix with enhanced object-based audio would have further immersed the audience in the disaster setting.


In-Depth Review: A Thrilling but Over-the-Top Disaster Flick

Daylight sits comfortably among ‘90s action-disaster movies, embracing practical stunts, high-stakes survival, and plenty of over-the-top heroics.

What Works

  • Sylvester Stallone’s commanding performance as Kit Latura—a hero burdened by past mistakes yet determined to save the day.
  • Practical effects and large-scale set pieces—including realistic tunnel flooding, fire hazards, and collapsing structures that heighten the tension.
  • Engaging ensemble cast, featuring Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen, and Stan Shaw, who each bring distinct personalities to the group of survivors.
  • Fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat sequences that keep the tension high throughout.

What Falls Short

  • Some of the science is wildly exaggerated, particularly the final explosion escape and how long characters survive in freezing water.
  • Viggo Mortensen’s character is hilariously overconfident, leading to one of the film’s most unintentionally comedic moments.
  • CGI elements, particularly in exterior shots, have aged poorly, highlighting the limitations of mid-’90s digital effects.

Despite its implausibility, Daylight remains a fun, nostalgic ride, particularly for fans of disaster movies like Dante’s Peak, The Poseidon Adventure, and The Towering Inferno.


Special Features & Extras: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)

Kino Lorber includes a well-rounded selection of bonus content, primarily sourced from previous releases:

4K UHD Disc – Special Features

Audio Commentary by Director Rob Cohen – A detailed breakdown of the film’s production, including its Cinecittà Studios shoot in Rome, Stallone’s performance, and the technical challenges of creating a tunnel collapse.

Blu-ray Disc – Additional Extras

“The Making of Daylight” Documentary (34 min) – A behind-the-scenes look at set construction, stunt work, and cast interviews.
Archival EPK Featurette (7 min) – A short promotional feature from the film’s original release.
Music Video – “Whenever There is Love” by Donna Summer & Bruce Roberts (5 min).
Theatrical Trailers (3 min each)Two original trailers showcasing the film’s action-packed disaster premise.

Though no new exclusive content is included, this remains the most complete home media release of the film to date.


⚖️ Final Verdict: A Solid 4K Upgrade for Disaster Movie Fans

While Daylight is far from a masterpiece, it delivers big-scale thrills, high-stakes survival action, and an entertainingly absurd plot that makes it a fun watch.

Pros:
Strong 4K transfer with Dolby Vision/HDR10 enhancements.
DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio delivers immersive disaster sequences.
Includes director’s commentary & making-of featurette.
Sylvester Stallone in prime ‘90s action-hero form.

Cons:
Some CGI-heavy shots don’t hold up in 4K.
Over-the-top moments make it hard to take seriously.
No Dolby Atmos audio upgrade.

FINAL SCORE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – RECOMMENDED
If you’re a fan of ‘90s disaster-action films, Daylight delivers suspenseful, popcorn-movie fun. Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD release offers the best presentation of the film to date, making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans and collectors alike.

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