Dirty Harry (1971) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Crime | Thriller | Drama | Action | Film-Noir
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 (original 2.39:1)
HDR Format: HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Scanned from the original camera negative at 8K, this new 2160p transfer gives Dirty Harry its best presentation yet. The film grain is preserved naturally, with outstanding clarity during sunlit San Francisco sequences and a subtle HDR pass that enhances color contrast and shadow depth without overdoing it. Night scenes reveal minor fluctuations in grain and occasional source softness, but overall, this is a faithful and detailed restoration of a true ’70s classic.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
This release impressively includes three audio options:
• Dolby Atmos – A modern remix with aggressive surround use and impactful gunfire that brings the film into the present while highlighting Lalo Schifrin’s score.
• Dolby TrueHD 7.1 – Based on the Atmos downmix, it provides a robust soundscape but still diverges from the original theatrical experience.
• DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono – The original theatrical audio, newly restored and surprisingly full-bodied. This is the preferred option for purists, preserving the film’s gritty authenticity and punchy dynamics.
Subtitles are available in English SDH, French, Spanish, and other Nordic languages.
Special Features – 4.5 out of 5
Included on the 4K disc:
• Audio Commentary – Film critic Richard Schickel delivers a classic commentary.
• NEW: Generations and Dirty Harry (6:15) – Reflections from film historians and fans on the legacy of the film.
• NEW: Lensing Justice (7:54) – Tribute to Bruce Surtees’ noir-style cinematography.
• American Masters: Clint Eastwood – Out of the Shadows (86:57) – Comprehensive Eastwood career retrospective.
• Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso (58:07)
• Fighting for Justice (17:33) – Excerpt from the Cinematic Legacy series.
• Interview Gallery – 10 legacy interviews with Clint Eastwood, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Milius, and others.
• Dirty Harry’s Way (6:58) – Vintage promo.
• Dirty Harry: The Original (29:43) – Archival retrospective on the character and film.
⚠️ Note: The original trailer and “The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry” featurette from the 2008 Blu-ray are not included.
⭐ Overall – 4.5 out of 5
This long-overdue 4K UHD upgrade for Dirty Harry delivers on nearly every front: sharp native 4K visuals, the original mono track, and a solid lineup of special features both new and classic. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite or discovering it for the first time, this is the definitive version of one of cinema’s most iconic cop thrillers.
Very Highly Recommended.
$29.99
Out of stock
Dirty Harry (1971) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Crime | Thriller | Drama | Action | Film-Noir
Studio: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 (original 2.39:1)
HDR Format: HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Scanned from the original camera negative at 8K, this new 2160p transfer gives Dirty Harry its best presentation yet. The film grain is preserved naturally, with outstanding clarity during sunlit San Francisco sequences and a subtle HDR pass that enhances color contrast and shadow depth without overdoing it. Night scenes reveal minor fluctuations in grain and occasional source softness, but overall, this is a faithful and detailed restoration of a true ’70s classic.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
This release impressively includes three audio options:
• Dolby Atmos – A modern remix with aggressive surround use and impactful gunfire that brings the film into the present while highlighting Lalo Schifrin’s score.
• Dolby TrueHD 7.1 – Based on the Atmos downmix, it provides a robust soundscape but still diverges from the original theatrical experience.
• DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono – The original theatrical audio, newly restored and surprisingly full-bodied. This is the preferred option for purists, preserving the film’s gritty authenticity and punchy dynamics.
Subtitles are available in English SDH, French, Spanish, and other Nordic languages.
Special Features – 4.5 out of 5
Included on the 4K disc:
• Audio Commentary – Film critic Richard Schickel delivers a classic commentary.
• NEW: Generations and Dirty Harry (6:15) – Reflections from film historians and fans on the legacy of the film.
• NEW: Lensing Justice (7:54) – Tribute to Bruce Surtees’ noir-style cinematography.
• American Masters: Clint Eastwood – Out of the Shadows (86:57) – Comprehensive Eastwood career retrospective.
• Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso (58:07)
• Fighting for Justice (17:33) – Excerpt from the Cinematic Legacy series.
• Interview Gallery – 10 legacy interviews with Clint Eastwood, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Milius, and others.
• Dirty Harry’s Way (6:58) – Vintage promo.
• Dirty Harry: The Original (29:43) – Archival retrospective on the character and film.
⚠️ Note: The original trailer and “The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry” featurette from the 2008 Blu-ray are not included.
⭐ Overall – 4.5 out of 5
This long-overdue 4K UHD upgrade for Dirty Harry delivers on nearly every front: sharp native 4K visuals, the original mono track, and a solid lineup of special features both new and classic. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite or discovering it for the first time, this is the definitive version of one of cinema’s most iconic cop thrillers.
Very Highly Recommended.
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