Drugstore Cowboy (1989) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Crime
Studio: Criterion
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (2-Disc Set)
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free | Blu-ray – Region A (locked)
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
HDR Format: None
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
Audio:
• English LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Sourced from the original 35mm camera negative and approved by director Gus Van Sant and DP Robert Yeoman, Criterion’s new 4K restoration of Drugstore Cowboy delivers a rich, filmic presentation that significantly outpaces earlier Blu-ray editions. While there’s no HDR grading, the native 4K transfer benefits from outstanding detail, deep contrast, and strong color fidelity. Grain is naturally rendered, though a few inherited density fluctuations and grain inconsistencies remain—particularly in raw cast-shot footage. Overall, the image is stable, organic, and reflects the original indie aesthetic beautifully. This is the best the film has ever looked.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
The LPCM 2.0 stereo track is full-bodied, well-balanced, and richly expressive. Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout, with a satisfying presence to Elliot Goldenthal’s score and ambient effects. It may be a minimalist mix, but it’s a powerful and immersive stereo presentation that feels authentic to the film’s indie roots. No signs of age-related issues were detected.
Special Features – 4.0 out of 5
4K UHD Disc:
• Audio Commentary – Archival track with Gus Van Sant and Matt Dillon (recorded in 2001) discussing production, indie aesthetics, color theory, and more
Blu-ray Disc:
• Audio Commentary – Same track as above
• Kelly Lynch (2024) – Reflects on her casting and the cultural resonance of her role (21 min)
• Robert Yeoman (2024) – The DP discusses lens choices and maintaining the film’s indie spirit (19 min)
• The Making of Drugstore Cowboy (1999) – Archival behind-the-scenes doc with interviews and on-set footage (28 min)
• Deleted Scenes – Extensive reel of cut material (52 min)
• Trailer – Remastered theatrical trailer (2 min)
• Leaflet – Illustrated insert featuring an essay by Jon Raymond
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
Drugstore Cowboy is one of Gus Van Sant’s most iconic early works—a haunting and stylish portrait of addiction, crime, and disillusionment in the Pacific Northwest. Criterion’s new 4K release, while lacking HDR, delivers an authentic, director-approved presentation with a robust suite of extras and a deeply filmic transfer. Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, this is easily the definitive edition. Recommended.
$29.99
Out of stock
Drugstore Cowboy (1989) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Drama | Crime
Studio: Criterion
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rated: R
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Disc Format: 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (2-Disc Set)
Region: 4K Blu-ray – Region Free | Blu-ray – Region A (locked)
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
HDR Format: None
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
Audio:
• English LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 4.5 out of 5
Sourced from the original 35mm camera negative and approved by director Gus Van Sant and DP Robert Yeoman, Criterion’s new 4K restoration of Drugstore Cowboy delivers a rich, filmic presentation that significantly outpaces earlier Blu-ray editions. While there’s no HDR grading, the native 4K transfer benefits from outstanding detail, deep contrast, and strong color fidelity. Grain is naturally rendered, though a few inherited density fluctuations and grain inconsistencies remain—particularly in raw cast-shot footage. Overall, the image is stable, organic, and reflects the original indie aesthetic beautifully. This is the best the film has ever looked.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
The LPCM 2.0 stereo track is full-bodied, well-balanced, and richly expressive. Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout, with a satisfying presence to Elliot Goldenthal’s score and ambient effects. It may be a minimalist mix, but it’s a powerful and immersive stereo presentation that feels authentic to the film’s indie roots. No signs of age-related issues were detected.
Special Features – 4.0 out of 5
4K UHD Disc:
• Audio Commentary – Archival track with Gus Van Sant and Matt Dillon (recorded in 2001) discussing production, indie aesthetics, color theory, and more
Blu-ray Disc:
• Audio Commentary – Same track as above
• Kelly Lynch (2024) – Reflects on her casting and the cultural resonance of her role (21 min)
• Robert Yeoman (2024) – The DP discusses lens choices and maintaining the film’s indie spirit (19 min)
• The Making of Drugstore Cowboy (1999) – Archival behind-the-scenes doc with interviews and on-set footage (28 min)
• Deleted Scenes – Extensive reel of cut material (52 min)
• Trailer – Remastered theatrical trailer (2 min)
• Leaflet – Illustrated insert featuring an essay by Jon Raymond
⭐ Overall – 4.0 out of 5
Drugstore Cowboy is one of Gus Van Sant’s most iconic early works—a haunting and stylish portrait of addiction, crime, and disillusionment in the Pacific Northwest. Criterion’s new 4K release, while lacking HDR, delivers an authentic, director-approved presentation with a robust suite of extras and a deeply filmic transfer. Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, this is easily the definitive edition. Recommended.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.