Foul Play (1978) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Romance | Mystery | Thriller | Comedy | Action
Studio: Kino Lorber
Runtime: 116 minutes
Rated: PG
Release Date: April 22, 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: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 5.0 out of 5
Kino Lorber’s exclusive 4K restoration of Foul Play sourced from the original camera negative is superb. The Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading enhances color saturation, brightness control, and shadow detail across a wide tonal range. The result is a cleaner, crisper image that retains a cinematic texture while minimizing visible age-related damage. Skin tones are natural, costume fabrics reveal more detail, and contrast is excellent, especially in the final act. A definitive visual upgrade over all previous editions.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
Two excellent English audio tracks are included: the original 2.0 stereo mix and a 5.1 DTS-HD remix. The 2.0 track delivers a faithful theatrical experience with good fidelity and dialogue clarity. The 5.1 remix expands the soundstage subtly, particularly during chase sequences and the climactic opera house scene. Both mixes are clean, well-balanced, and free of distortion or hiss, giving the film a vibrant and immersive sound profile.
Special Features – 2.5 out of 5
4K UHD Disc:
• Audio Commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry
Blu-ray Disc:
• Audio Commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry (same as 4K)
• Fair Play: Remembering Colin Higgins (16 min) – Retrospective interview with sound editor Nicholas Eliopoulos and archival footage of Higgins
• Original Theatrical Trailer (2 min)
• TV Spot (1 min)
• UK Radio Spot (1 min)
⭐ Overall – 3.5 out of 5
While Foul Play occasionally struggles with uneven tone and pacing, it’s a charming 70s mystery-comedy elevated by Goldie Hawn’s charisma, Chevy Chase’s debut charm, and a standout final act. Kino Lorber’s 4K edition is visually stunning and aurally rich, making it a highly recommended upgrade for longtime fans and collectors of classic Hollywood comedy-thrillers.
$29.99
Out of stock
Foul Play (1978) – 4K Ultra HD Disc Review
Genres: Romance | Mystery | Thriller | Comedy | Action
Studio: Kino Lorber
Runtime: 116 minutes
Rated: PG
Release Date: April 22, 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: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Video Codec: HEVC / H.265
Audio:
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH
️ Video – 5.0 out of 5
Kino Lorber’s exclusive 4K restoration of Foul Play sourced from the original camera negative is superb. The Dolby Vision and HDR10 grading enhances color saturation, brightness control, and shadow detail across a wide tonal range. The result is a cleaner, crisper image that retains a cinematic texture while minimizing visible age-related damage. Skin tones are natural, costume fabrics reveal more detail, and contrast is excellent, especially in the final act. A definitive visual upgrade over all previous editions.
Audio – 5.0 out of 5
Two excellent English audio tracks are included: the original 2.0 stereo mix and a 5.1 DTS-HD remix. The 2.0 track delivers a faithful theatrical experience with good fidelity and dialogue clarity. The 5.1 remix expands the soundstage subtly, particularly during chase sequences and the climactic opera house scene. Both mixes are clean, well-balanced, and free of distortion or hiss, giving the film a vibrant and immersive sound profile.
Special Features – 2.5 out of 5
4K UHD Disc:
• Audio Commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry
Blu-ray Disc:
• Audio Commentary by Bryan Reesman and Max Evry (same as 4K)
• Fair Play: Remembering Colin Higgins (16 min) – Retrospective interview with sound editor Nicholas Eliopoulos and archival footage of Higgins
• Original Theatrical Trailer (2 min)
• TV Spot (1 min)
• UK Radio Spot (1 min)
⭐ Overall – 3.5 out of 5
While Foul Play occasionally struggles with uneven tone and pacing, it’s a charming 70s mystery-comedy elevated by Goldie Hawn’s charisma, Chevy Chase’s debut charm, and a standout final act. Kino Lorber’s 4K edition is visually stunning and aurally rich, making it a highly recommended upgrade for longtime fans and collectors of classic Hollywood comedy-thrillers.
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