1 review for The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

1. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   John Anderson – March 23, 2024

   Kino Lorber’s release of “The Manchurian Candidate” on 4K Blu-ray provides an opportunity to revisit Jonathan Demme’s 2004 adaptation of this iconic story. The film, a remake of John Frankenheimer’s classic, attempts to bring a modern twist to the tale but struggles to capture the original’s suspense and thematic depth. This adaptation moves the setting to the Gulf War, where Major Ben Marco, played by Denzel Washington, begins to question his memories and the heroism of Sergeant Raymond Shaw, portrayed by Liev Schreiber.

   Demme’s version diverges from the original by updating the context and introducing new elements, but these changes seem to dilute the story’s impact rather than enhance it. The modern setting fails to add the intended gravitas, and the updated technological and political landscapes do not contribute significantly to the narrative’s tension.

   Washington delivers a compelling performance, skillfully navigating his character’s complex psychological journey. However, the rest of the cast faces challenges. Schreiber’s portrayal of Shaw feels constrained, failing to fully embody the character’s depth and ambiguity. Meryl Streep’s over-the-top performance might have suited a more satirical approach, but feels out of place here. Other talented actors, including John Voight and Bruno Ganz, are underutilized, their characters lacking the development needed to make a meaningful impact.

   The 4K Blu-ray presentation itself is impressive, offering a significant visual upgrade from previous releases. The native 4K resolution, enhanced by Dolby Vision and HDR, provides stunning clarity and depth to the film’s visuals, making the most of both indoor and outdoor scenes. The wider color gamut in the 4K presentation is particularly noteworthy, offering a vivid viewing experience.

   Audio quality is improved with the inclusion of English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, ensuring clear and immersive sound. The special features, including archival commentaries and featurettes, offer valuable insights into the film’s production and the challenges of adapting such a revered story.

   Overall, Kino Lorber’s 4K Blu-ray release of “The Manchurian Candidate” is a technically impressive presentation of a film that struggles to match the impact of its predecessor. While it offers a modern take on the story, it ultimately falls short in delivering the psychological depth and suspense of the original. Fans of the actors involved or those interested in seeing a different interpretation of the classic narrative may find it worth exploring, but others might prefer to revisit Frankenheimer’s version for a more compelling and thought-provoking experience.