Lethal Weapon 4K Ultra HD

"Lethal Weapon" is the thrill-packed story of two cops—both of whom hate to work with partners. Gibson and Glover star as the wild-eyed, burnt-out Martin Riggs and the easygoing Roger Murtaugh. But their partnership becomes the key to their survival when, in the period of 48 hours, a routine murder investigation leads to an all-out war with an international heroine ring. You better duck quick because this film fires fast action scenes like bullets, but you don't want to miss a thing! (Tricia Spears)

Both the 1987 theatrical version of the film (110:00) and the 2000 Director’s Cut version (117:00) are available. Special features include the new featurettes "A Legacy Of Inspiration: Remembering Richard Donner" (HD 07:00) and “I’m Too Old for This…': A Chemistry That Became Iconic" (HD 06:06) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 1.85:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on Eastmsn 35 mm film using the Panavision Panaflex Gold camera system and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate derived from a restoration of the original camera negative. Several incarnations of "Lethal Weapon" have been reviewed since the first LaserDisc in Issue 02, including DVDs in Issues 23, 41, 111, and 114 and Blu-ray in Issue 170 as part of the "Lethal Weapon Collection". With each rendering the picture has been improved. Picture quality on this latest rendering in 4K Ultra HD is excellent and is faithful to Richard Donner's and Stephen Goldblatt's original photography. Film grain i virtually invisible as well as all signs of age-related wear-and-tear. The color palette exhibits saturated hues that are vibrant, yet natural in tone with nuances hues. The settings are perfectly realistic. Some colors pop. Flesh tones are natural throughout. HDR contrast is superb. Blacks are deep and solid, as well as natural, Shadows are revealing, White levels are brilliantly illuminated. The picture is sharp and clear. Resolution is revealing of fine detail and texture throughout, Facial features reveal skin pores, lines, sweat and hair. Objects are nicely resolved and perfectly realistic. Clothing reveal textures. For the age of this film, the picture looks fantastic and is indicative just how good an older film can transfer to Ultra HD. With its improvement upon earlier releases this is the definitive presentation of this cop classic. (Gary Reber)

The repurposed Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding and provides an excellent sense of both envelopment and distinct directional effects. The stereo staging is panoramic, with an excellent sense of depth. There are lots of nuances and Foley sound effects that enhance realism. Atmospheric sound realistic. Sound effects are very dynamic, with excellent bass extension and depth. Sound effects, such as handgun and machinegun fire and a helicopter, are powerful sounding and enhanced with effective .1 LFE energy during such action segments. Explosions also are intense with deep bass extension. The orchestral and pop music score sounds dynamic with a wide soundstage that extends aggressively to the surrounds to envelop. Surrounds are constantly engaged for enveloping envelopment of the sound field, Dialogue sounds generally well integrated spatially.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of an extension of the music to the height layer as well as atmospherics, sound effects and nuanced dialogue, This is essentially a nuanced extension of major parts of the ear-level element rather than built from new elements. Nevertheless, this is an effective height layer that enhances dimensionality.

This is a fun, dynamic sounding holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that tops all previous treatments and adds to the excitement of this classic. (Gary Reber)