Sometime during the summer of 1967 – I was working as a trainee at WB-7A, and that summer I was in the projection booth – we received the first east coast print of Cool Hand Luke for exec. screenings. One of my jobs was physically checking out lab prints for obvious pre-projection defects, and after giving a nod to Luke we prepped it for it’s first screening, months before release.
And so it was that as my job was also taking care of those in the screening room, I got to view the film at the same time that Mr. Newman saw it completed for the first time. Part of my job was to make certain that he was happy, comfortable and always had a cold one at hand.
So for a couple of hours, I would occasionally check and when it appeared that a new “cold one” was necessary, I delivered, and with each delivery received a quick glance and a “Thanks, kid.” Never did figure out how he knew my name, but hearing those words from him made the world a wonderful place.
While this new 4k doesn’t fit under the miraculous to have it classification of Maltese Falcon, it does receive a huge tip of the hat toward WB MPI, as at least to my eye, this new 4k looks like a slightly smaller (and far more highly resolved) version of what I had seen back in 1967, and thereafter in dye transfer prints.
Color, densities, grain structure, and the overall gloss of the production are all intact.
Another perfect 4k UHD from Warner Bros. as part of their 100th.
For those who collect slipcovers, you may want to keep this, along with Falcon and Rebel, as they have the 100th branding, which does not appear on the jacket beneath.
Another very easy recommendation, which shares an opening with the next film up for review, Rebel without a Cause, as both begin with someone being arrested for alcohol. Was this a purposeful connection? Doubtful.
[SIZE=5][FONT=times new roman]As an aside, for those who are fans of (who isn’t) or interesting in the life and career of Mr. Newman, there’s The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir, which is one of the finest biographies of an entertainment figure I’ve ever read.
It’s here:[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=times new roman][SIZE=5][URL=’https://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Life-Ordinary-Man-Memoir/dp/B09S2F521Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14XRXGJCHW11G&keywords=paul+newman+the+extraordinary+life+of+an+ordinary+man&qid=1681145319&sprefix=paul+newman%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1′]The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir[/URL][/SIZE][/FONT]
Image – 5 (HDR10)
Audio – 5 (DTS HD-MA 2.0)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 4.25
Worth your attention – 10
Upgrade from Blu-ray – Absolutely!
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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