A few words about…™ – The Green Mile — in 4k UHD

Frank Darabont’s wonderful 1999 film based upon Stephen King’s serial novel, is one of those new hybrid 4k UHD releases.

It’s a “serial” novel, because it was released in soft cover in six parts, a bit akin to the works of Dickens, although without a work house. It was originally published (in parts) in 1996, in the UK in hardcover in 2000, and later via specialized publisher Subterranean Press (if you’re unfamiliar with them, check them out) in six parts with a matching slip case.

View media item"> 1645820227641.png

As an example of their publishing concept, the tome(s) were released in three variants: an edition of 2,000 copies, unsigned, cloth-bound; a limited edition of 148 signed and numbered sets in leather and cloth, also in a slipcase, and a special lettered edition of 52, with an original sketch matted in the traycase.

I’m a huge fan of Subterranean.

Returning to the new 4k, it’s beautiful in projection, with wonderful blacks, great shadow detail and terrific color. What it lacks is any connection to cinema or film.

But in 2022, that’s okay if the filmmaker’s deem it so. Whether they requested that it be done, or whether I saw a test and like it, I’ve not a clue. And even though I may personally not like the look of it, it doesn’t matter.

The further reality is that from that oft-mentioned proper seating distance, one can’t tell the difference anyway.

What all of these words mean is that a “grain-managed” production, with the work done at the behest of, or at least approved by the filmmaker(s), is just fine. Since the word “restoration” isn’t being used, it’s even more than fine.

What’s interesting from a technical perspective, is that this 4k UHD release has taken a production shot on film, and massaged it to appear to have been shot digitally.

And again, that’s just fine.

A terrific film from Warner Bros., now available in what we’ll call a re-imagined release.

Image – 5 (HDR)

Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors – Yes

Makes use of and works well in 4k – 5

Upgrade from Blu-ray – Yes

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.

Post Disclaimer

Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.

Share this post:

View thread (9 replies)

jayembee

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2020
Messages
6,767
Location
Hamster Shire
Real Name
Jerry
I think it looks beautiful. This is also my favorite film adaptation of a Stephen King story (edging out both The Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me). I'm very pleased with the UHD.

On a side note, I never would've guessed you were a Subterranean fan.:)
 
  • Like
Reactions: PMF

Robert Harris

Archivist
Reviewer
Senior HTF Member
Joined
Feb 8, 1999
Messages
18,416
Real Name
Robert Harris
I think it looks beautiful. This is also my favorite film adaptation of a Stephen King story (edging out both The Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me). I'm very pleased with the UHD.

On a side note, I never would've guessed you were a Subterranean fan.:)
Huge. I have one of their books under long-term option.
 

B-ROLL

Senior HTF Member
Joined
May 26, 2016
Messages
5,030
Real Name
Bryan
I think it looks beautiful. This is also my favorite film adaptation of a Stephen King story (edging out both The Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me). I'm very pleased with the UHD.

On a side note, I never would've guessed you were a Subterranean fan.:)
I suppose most people would be OK ... as long as it didn't turn out to be The Teal Mile ;)!
 

cda1143

Supporting Actor
Joined
May 4, 2013
Messages
624
Real Name
Chris
Robert:

Your thoughts or preference compared to the existing Blu-ray?

Apologies. Just noted your upgrade rating of yes. I can’t figure out how to delete – only to edit
 

Robert Crawford

Crawdaddy
Moderator
Patron
Senior HTF Member
Joined
Dec 9, 1998
Messages
67,840
Location
Michigan
Real Name
Robert
Robert:

Your thoughts or preference compared to the existing Blu-ray?

Apologies. Just noted your upgrade rating of yes. I can’t figure out how to delete – only to edit
@cda1143 Are you posting on a mobile device or desk top as the delete button is near the edit one?
 

Carlo_M

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Oct 31, 1997
Messages
13,392
Another fan of Subterranean Press and have several limited edition King novels from them. Great to see other fans here.

I'll be interested to pick this title up. Although I'll never part with my original The Green Mile DVD, it was signed by Mr. Darabont himself for me on its original release date at Dave's Laser Place in the San Fernando Valley and I was last in line and he was gracious enough to spend a few minutes chatting with me about future King projects. I asked him about adapting future King works, like the Dark Tower series to which he replied "I'd love to...but who in Hollywood could pull that off? They don't make them like Cooper/Eastwood back in the heyday of Westerns" Remember this conversation would have happened in 1999 or early 2000, whenever the DVD was released, and before any streaming services and long-form series were a thing in America.

Coincidentally I had recently (maybe the year prior?) had my copies of Bag of Bones signed by Mr. King at a signing in Santa Monica, where I asked him almost the reverse question, about if he thought the Dark Tower books might ever be adapted and if thought anyone could pull it off. I admit I "stuffed the ballot box" because I had waxed poetic about how much I loved Darabont's adaptation of Shawshank, so of course Mr. King said "I'm not sure it could be adapted, but if anyone could pull it off, Frank could."

I suddenly miss the late 1990s.
 
Most Popular
Available for Amazon Prime