In the original 1962 version, the insidious plot involved foreign entities. In Jonathan Demme’s 2004 version, which is not necessarily a re-make, as both are based upon Richard Condon’s novel, it corporate greed.
Both films work, in different ways, and both include elements that seem to lay just beneath the surface.
In the 2004 version, Meryl Streep plays the mother from hell, for which Angela Lansbury won her Academy Award. Other casting will become obvious to viewers.
If I were asked which version one should watch, I’d suggest both, as both the similarities, which can be tracked, as well as the differences are quite interesting.
Paramount’s 4k master, derived from the OCN for the new Kino release is up to the studio’s latest standards, as the image encoded to the disc, nicely mimics a 35mm print. Zero problems found.
Color, black levels, grain structure all in place.
Image – 10 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors – Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k – 8
Upgrade from Blu-ray – Absolutely
Worth your attention – 8
Slipcover rating – 2
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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