Sony’s Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection, Volume 3, the studio’s annual collection of 6 films from its deep catalog, is another great Christmas gift idea for any movie lover.
The Production: 4/5
There always seems to be some common thread amongst the six movies Sony includes in their now annual Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection boxed sets. If you take a loose interpretation of an ensemble (if two could be considered an ensemble), then that would be the common thread across this year’s six films, each one representing a decade from the studio’s history (technically, the last film was a Tri-Star release, but all are now part of parent Sony Pictures). As usual, the set also has something for everyone. Click on the links below for more detailed reviews of each title.
It Happened One Night: 5/5
From Here to Eternity: 4.5/5
To Sir, With Love: 4.5/5
The Last Picture Show: 4/5
Annie: 3/5
As Good as It Gets: 4/5
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
All six films are native 4K scans, and have never looked better, with each film earning a perfect 5 out of 5.
It Happened One Night: 5/5
From Here to Eternity: 5/5
To Sir, With Love: 5/5
The Last Picture Show: 5/5
Annie: 5/5
As Good as It Gets: 5/5
Audio: 4.5/5
All six films have had their audio restored and cleaned up, with four of them receiving new Dolby Atmos soundtracks (To Sir, With Love appears here for the first time in both 5.1 and Atmos) with mixed results. For purists, the original soundtrack has also been included on all six films.
It Happened One Night: 5/5
From Here to Eternity: 4.5/5
To Sir, With Love: 4.5/5
The Last Picture Show: 4/5
Annie: 5/5
As Good as It Gets: 5/5
Special Features: 4.5/5
Sony has added some nice new extras for five of the six films, including additional feature films with four of them. As with the two previous sets, an exclusive bonus disc has also been included (you will find it in a sleeve attached to the inside back cover of the 80-page hard-bound book. My only major complaint with the set is that the digital copies still have not upgraded to 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos at most Movies Anywhere partner retailers.
Bonus Disc
From Here to Eternity 1979 TV Miniseries (1080p): The three-part miniseries starring William Devane, Natalie Wood, Steve Railsback, Roy Thinnes, Kim Bassinger, Peter Boyle and Andy Griffith, now remastered in HD. Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 mono.
80-page Book: This hardbound book is filled with publicity photos along with essays on each film, restoration notes on each film, and an uncredited introduction.
Digital Copies: An insert contains codes for all six movies included in the Limited Edition set that can be redeemed at Movies Anywhere. Unfortunately, as of November 14, 2022 many of the movies have not upgraded yet to 4K with HDR and Dolby Atmos Audio.
It Happened One Night
Movies Anywhere: 4K (no HDR)
Apple TV: Dolby Vision/HDR10
Vudu: 4K (no HDR)
Prime Video: 4K (no HDR)
From Here to Eternity
Movies Anywhere: 4K (no HDR), Dolby 5.1
Apple TV: HD, mono
Vudu: Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby 5.1
Prime Video: HD, mono
To Sir, With Love
Movies Anywhere: 4K (no HDR), mono
Apple TV: HD, mono
Vudu: HD, Dolby mono
Prime Video: HD, mono
The Last Picture Show
Movies Anywhere: HD
Apple TV: Dolby Vision/HDR10
Vudu: HD
Prime Video: HD
Annie
Movies Anywhere: HD, Dolby 5.1
Apple TV: HD, Dolby 5.1
Vudu: HD, Dolby 5.1
Prime Video: HD, Stereo
As Good as It Gets
Movies Anywhere: HD, Dolby 5.1
Apple TV: HDR10, Dolby 5.1
Vudu: Dolby Vision/HDR10, Dolby 5.1
Prime Video: HD, Dolby 5.1
Overall: 4.5/5
Six “classic” movies in 4K HDR, plus four previously unreleased films in HD, and many more extras help make this set much more of a bargain, although the included digital copies are a complete mess.
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Todd Erwin has been a reviewer at Home Theater Forum since 2008. His love of movies began as a young child, first showing Super 8 movies in his backyard during the summer to friends and neighbors at age 10. He also received his first movie camera that year, a hand-crank Wollensak 8mm with three fixed lenses. In 1980, he graduated to "talkies" with his award-winning short The Ape-Man, followed by the cult favorite The Adventures of Terrific Man two years later. Other films include Myth or Fact: The Talbert Terror and Warren's Revenge (which is currently being restored). In addition to movie reviews, Todd has written many articles for Home Theater Forum centering mostly on streaming as well as an occasional hardware review, is the host of his own video podcast Streaming News & Views on YouTube and is a frequent guest on the Home Theater United podcast.
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