NOTE: 60 more more full resolution (3840 X 2160) 4K UHD captures, in lossless PNG format, for Patrons are available HERE

We have recently reviewed the following 4K UHD packages to date: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (no HDR), High Plains Drifter (software uniformly simulated HDR), Mystery Men (software uniformly simulated HDR), Silent Running (software uniformly simulated HDR), Dressed to Kill (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Power of the Dog  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Escape From Alcatraz (software uniformly simulated HDR), I, the Jury (no HDR), Casablanca (software uniformly simulated HDR), In the Mood For Love (NO HDR applied to disc), The Werewolf vs. the Vampire Woman  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Blow Out (software uniformly simulated HDR), Night of the Living Dead (NO HDR applied to disc), Lost Highway (software uniformly simulated HDR), Videodrome (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Last Picture Show (software uniformly simulated HDR), It Happened One Night (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Mummy (1932)(software uniformly simulated HDR), Creature From the Black Lagoon (software uniformly simulated HDR), Bride of Frankenstein (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Amityville Horror  (software uniformly simulated HDR), The War of the Worlds (1953) (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Incredible Melting Man  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Event Horizon (software uniformly simulated HDR), Get Carter (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Killing (software uniformly simulated HDR), Killer's Kiss (software uniformly simulated HDR)

On their 4K UHD, Kino offer the options of 2.0 channel and 5.1 surround bump tracks (24-bit) in the original English language. "Death Wish" is filled with violence from the home invasion to Paul Kersey's vigilante vengeance. There are instances of mild separation (subway) in the surround. The score is by Jazz-fusion musician Herbie Hancock (A Soldier's Story, Blow-Up, 'Round Midnight) with some synthesizer, jazz, sole piano and classical with one piece, notably, inspired by Stravinsky's Right of Spring. It suits the film's dark morality themes wonderfully shifting from the, repeated, serene, Joanna's Theme, to the Revenge Suite and Death Wish's main theme. Hancock had a Puerto Rican actress girlfriend named Sonia Manzano, often in Sesame Street, who played the checkout girl at the supermarket in Death Wish, and she recommended him to Michael Winner. Both discs offers optional English (SDH) subtitles - and like all 4K UHD, is region FREE, playable worldwide while the Blu-ray is Region 'A'-locked.

There is a commentary on the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs - by Paul Talbot, author of Bronson's Loose! The Making of the Death Wish Films and Bronson's Loose Again! On the Set with Charles Bronson. He is a wealth of knowledge on Bronson, the production of Death Wish and comparisons to Brian Garfield's novel. He has comments on every minor character and much of the crew - notably Winner and others. What great research! The second disc Blu-ray, also has a 20-minute interview with actor John Herzfeld who played Train Mugger #2 - he recalls his participation in the film. There are also US and UK Radio Spots, a TV Spot and a theatrical trailer remastered in 2K. The package has an O-card slipcase and  reversible sleeve (see below.)

Kino's 4K UHD release of Michael Winner's "Death Wish" - a huge cult favorite spawning multiple sequels - has the iconic film in 2160P, a new edifying commentary and other supplements. This neo-noir thriller is highly re-watchable with the general public appreciating the theme of vigilantism. Bronson's character of Paul Kersey evolves from being fearful to confront and deal with his wife's murder, and daughter's assault, to finding satisfaction with cold-blooded vengeance against a pervasive New York crime element. It sparks the moral debate over how to deal with rampant crime where a judicial system is ineffective and unsatisfying-ly lenient. Death Wish was one of Charles Bronson's (53 years old at the time) most remembered films launching him as an American icon for the next twenty years. The four film sequels, and 2018 Bruce Willis remake, never achieved the success or popularity of this original. Many 4K UHD adopter fans will consider this a must-own purchase. A keeper for me.   

Gary Tooze