NOTE: The below 4K UHD captures were taken directly from the disc.

ADDITION: Arrow 4K UHD (April 2025): Arrow have transferred Renny Harlin's "The Long Kiss Goodnight" to 4K UHD. It is cited as being as a "Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films from the original 35mm negative approved by director Renny Harlin". It offers a 4K UHD disc with feature and commentaries and a second disc Blu-ray with video supplements. 4K UHD is presented in Dolby Vision High-Dynamic-Range (HDR10 compatible.) I've compared some early 2000s DVD captures below. The 2160P image is par excellence. Guillermo Navarro's (Cronos, Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, The Devil’s Backbone) cinematography in The Long Kiss Goodnight is a dynamic blend of fluid, kinetic camerawork and carefully framed compositions, reflecting the film's shift from domestic quietude to explosive action. As the narrative pivots to Charly Baltimore's world, the framing tightens: handheld shots and quick pans dominate action sequences, like the hotel ambush, injecting a visceral immediacy. The 4K UHD image - with modest Dolby Vision, supports the film's color scheme that evolves with its tone, starting with warm, muted tones and transitioning to stark, elemental contrasts - ice versus fire - becomes a visual metaphor for her internal transformation, with Navarro leaning into high saturation to make the action pop in true '90s fashion. The climactic Niagara Falls sequence showcases the spectacle, with expansive aerial shots of the frozen landscape contrasting tight close-ups of Geena Davis' steely determination. It looks flawless in 2160P - clean, brighter rich/deep colors and impeccable contrast -- a stunning HD presentation.

It is likely that the monitor you are seeing this review is not an HDR-compatible display (High Dynamic Range) or Dolby Vision, where each pixel can be assigned with a wider and notably granular range of color and light. Our capture software is simulating the HDR (in a uniform manner) for standard monitors. This should make it easier for us to review more 4K UHD titles in the future and give you a decent idea of its attributes on your system. So our captures may not support the exact same colors (coolness of skin tones, brighter or darker hues, etc.) as the 4K system at your home. But the framing, detail, grain texture support, etc. are generally not affected by this simulation representation.

NOTE: We have added 74 more large resolution 4K UHD captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their 4K UHD, Arrow offer the option of DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track (24-bit), a 2.0 channel (16-bit) and a new Dolby Atmos 7.1 track - all in the original English language.

NOTE: For Atmos many non-compliant systems will recognize it as TrueHD 7.1, but from Wikipedia: "Because of limited bandwidth and lack of processing power, Atmos in home theaters is not a real-time mix rendered the same way as in cinemas. The substream is added to Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus. This substream only represents a losslessly encoded fully object-based mix. This substream does not include all 128 objects separated. This is not a matrix-encoded channel, but a spatially-encoded digital channel. Atmos in home theaters can support 24.1.10 channel, but it is not an object-based real-time rendering. Filmmakers need to remix and render the TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus soundtracks with Dolby Media Producer."

The sound design is a masterclass in '90s action excess, delivering a visceral, larger-than-life auditory punch. As the violence erupts, the soundscape explodes: gunshots crack with sharp, reverberating clarity, glass shatters with a crystalline crunch, and explosions rumble with deep, chest-thumping bass. The hotel ambush is a highlight, with bullets whizzing in a chaotic symphony, punctuated by the thud of bodies hitting the floor. Alan Silvestri's (Van Helsing, Shattered, Romancing the Stone, Flight, Forrest Gump, Predator, Contact, The Fifth Floor) original score for The Long Kiss Goodnight is a dynamic force that mirrors the film's tonal shifts, seamlessly blending tender melancholy with adrenalized intensity. The Niagara Falls climax is a standout, where Silvestri layers ominous low-end tones with triumphant orchestral flourishes, creating a soundscape that's both foreboding and exhilarating. There's no distortion or muddiness, even in the densest action scenes; the soundstage feels wide and immersive, though it lacks the nuance of modern Atmos mixes. The lossless audio track options sharpen the experience further, bringing out subtle details - like the faint drip of water in a motel or the metallic clank of Charly's sniper rifle - with pristine fidelity.  The audio of The Long Kiss Goodnight is a sonic rollercoaster that mirrors its visual flair - intimate and understated in Samantha's world, then brash and unrelenting as Charly takes over. Silvestri's score provides emotional and rhythmic glue, while Flick's sound design delivers the kind of in-your-face intensity that defined '90s action cinema. Like the video it is flawless. Arrow offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region FREE 4K UHD disc.

The Arrow 4K UHD offers a new commentary by Walter Chaw (The Films of Walter Hill: Another Time, Another Place,) a respected voice in film criticism known for his incisive and often poetic analyses, delivers a fresh commentary track. It's a deep dive into the film's themes - identity, gender roles, and '90s action tropes - alongside its production context and Shane Black's signature style. Chaw's commentary likely balances scholarly insight with an enthusiast's passion, dissecting Geena Davis' dual performance and the film's underrated status in Harlin's oeuvre. Brilliant. There is also a new audio commentary by film critics Drusilla Adeline and Joshua Conkel, co-hosts of the Bloodhaus Podcast. This second commentary brings a dynamic duo from the Bloodhaus podcast, known for their irreverent takes on genre cinema. Adeline and Conkel offer a lively, conversational track, blending humor with sharp observations. Given their horror podcast roots, they highlight the film's darker edges - like its violent flair and psychological undertones - while celebrating its campy '90s excess and Samuel L. Jackson's scene-stealing quips. Light and informative. Included on the 4K UHD disc is the original 1996 trailer - a compact blast of nostalgia showcasing the film's high-octane action, Black's witty dialogue ("Chefs do that!"), and Davis' transformation from suburban mom to assassin. There is also a large image gallery slideshow of production stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and promotional artwork. These include shots of Davis in both Samantha and Charly modes, Jackson in his rumpled PI gear, and Harlin directing the chaos, offering a visual peek into the film's creation. 

The rest of the supplements are on Arrow's second disc Blu-ray. Girl Interrupted is a new 1/4 hour interview with actress Yvonne Zima (small role in Heat,) who played Samantha's daughter Caitlin at age seven, reflects on her experience in this fresh 2025 interview. It's a substantial chat, covering her memories of working with Davis and Jackson, the intensity of the action scenes (like being dangled over a bridge,) and her perspective as a child actor on a big-budget set. Zima's insights add a personal, familial layer to the film's legacy. Symphony of Destruction is a new 10-minute interview with Stunt Co-ordinator Steve Davidson behind the film's jaw-dropping action. There are details on choreographing key sequences - like the hotel shootout, the bridge explosion, or Charly's ice-plunge escape - complete with anecdotes about training Davis and managing practical effects in the pre-CGI era. It's a nuts-and-bolts look at '90s stunt work, likely brimming with adrenaline-fueled stories. Long Live the New Flesh is a new dozen-minute interview with make-up artist Gordon J. Smith who discusses his contributions, from subtle character transformations (Samantha's fresh face to Charly's hardened look) to the gore of gunshot wounds and explosion aftermaths. He might delve into the creation of Brian Cox's dummy or the challenges of '90s prosthetics, offering a tactile angle on the film's physicality. Amnesia Chick is a new 20-minute visual essay by film scholar Josh Nelson who explores the film's amnesia-driven narrative through a scholarly lens - interweaving clips and analysis, Nelson traces the trope's history - from post-war noirs to '90s thrillers - positioning The Long Kiss Goodnight within a broader cinematic tradition. There is a focus on Samantha/Charly's dual identity as a feminist twist on memory-loss tales, with nods to the film's cultural moment. The Mirror Crack' is a new 40-minute visual essay by critic and filmmaker Howard S. Berger ('The Flying Maciste Brothers') entitled Domesticity & Liberation in Black and Harlin's Psychosexual Shoot 'em Up. It dissects Harlin's visual style, Black's script, and the film's neo-noir undertones, using clips to highlight its craft. Its '90s context is explored - action cinema's peak, gender dynamics, or its cult afterlife - making this a centerpiece of the set. A Woman's World is a new 1/4 hour visual essay by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (The Cinema Coven: Witches, Witchcraft and Women's Filmmaking) known for her feminist film scholarship, centering on Geena Davis' powerhouse role. There are a short clip of deleted scenes and archival promotional interviews with director Renny Harlin and stars Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Craig Bierko. This archival set pulls from 1996 EPK (Electronic Press Kit) material, broken into bite-sized segments: Harlin likely touts the film's spectacle, discussing special effects and the script's $4 million buzz. Geena Davis reflects on her dual role and chemistry with Jackson, with her trademark warmth. Samuel L. Jackson's segment highlights his fun with Harlin and Davis, delivering proto-Pulp Fiction swagger and Craig Bierko gets a quick word on his antagonistic turn. Lastly is a 6-minute 'making of' promotional featurette also from the EPK, is a slicker-than-average '90s making-of. It mixes cast/crew interviews with action footage, hyping the story, themes, and set pieces. Expect glossy editing and soundbites about Davis' transformation and the film's explosive scale. Included is Behind the Scenes Archive EPK Footage from the filming of The Long Kiss Goodnight running over 8 minutes - this rawer EPK footage offers fly-on-the-wall glimpses of production - Harlin directing stunts, Davis prepping a fight, and Jackson cracking wise on set. Sourced from SD/VHS masters, it's grainy but authentic, capturing the '90s filmmaking hustle in real time. The package's physical collectibles elevates this release into collector territory with tangible goodies, including reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Hadley. The outer sleeve offers two looks: the original 1996 poster and a fresh design by artist Sam Hadley, whose bold, stylized work emphasizes Charly's intensity or the film's icy-fire duality. The reversible option lets fans choose their vibe. There is a hefty illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Clem Bastow, Richard Kadrey, Maura McHugh, and Priscilla Page. It is a meaty read, with four new essays. A playful "Thin Ice" sticker ties into the Niagara Falls climax, where Charly plunges through ice. It's a small, quirky touch - perfect for laptops or water bottles.

The Long Kiss Goodnight has gained a strong cult following. This a stellar upgrade for fans of this 90s action classic. The brand-new 4K restoration, sourced from the original 35mm negative and approved by director Renny Harlin, delivers a jaw-dropping visual experience. Presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible,) the image boasts crisp detail, vibrant colors, and enhanced contrast that make the film’s snowy settings and explosive action sequences come alive. The 2160P transfer preserves the cinematic feel while sharpening the overall picture to a level that feels modern yet authentic to its roots. Shane Black’s signature action and witty dialogue is effective. It’s a demo-worthy experience that complements the film’s high-energy vibe. Beyond the technical brilliance, Arrow packs this Limited Edition with extras that add real value. Arrow's 4K UHD package includes two fresh audio commentaries from film critics, while the accompanying Blu-ray disc offers a treasure trove of new interviews, visual essays, and archival behind-the-scenes content. Add in the physical goodies - reversible artwork, a collector’s booklet, and a seasonal postcard - and this set feels like a love letter to the film’s cult following. The Long Kiss Goodnight already stands out as a pleasing 90s action flick, with Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson delivering entertaining performances. Arrow’s 4K UHD release takes it to new heights, making it a must-own for fans and a worthy showcase of how physical media can breathe fresh life into a classic. Absolutely recommended to fans of the film.

Gary Tooze