48 HRS (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: July 6, 2021
Rating: R
Film: 3.5/5
 
Plot
Nick Nolte is unforgettable as Jack Cates, a rough-edged Inspector on the hunt for two vicious cop-killers. Unlikely ride-along con Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy), is given 48-hour leave from prison to help Cates on the case. The laughs fly almost as much as the punches, as both men pursue two very different goals in a short amount of time.
 
My Thoughts
I reviewed the last Blu-ray release of this in 2011 and was curious how much better the encode would look after Paramount decided to go back and do a 4K scan of it. The film itself is decent enough, but extremely dated. The dialog is oftentimes cringe-worthy, but the chemistry between Murphy and Nolte is what makes the film work.
 
As expected, the video encode looks great as most of the other Paramount Presents films do. The 4K scan ups the detail and the grain isn’t as pronounced as the previous Blu-ray release. Much of the film takes place at night and I was impressed with the shadow detail. The TrueHD 5.1 audio track doesn’t fare as good as the video. Dialog is always intelligible, but the score can sound a tad harsh. On the plus side, the surround effects featured some good pans and fit the on-screen action.
 
 
Video 4.5/5
 
Audio 3.5/5 (Dolby TrueHD 5.1)
 
Special Features:
 

• Filmmaker Focus with Director Walter Hill
• Theatrical Trailer
• Space Kid (Original 1966 Animated Short)
• Digital Copy

 

 
 
Conclusion
I originally saw this film when I was 13 and had fond memories of it. Unfortunately, like most films from my youth, it hasn’t aged as well as other films from the era. The dialog is at times laughable and the acting isn’t anything to write home about, but it is a fun trip down memory lane even with its flaws. This was Murphy’s first feature film and set him up for a fabulous career and you could see glimpses of his natural talent that would only get better with time. Recommended for fans.
 
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion F110 Subwoofer x 2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

Never seen this one. Maybe I’ll cue it up. These older releases are fillers for the sparse new releases