Pulp Fiction (4k UHD Blu-ray Steelbook) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: December 6, 2022
Rating: R
Film: 4.5/5
 
Plot
Critics and audiences worldwide hailed Pulp Fiction as the star-studded movie that redefined cinema in the 20th century. Writer-director Quentin Tarantino delivers an unforgettable cast of characters— including a pair of low-rent hit men (John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson), a gangster's wife (Uma Thurman), and a desperate prizefighter (Bruce Willis)—in a wildly entertaining and exhilarating adventure of violence and redemption.
 
My Thoughts
When this film was released back in 1994 the hype surrounding it was deafening. So, my wife and I ventured out to the theaters to see it for ourselves and unfortunately came away wildly disappointed. It was a case of too much hype had our expectations so damn high that there was no way to exceed our expectations. For years when anyone would rave about the movie, we would roll our eyes and comment how we really didn’t enjoy it.
 
Fast forward 17 years when the Blu-ray release was upon us and a review copy arrived in the mail. My wife refused to watch it with me, so I watched it solo and guess what? I absolutely loved it. In fact, I told her she had to at least give it a try a few weeks later and she begrudgingly agreed and while she didn’t love it, she at least liked it and wondered why we didn’t like it 17 years prior.
 
Here we are nearly 30 years after its initial release and Paramount has seen fit to give the film the 4K treatment as well as a spiffy Steelbook package. This was the sixth time I’ve watched the film and it just keeps getting better. Whether it’s the fantastic dialog between Travolta and Jackson or the plethora of cameos, everyone involved gives their very best for Tarantino. Yes the film is violent, which is probably why we didn’t originally like it, but the humor overshadows even the most violent scene. Over the years I’ve come to appreciate Tarantino’s work and I consider this his second-best movie behind Inglorious Basterds, but we’re talking a photo finish between the two.
 
Tarantino himself oversaw the 4K transfer of this film and it is by far the best it has ever looked. Comparisons to the old Blu-ray, which wasn’t a bad transfer back in the day, show how far compression technology has come in the past 10 years. Fine detail is mesmerizing, colors are absolutely perfect, and black levels are excellent. Granted, there are a couple of scenes that exhibit some minor crush, but that could actually be from the original photography and not the fault of the transfer.
 
The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack is outstanding. Gunshots ring out true and deep and will test the low-end of your speakers and discrete sounds emanate from throughout the room. The only reason there’s a .5 deduction is the lack of either an Atmos or DTS:X mix—that would have been the icing on the cake.
 
Video 9/10
 
Audio 9.5/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
Special Features:
 

• Not the Usual Mindless Boring Betting to Know You Chit Chat (New)
• Hare are Some Facts on the Fiction
• Pulp Fiction: The Facts – Documentary
• Deleted Scenes
• Behind the Scenes Montoges
• Production Design Featurette
• Siskel & Ebert At the Movies: The Tarantino Generation
• Independent Spirit Awards
• Cannes Film Festival – Pame D’Or Acceptance Speech
• Charlie Rose Show
• Marketing Gallery
• Still Gallery
• Enhanced Trivia Track
• UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 

 
Conclusion
This the Royale with Cheese when it comes to Tarantino films. For me it was an acquired taste, but one I’m so glad I developed over time. Seeing the film in its 4K glory is a delight and if you have a 4K display, it’s definitely worth the upgrade over the old Blu-ray. Furthermore, I love the Steelbook packaging. I can’t recommend this one highly enough—enjoy the show!
 
 
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 88” 16x9 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]

Huge upgrade of the 1080 imho

Saw this one in theaters my freshman year in college. Love at first sight for me. So good!

[Craig Peer]

Just waiting on my copy to arrive!