Studio: MVD Entertainment
Release Date: June 13, 2023
Rating: R
Film: 5/5
Plot Rain Man stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise as estranged brothers on a road trip unlike any other across America. Charlie Babbitt (Cruise) has been given the news that his recently deceased father has left his entire fortune to his autistic brother Raymond (Hoffman), who he did not know existed. In a crass bid to grab some, if not all of the inheritance, Charlie abducts Raymond and what begins as a money-making scheme for Charlie turns into a journey of discovery between brothers who are worlds apart.
My ThoughtsThe last time I watched this was when it came out on Blu-ray many years ago so when I saw it was being released on UHD, I knew it was something I’d have to see on the newest format. It’s a different take on the buddy film / road trip genre and how two brothers come together and form a relationship. Even though the film was made in 1988, it plays just as well today as it did back then. The chemistry between Cruise and Hoffman is excellent and the writing is phenomenal. In fact, it’s a film I quote to this day multiple times a year when I comment about my own driving skills! It’s easy to see how it received eight Oscar nominations and ended up winning for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor. Frankly, I think Cruise should have won an award as well—I think he’s very underrated as an actor.
The presentation is an upgrade over the Blu-ray and looks pretty impressive on UHD. There are a few scenes hear and there that look a tad soft, but that’s mainly due to the way the film was shot at the time. The audio track is decent, but mostly front loaded.
Video 9/10 (AVC)
Audio 8/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features: - UHD + Blu-ray
- Legacy Supplements
Conclusion There aren’t many films that I’ve watched in my life that I can see over and over and not get bored with. This is one of them though—it has all the elements of a great film. The script is perfect and the casting couldn’t have been better. It’s a timeless classic that receives a worthy 4K upgrade. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System: JVC DLA-RS3100 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 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
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
SVS SB3000
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner