Steel Magnolias (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Sony Pictures  
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Rating: PG
Film: 4/5
 
Plot
Six divas of the silver screen - Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts - come together as bosom buddies in this hilarious and heartwarming story of life, love and loss in a small Louisiana parish. At the center of the group is Shelby Eatenton (Julia Roberts), newly married and joyfully pregnant, despite the fact that her diabetes could make childbirth life-threatening. Terrified and angry at the possibility of losing her only daughter, M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field) looks to her four closest friends for strength and laughter as she battles her deepest fear of death in order to join Shelby in celebrating the miracle of new life.
 
My Thoughts
I had thought I had seen this movie when it had come out in the 80s but while watching it I didn’t remember anything about the film whatsoever. Regardless, my wife and I sat down and really enjoyed it a lot—even though we needed a box of tissues at the end. The film is very emotional, especially if you have kids of your own.
It’s based on the play from Robert Harling and this is readily apparent in many of the scenes, which are very dialog-driven and very witty. The strong female cast is excellent and my wife and I had a ton of laughs with their various interactions.
The 4K transfer is excellent with plenty of detail and lots of depth. The material is mostly in well-lit exterior shots and the live locations look marvelous. The Dolby Atmos track is very front-loaded and rarely makes use of the overhead or rear speaker, but it’s nice to see that the studio is providing the highest quality possible.
Video 9/10 
Audio 8/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:

• Steel magnolias 1990 TV Pilot
• Directors Commentary
• In Full Bloom: Remember Steel Magnolias
• 10 Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer
• UHD + Digital Code

 

 
Conclusion
While the film is definitely a tear-jerker, it’s extremely well-acted and directed and it’s easy to see why it’s been so popular for the past 35 years. It’s nice to see Sony releasing some of their better dramatic films on 4K and this is easy to recommend for fans.
 


 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
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this