Purple Rain (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers 
Release Date: June 25, 2024
Rating: R
Film: 4/5

Plot
The Kid (Prince) has all the talent in the world but is showing a pattern of destructive behavior that derailed his father’s musical career.  When a new girl in town, Apollonia, catches his eye, he begins to realize that there is more of his father in him than he cares to admit.  His world is rocked when his father attempts suicide which gives him a new perspective on both life and his music.

My Thoughts
If you’re looking for great acting, don’t pop this one in the player. Although if you’re a fan of Pince’s music and you’re looking for a fun way to spend an evening, then this will be right up your alley. As I’m sure you’re aware, music videos were all the rage in the 1980s and in this case, it’s a 111 minute one that showcases one of the best entertainers of his generation (or of all time?) along with Morris Day and a couple of his 80s hits. Prince’s band was called “The Revolution” for a reason—his music was truly revolutionary, cutting edge, and shall I say, timeless.
 
For the 40th Anniversary release, Warner saw fit to completely restore the film by minting an 8K scan of the original 35mm print. Furthermore, the film was conformed to its original 1.85:1 theatrical presentation framing. Along with the new master, the picture was color graded in HDR and the results are magnificent. Neither the previous HD DVD nor Blu-ray releases looked very good due to some significant print degradation. The newly minted disc looks phenomenal with plenty of detail and a much sharper image. Low-light scenes can still struggle a bit due to the original photography, but in all honesty, this is the best the film has ever looked to these eyes.

In addition to the video, the film’s audio was also restored from the original Dolby Stereo *LCRS) archived 35mm magnetic film source elements containing the separate dialogue, music, and effects (DME tracks). These restored elements along with the 20 anniversary’s 5.1 multi-channel print master were used to complete a newly remastered 5.1 presentation for this release and like the video, with excellent results. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is robust and Prince’s music sounds fantastic. Dynamic seems to be improved of the TrueHD 5.1 track on the Blu-ray release and dialog is clean and concise.

Video 9/10
Audio 8.5/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)

Special Features:

• Commentary
• First Avenue: The Road to Pop Royalty
• Let’s God Crazy – Music Video
• Take Me with U – Music Video
• When Doves Cry – Music Video
• I Would Die 4 U/Baby I’m a Star – Music Video
• Purple Rain – Music Video
• Jungle Love – Music Video
• The Bird – Music Video
• Sex Shooter – Music Video
• UHD + Digital Copy

Conclusion
This film is an autobiographical look at Prince’s early life in Minneapolis and its easy to see why the film won both an Oscar and a Grammy award for its soundtrack. Frankly, it’s the highlight of the show. My wife likes the music but finds the story more depressing than inspirational, and it’s hard to argue against her point. That being said, I have always liked the film due to the music and am happy to see it get the A-list treatment by Warner. 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
 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

[AVSCraig]

I'm a fan of this film and plan on getting this. It needed an audio and video upgrade. Thanks for the review. Your post title says " Purple Raid " though - ha! 

[David Vaughn]

I'm a fan of this film and plan on getting this. It needed an audio and video upgrade. Thanks for the review. Your post title says " Purple Raid " though - ha!

Oops...fixed. 

[bmoney]

Again another movie I’ve never seen. But def had the purple vinyl