North by Northwest (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Rating: Not Rated
Film: 4/5


Plot
Roger O. Thornhill (Cary Grant) is in big trouble with some mysterious men when a case of mistaken identity leads to his kidnapping, arrest, and a murder charge for a crime he didn't commit. With the help of a beautiful blonde (Eva Marie Saint) and a little luck, he'll be able to return to his cushy job as a Madison Avenue advertising executive.

My Thoughts
The first time I watched this film was on Blu-ray back in 2009 for its 50^th Anniversary release. Hitchcock is considered one of the greatest directors of all time and it’s not hard to see why. While I wouldn’t consider this his best film, it’s definitely in the Top 5. It delivers suspense, romance, and drama with its far-fetched story, but it holds up quite well even after 65 years.

Warner has done a complete restoration for this release and I have to say that the 4K is quite impressive. Colors are richly saturation, as one would expect from the Technicolor VistaVision process, and the detail in the textures of clothing and facial features is mesmerizing. Some shots do look a bit softer than others, but this is mainly due to the cinematography and not due to a flaw in the encode. I did a direct comparison to the Blu-ray and noticed the framing is now correct at 1.85:1 versus the 1.78:1) and the color timing looks a lot more accurate and not skewing towards blue.

The Dolby Atmos track is about what you’d expect from a film of this age and isn’t quite as impressive as the video, but it has its moments. When Thornhill makes his initial escape from the crop-duster, the surround envelopment is decent considering the mono source, but the LFE is sorely lacking when needed. Dialog is easily intelligible, and the score from Bernard Hermann ratchets up the tension.

Video 10/10 (AVC)

Audio 9/10 (Dolby Atmos)


Special Features:
·      Audio Commentary
·      North by Northwest: Cinematography, Score and the Art of the Edit (NEW)
·      Destination Hitchcock: The Making of North by Northwest
·      The Master’s Touch: Hitchcock’s Signature Style
·      North by Northwest: One for the Ages
·      A Guided Tour with Alfred Hitchcock
·      Digital Code




 
 Conclusion
Even with the occasional scene bordering on campiness, the innocence of the era is effectively captured by Hitchcock. Whether it's the interplay between Grant and Saint or the closing shot of the train entering the tunnel (showing Hitchcock's mischievous humor), he certainly knew how to entertain an audience. 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
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
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]

Love this movie, and my 4K copy just arrived. Can't wait to give it a spin! 

[Barry]

David thanks for the review.  I first saw this movie in the theatre with my brother and loved it. It is my favorite Hitchcock film. And your review makes me anxious to see it.  I will over Thanksgiving, again with my brother.

I am not a big Hitchcock fan.  Many love Vertigo but it falls apart for me in the last 15 moinutes. Which are your favorites? (I don't like horror films so Psycho is out for me. But has a favorite trivia question.  Who is the actor who locks up Norman at the the end?  I bet you know him.  No cheating)

I got, on one day, the 4k discs of Terminator, Funny Girl, North tby Northwest and Blazing Saddles!  This weekend will be filled with film!

[David Vaughn]

I don't know Barry...who was it?

I'm not a horror fan either, but Psycho is a great film and is my favorite from Hitchcock. 

[AVSCraig]

Two Hitchcock movies on 4K I've recently re-watched ( hadn't seen them in years ) are The Birds and Rear Window. Loved both. The Birds might be my favorite Hitchcock film.

[Barry]

I don't know Barry...who was it?

I'm not a horror fan either, but Psycho is a great film and is my favorite from Hitchcock.

Ted Knight.  That's Ted Baxter from the Mary Tyler Moore Show!!!

[AVSCraig]

Ted Knight.  That's Ted Baxter from the Mary Tyler Moore Show!!!

Now I need to watch my 4K copy of Psycho! It's been years since I've seen it.

[David Vaughn]

Now I need to watch my 4K copy of Psycho! It's been years since I've seen it.

I've had it for a couple of years and still haven't watched it. My wife is never "in the mood." All she wants to watch right now is Christmas movies...tonight I may agree with her and queue up Die Hard!

[AVSCraig]

I've had it for a couple of years and still haven't watched it. My wife is never "in the mood." All she wants to watch right now is Christmas movies...tonight I may agree with her and queue up Die Hard!

We watched the original Rambo movie " First Blood " in 4K tonight. Since it takes place during the Christmas season, I'm calling it a Xmas movie too! 

[David Vaughn]

We watched the original Rambo movie " First Blood " in 4K tonight. Since it takes place during the Christmas season, I'm calling it a Xmas movie too!

Ooh...I'll have to add that one to my Christmas list. Just in case, Craig, do you have a spare bedroom available? I may need a place to sleep for a couple of nights this week

[AVSCraig]

Ooh...I'll have to add that one to my Christmas list. Just in case, Craig, do you have a spare bedroom available? I may need a place to sleep for a couple of nights this week

We do, and a bed that pulls out of the sectional sofa right in the theater! 

[bmoney]

Watched this for the first time ever the other night. I can see why Lu it’s a true classic. Loved it b

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Yeah, this looks fantastic. Totally agree.