Kindergarten Cop 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's release of "Kindergarten Cop" on 4K UHD Blu-ray marks a significant upgrade from previous formats, notably the unsatisfactory Universal Blu-ray. Employing a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, the picture is impressively filmic, with an authentic representation that eliminates the digital defects and heavy-handed DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) that plagued earlier editions. The result is a clean but not excessively polished image that retains its natural grain and texture, providing superior detail across the board. This refined presentation reveals intricate details such as facial textures, clothing weaves, and the eclectic kindergarten classroom, bringing a vibrancy and clarity to the film that surpasses all previous home video releases.

The inclusion of WCG (Wide Color Gamut), HDR (High Dynamic Range), and Dolby Vision on this Ultra HD Blu-ray disc elevates the viewing experience substantially. Colors are rich and organic, enhancing the film's palette without giving it an unnatural pop, which makes the kindergarten classroom scenes, in particular, feel more lively and immersive. Coupled with deep black levels and enhanced shadow detail, the image quality presents "Kindergarten Cop" in the best light possible, maintaining natural flesh tones and showcasing the scenic locales of Astoria with greater definition and texture. Whether through the bustling activity of a mall or the serene environments around Astoria, the sharpness and depth of the image are consistently impressive.

Technical excellence extends to the 2160p/Dolby Vision presentation, which takes advantage of improved resolution and color grading to offer a noticeable upgrade over even the remastered Blu-ray. Grain presence is balanced, ensuring the film maintains its cinematic feel while benefiting from heightened detail and texture visibility. From Arnold Schwarzenegger's discernible facial scruff in the film's early scenes to the lush greens of Astoria's landscapes, every shot benefits from the meticulous care taken in this transfer. The Dolby Vision grading in particular enhances visual depth and color saturation, making this 4K UHD release a definitive viewing experience for both fans and newcomers, free from any source or encode flaws, save for the occasional rare imperfection.

"Kindergarten Cop's" 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release showcases an engaging audio experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which faithfully prioritizes dialogue, ensuring it remains clear and coherent throughout the film. The track offers directional effects that lend an immersive quality, particularly noticeable during the film’s more action-packed opening and closing sequences where shotgun and magnum blasts provide a significant audio presence. These moments of intensity are well-balanced with the ambient sounds of a bustling school environment, encompassing everything from the cacophony of screaming children and fire alarms to the more subtle sounds of a busy police station or Randy Edelman's whimsical score, which benefits from a solid low-end depth adding gravitas to the film's score segments.

While generally well-executed, the audio presentation is not without its quirks. Instances where sound effects traditionally anchored to the frontal channels bleed into the rear channels inadvertently mar an otherwise clean audit profile. For example, specific sounds, such as a bouquet of flowers being pulled from a bag, exhibit placement in the mix that can momentarily disorient the listener due to their unexpected origin point. Despite these occasional missteps, the track excels in delivering key sound effects like gunshots and fire alarms with ample depth, maintaining fidelity to lifelike and well-prioritized dialogue without losing balance between the various audio elements.

The availability of an additional stereo mix broadens listening options but doesn’t detract from the fact that the DTS-HD 5.1 track is the stand-out choice for those seeking a more dynamic, albeit occasionally flawed, audio experience. Ambient and environmental sounds, including those capturing the chaos of a kindergarten class or the urban surrounding, are effectively rendered, albeit with some scenes displaying a more limited use of the surround channels. Despite these limitations, Randy Edelman’s score and other musical elements are presented with commendable spread and depth, reinforcing the overall enjoyable audio performance that accompanies this visually remastered classic.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Kindergarten Cop" presents a narrow but insightful collection of extras, primarily focused on in-depth audio commentaries and a selection of trailers. The substantial value lies in the two detailed commentaries provided by film historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Josh Nelson, and Samm Deighan, who explore the film’s cultural impact, Arnold Schwarzenegger's career trajectory, and the movie's thematic dualities. Although the set lacks a broad array of bonus materials, these commentaries offer considerable depth, encompassing historical context, gender roles, directorial choices, and comparisons with contemporary cinema. The inclusion of "Kindergarten Cop" and Kino Lorber trailers enriches the package, albeit slightly. While the extras might feel sparse to some, aficionados of Schwarzenegger and film history will appreciate the scholarly insights these features provide. However, it's noteworthy that the additional trailers and the presentation's packaging are exclusive to the Blu-ray component, excluding a DVD or digital copy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson: An informative and engaging discussion on the film's cultural significance and production details.
• Audio Commentary with Samm Deighan: Offers a deep dive into the movie's dichotomous tones, Schwarzenegger's career, and more.
• Kindergarten Cop Trailer: The original trailer for the film.
• Trailers for Kino Lorber Releases: A collection of trailers for films released through Kino Lorber, including titles like "Face/Off," "Hard Target," "2 Days in the Valley," "Ronin," "Stone Cold," "Bird on a Wire," "Out of Sight," "The Usual Suspects," and "Mystery Men."

"Kindergarten Cop," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by Ivan Reitman, finds itself in the unique crossover niche of comedy-action, establishing a peculiar tone that oscillates between light-hearted classroom antics and a more severe cop drama undercurrent. Released in 1990 and finding its way onto 4K UHD Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, the movie presents an intriguing phase in Schwarzenegger's career where he ventured into more comedic roles without abandoning the action-hero persona that defined his earlier films. This re-release benefits from a 2160p/Dolby Vision video, offering an enhanced visual fidelity that breathes new life into the film’s diverse set of scenes, from brightly lit kindergarten classrooms to the darker hues of its action sequences.

The film's storyline centers around Detective John Kimble (Schwarzenegger), who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher in order to catch a dangerous criminal. This setup leads to an offbeat mix of slapstick humor and moments of genuine tension. Despite presenting a blend that might seem awkward on paper, the film succeeds in engaging its audience thanks to Schwarzenegger's surprisingly adept comedic timing and a supporting cast that manages to hold its own alongside the larger-than-life lead. Schwarzenegger, alongside Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed, and a memorable ensemble of young actors, delivers performances that help ground the film’s more fantastical elements, creating a movie that is both entertaining and heartwarming.

One cannot overlook the film's intricate balancing act between its dual-genre aspirations. While it might have been conceptualized as a more straightforward action thriller, "Kindergarten Cop" evolved into something more nuanced, blending serious themes like child abuse and strained family dynamics with comedic relief and moments of sweetness. This tonal mix might lead to some narrative dissonance but ultimately shapes "Kindergarten Cop" into an interesting study of genre blending. With this 4K UHD restoration, viewers are treated not just to a visually enhanced version of the film but also a pair of new audio commentary tracks that potentially offer deeper insights into its unique production process and reception. Although it might not appeal uniformly to all demographic segments, viewed through "nostalgic adult goggles," the film maintains its charm, humor, and relevance, making it a peculiar yet captivating piece in Schwarzenegger’s filmography.

Kindergarten Cop, as an iconic early '90s film, finds Arnold Schwarzenegger in one of his most memorable roles, blending comedy with his action-hero persona in a manner that feels both innovative and nostalgically entertaining. The movie itself navigates a fine line between genres, appealing to adult audiences with its humor and action, while its foray into family-friendly territory is met with mixed success due to some of its darker themes. However, its endearing qualities remain intact, making it a beloved classic for many. Kino Lorber's release of the film on 4K UHD Blu-ray has been a significant upgrade, offering an exceptional video presentation enhanced by 4K and Dolby Vision HDR, making it the definitive version for fans aiming to experience the movie in its highest quality. The audio track, although not the most dynamic on the market, provides a solid listening experience.

The supplement of two new audio commentaries enriches the viewing experience by offering insights that fans and newcomers alike will find valuable. While additional features beyond these commentaries are sparse, their inclusion is a commendable effort to add depth to the film's home release. The overall package represents a significant improvement over previous editions, rendering older versions nearly obsolete, with this 4K UHD release setting a new standard for how classic films should be treated in the era of high-definition restoration.

In conclusion, Kindergarten Cop on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber is a must-have for both Arnold Schwarzenegger enthusiasts and fans of the film. The enhancement in video and audio quality breathes new life into this classic, ensuring that it can be enjoyed in unparalleled clarity for years to come. Despite its few shortcomings in terms of extra features, the inclusion of insightful commentaries and the impeccable restoration work make this release highly recommended. It's an essential addition to any collector's library, promising the best viewing experience of this unforgettable slice of '90s cinema.