BLU-RAY REVIEW

American Graffiti 4K Ultra HD

Featured In Issue Issue 270, November/December

Picture4
Sound3.5
WSR Score3
Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
(Studio/Distributor):
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number):
1000827889
(MPAA Rating):
PG
(Rating Reason):
(Retail Price):
$20.99
(Disc Type):
Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-100)
(Widescreen Edition):
Yes
(Full Screen Edition):
(Running Time In Minutes):
112
(Color Type):
Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access):
Yes
(Closed Captioned):
Yes
(Regional Coding):
ABC
(Theatrical Year):
(Theatrical Release):
Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release):
No
(Disc Release Date):
11/7/2023
(THX® Digitally Mastered):
(Director):
George Lucas
(Screenplay/Written By):
(Story):
(Music):
(Director Of Photography):
(Production Designer):
(Visual Effects):
(Costume Designer):
(Editor):
(Supervising Sound Editors):
(Re-Recording Mixers):
(Executive Producers):
(Co-Producers):
(Producers):
(Academy Awards):
(Principal Photography):
(Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
(Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
(Disc Soundtrack):
DTS HD Lossless 5.1
(Theatrical Sound):
(Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
(DTS Bit Rate):
(Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
(Additional Languages):
(Subtitles):

"American Graffiti" is a coming-of-age story set against the 1960's backdrop of hot rods, drive-ins and rock 'n' roll. The story follows a group of teenagers as they cruise the street on their last summer night before college. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director George Lucas, the featurettes "The Making Of American Graffiti" (SD 01:18:11) and "Screen Tests" (SD 22:55), theatrical trailer and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.35:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on Eastman film stock in anamorphic Techniscope using the Arriflex 35-III camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. Picture restoration is excellent and surpasses all previous editions of this American classic. The color palette is nicely saturated throughout with strong primaries that at times pop. The colors appear natural throughout. Flesh tones are generally natural in appearance. HDR contrast appears well balanced. Back levels are deep. though shadows are a bit dark and veiled. White levels are bright, especially the white headlights on the vintage cars. Resolution is generally good with convincing sharpness and clarity. Still closeups appear soft. Overall this is a pleasing visual experience that is fun trip back in time. American Graffiti has never looked better. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is dated and mediorcre. Surround energy is largely an extension of the music and atmospherics. Sound effects are often nuanced but distinct. Bass extension is limited and a disappointment. ADR dialogue is generally well integrated and intelligible. Still the overall presentation is pleasurable. (Gary Reber)