Thankfully, this new 1080p edition fixes a lot of those problems. Colors are deeper, richer, and bolder. Black levels remain inconsistent causing the picture to go flat in multiple shots. Softness is a source issue, particularly on distance shots. Up close, detail isn’t the best you’ll see on the format, but it is an improvement. Clarity is up and notable. Flesh tones can veer slightly pink. It’s not mind blowing, but it’s an improvement.

Warner goes with a PCM mix, and this flat, low-fidelity presentation is under whelming. The rear channels only have some minor notable uses, and the front channels showcase only mild separation. R. Lee Ermey’s screams fall apart at their peak, and bass is non-existent.

A commentary with some of the cast (Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio, and R. Lee Ermey) and the writer Jay Cocks is the beginning of a meager extras set, which is still more than the original release which offered nothing. A fine documentary is the other feature in the extras menu called Between Good and Evil. At around a half hour, this could certainly be longer as the film warrants in-depth discussion, but what’s here is excellent.

Most of the epic opening sequence with R. Lee Ermey was improvised. However, when Ermey referenced a “reach-around,” Kubrick stopped filming and had to ask what that meant. After an explanation, he chose to keep it.

Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

Visit Matt Paprocki's author page — Matt Paprocki's Blog