Murder By Decree 4K UHD (1979) (Kino Studio Classics)

[MifuneFan]

Kino will be releasing Murder By Decree (1979) on 4K UHD on January 14th! It will be using a new SDR master from StudioCanal.

https://kinolorber.com/product/murder-by-decree-4kuhd

Extras

DISC 1 (4KUHD):

• Brand New UHD SDR Master by StudioCanal
• Audio Commentary by Director Bob Clark
• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English Subtitles

DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):

• Brand New HD Master by StudioCanal
• Audio Commentary by Director Bob Clark
• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
• Theatrical Trailer
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
• Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
• Optional English Subtitles

From Bob Clark, the acclaimed director of Dead of Night, Black Christmas, Breaking Point, Tribute, Porky’s and A Christmas Story, comes this horrifying murder-mystery which pits legendary detective Sherlock Holmes against the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper! When Scotland Yard is unable to stop the gruesome rampage of Jack the Ripper, a citizens’ committee asks Sherlock Holmes (Christopher Plummer, The Silent Partner) and his trusted associate Dr. John H. Watson (James Mason, The Man Between) to investigate. Now the brilliant pair must follow a terrifying trail of clues that includes a frightened psychic (Donald Sutherland, The Great Train Robbery), a suspicious inspector (David Hemmings, Juggernaut), an institutionalized woman (Geneviève Bujold, Coma) and the Prime Minister of England (John Gielgud, Murder on the Orient Express). But even if Holmes and Watson’s remarkable powers of deduction can unmask the maniacal fiend, are they prepared to face the most shocking secret of all? Find out in this masterful suspense thriller that both fans and critics have called the most exciting and original Sherlock Holmes movie ever made! The Stellar cast also include Susan Clark (Coogan’s Bluff), Anthony Quayle (Guns of Navarone), and Frank Finlay (Lifeforce).

[Losey]

SC/Kino’s last blu was awful. Fingers crossed. Love that film.

[John Earls Umbrella]

A lot hanging on the “new SDR master” description. I have the SC BD edition and it sucks. Site review describes the issues better than I can. I hope this Kino version isn’t based on that so called SC “new restoration”, it doesn’t look much better than an average DVD.

[BluProofie]

Oh wow, I never expected this. If it’s a big improvement, which I’m sure it will be, I’ll double dip.

[Matt89]

Well, SDR just means this will actually (probably) have a decent encode, unlike their HDR 4Ks that have come out recently.

[bgart13]

HDR would help this movie so much. A shame, but I'll wait to see reviews.

[brainofj72]

Glad I never picked up the BD now.

[JohnCarpenterFan]

The "brand-new restoration" that was supposed to have been completed in 4K appeared on the UK Blu-ray and it looked exactly like an older HD master of the film. I hope we do get something resembling a modern 4K master from an OCN from Kino and this doesn't turn into another To Catch a Thief situation.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by JohnCarpenterFan

The "brand-new restoration" that was supposed to have been completed in 4K appeared on the UK Blu-ray and it looked exactly like an older HD master of the film. I hope we do get something resembling a modern 4K master from an OCN from Kino and this doesn't turn into another To Catch a Thief situation.

I am curious about those previous releases (from Kino and SC). The site review here seems to believe it's an error, and the actual 4K restoration wasn't put on disc. It does look pretty bad, so I have to wonder what happened. SC's website clearly states it was a 4K restoration from the OCN, so it certainly shouldn't look like that.

[JohnCarpenterFan]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I am curious about those previous releases (from Kino and SC). The site review here seems to believe it's an error, and the actual 4K restoration wasn't put on disc. It does look pretty bad, so I have to wonder what happened. SC's website clearly states it was a 4K restoration from the OCN, so it certainly shouldn't look like that.

It is clearly sourced from the same master Kino used for their older Blu-ray, which was criticised for looking like an ancient master at the time. I'm not sure if it's mislabeled files or what, but I hope Kino looked into the issue before they announced this.

[Markgway]

Hmmm.

[John Earls Umbrella]

Originally Posted by JohnCarpenterFan

The "brand-new restoration" that was supposed to have been completed in 4K appeared on the UK Blu-ray and it looked exactly like an older HD master of the film. I hope we do get something resembling a modern 4K master from an OCN from Kino and this doesn't turn into another To Catch a Thief situation.

I’m not holding my breath. If they were offering that they would say so in the blurb.

[Maggot]

Never seen this, but its certainly got a lot of talent involved

[BluProofie]

I highly doubt they would release a UHD of that earlier transfer.

[nicwood]

Originally Posted by BluProofie

I highly doubt they would release a UHD of that earlier transfer.

The Boogens has entered the chat. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-B...6/#Screenshots

[BluProofie]

Originally Posted by nicwood

The Boogens has entered the chat. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-B...6/#Screenshots

That does look bad but I’m inclined to believe this is a new master. I just can’t see them bothering to re-release this. It’s a title I’m surprised sold enough to get one in the first place.

[nicwood]

Originally Posted by BluProofie

That does look bad but I’m inclined to believe this is a new master. I just can’t see them bothering to re-release this. It’s a title I’m surprised sold enough to get one in the first place.

What I wanted to say with this was that KL are seemingly willing to release garbage masters like this in 4K if they see sales potential. I obviously hope for the opposite for Murder By Decree but I’m not getting my hopes up yet.

[SGFfilmfan]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[MifuneFan]

Official cover art and details have been posted

Originally Posted by Kino Lorber Insider

Coming January 14th!
https://kinolorber.com/product/murder-by-decree-4kuhd

MURDER BY DECREE (1979)

DISC 1 (4KUHD):
• Brand New UHD SDR Master by StudioCanal
• Audio Commentary by Director Bob Clark
• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English Subtitles

DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
• Brand New HD Master by StudioCanal
• Audio Commentary by Director Bob Clark
• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
• Theatrical Trailer
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
• Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
• Optional English Subtitles

PACKAGING:
• Limited Edition O-Card Slipcase and Reversible Art

Attachment 309536

[Losey]

I love that Kino is using the Amsel inspired original poster (very Murder on the Orient Express-ish)