Demolition Man – Limited Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray Review
Commissions Earned
Film Title: Demolition Man (1993)
Release Date: 2024
Rating: R
Runtime: 115 minutes
Region Coding: Region Free
Distributor: Arrow Video
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1 & 2.0
High Dynamic Range: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Version Reviewed: 4K UHD Blu-ray [Limited Edition]
Release Date: 12/17/24
Director: Marco Brambilla
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, Sandra Bullock, Nigel Hawthorne, Benjamin Bratt, Bob Gunton, Glenn Shadix, Denis Leary, Bill Cobbs, Rob Schneider
Jump to Sections:
Movie | Video | Audio | Bonus | Closing | Screenshots
Full 4K Tech Specs found at the bottom
click to view a 4K Screenshot
The Movie
“Demolition Man” was a movie released in 1993. It was directed by Marco Brambilla. He is known for making short films like “Destricted” (2006), “The Four Temperaments” (2020), and “Heaven’s Gate” (2021). The story for this movie was written by Peter M. Lenkov and Robert Reneau. They worked together to adapt the story into screenplay with the help of Daniel Waters.
Lenkov is best known for co-creating the comic book turned into movie “R.I.P.D.” (2013). Reneau is known for writing the screenplay for the movie “Action Jackson” (1988). Finally, Waters is known for writing the screenplays for the films “Heathers” (1988) and “Batman Returns” (1992). And he also co-wrote the screenplay for “Hudson Hawk” (1991).
The story is first set in Los Angeles during the year 1996. We are first introduced to one very over-the-top law enforcement officer by the name of “Detective John Spartan” (Sylvester Stallone). Spartan is in pursuit of a madman by the name of “Simon Phoenix” (Wesley Snipes). Phoenix has hostages and bombs rigged to blow if anything goes wrong. However, John Spartan comes in guns blazing and does as much property damage as possible, extremely upsetting his superior officers. This is why he ends up being arrested. He is convicted and then cryogenically frozen with the very same criminal he apprehends.
Skip forward to the future, specifically the year 2032. The place is now called “San Angeles,” instead of Los Angeles. Crime has been almost entirely eliminated. Police officers still exist and have paying jobs. Still, they don’t have to deal with basic crimes like murder, burglary, and robbery. That’s where we meet an attractive female S.A.P.D. police officer named “Lt. Lenina Huxley” (Sandra Bullock). She’s a fan of the 20th century, back when law enforcement fought crime. Huxley is nothing like most of her coworkers, who know nothing about actual crimes or history.
Meanwhile, she lives in a dystopian future. People are starving and in poverty, living underground. The wealthy look down on the poor in a literal way in this place. Still, those fortunate to avoid poverty face another challenge. Citizens get tickets for cursing or doing things deemed immoral by “Dr. Raymond Cocteau” (Nigel Hawthorne). They would dare not think of doing anything immoral.
There hasn’t been a single code 187, or “Murder Death Kill,” in many years here. All guns and other weapons have been put in museums as relics. Nonetheless, In this seemingly perfect society devoid of crime, an anomaly arises. How does this occur? Simon Phoenix, thawed from cryogenic freeze, escapes and ends up killing some law enforcement officers. A great idea arises from an officer that served back in 1996. His name is “Zachary Lamb” (Bill Cobbs). He suggests releasing John Spartan from cryogenic freeze. They should put him back on duty as a police officer. His job would be to apprehend Phoenix. So, that’s just what they do. They thaw out the “demolition man” John Spartan.
Spartan will collaborate with Lt. Huxley, who is determined to introduce him to the future (this vision of 2032). Naturally, he will resort to extraordinary measures beyond law enforcement standards to apprehend the criminal. His mission is to finally capture Phoenix. This will certainly be an unprecedented experience for these police officers.
NOTE: This release includes 4K presentations of the U.S. version and the International version, through seamless branching. The runtime for the United States Version is 1 hour, 55 minutes, and 8 seconds. The runtime for the International Version is 1 hour, 55 seconds, and 2 seconds. These two versions differ primarily in references. The U.S. Version includes references to Taco Bell. In contrast, the International Version includes references to Pizza Hut.
Movie Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Video Quality
“Demolition Man” on 4K UHD Blu-ray is presented in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision or HDR10 form of high dynamic range. Arrow Films has conducted a new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative. Director Marco Brambilla approved this restoration.
Next, let me get technical, in regards to the 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc itself here. This release uses a BD-100 (100 gigabytes) disc, 92.93 gigabytes total, and 80 gigabytes itself for the [U.S. version of the] film. Looking back on it, the 2010 Blu-ray Disc release of the film used 22.78 gigabytes in total. And out of that, it used 22.4 gigabytes itself for the film (in HD). So, this 4K version is roughly 3.57 times larger of a file than the HD version. That’s one of the largest file size comparisons I’ve ever seen of the 4K to an original HD version.
Based on my observations via my 4K UHD Blu-ray player, this seems to peak at around 112.3 Mbps. It then runs roughly around 88.1 Mbps and dips down as low as 63.2 Mbps. According to info on the PC side, this seems to have an overall video bitrate of 85.9 Mb/s average.
Next, I want to visually compare the original Blu-ray and the 4K UHD Blu-ray. I’ll show you the screenshots for both the 2010 Blu-ray and the new 2024 4K UHD Blu-ray releases. For those who want to see more Blu-ray VS. 4K screenshots, click the text below.
Blu-ray VS. 4K Screenshots Comparison:
SOURCES: 2010 Blu-ray (left), 2024 4K UHD Blu-ray (right)
You can see the obvious differences when you compare the original 2010 Blu-ray with this 2024 4K UHD Blu-ray. Things certainly are brighter in the new version. Colors seem more vibrant and bold, and flesh tones feel more precise, although admittedly brighter now. The 4K presentation unveils a wealth of newfound detail, particularly in facial close-ups. The amount of film grain is remarkable. The film grain here is just so excellent and brings back that cinematic feel to the visual presentation. The film grain, earlier smoothed over on the (2010) Blu-ray, is now clearly defined. The black level here, with HDR added in, is perfectly solid. The original Blu-ray looked pretty good for its time, I have to admit, looking back at it. Yet, this 4K UHD Blu-ray looks downright incredible, especially in comparison.
“Demolition Man” now on 4K UHD Blu-ray comes from an impressive 4K restoration. This restoration results in a remarkable 4K presentation. This looks exceptional. It is sure to please fans who previously owned the film on earlier forms of physical media. Fans will be happy with their choice in making the “upgrade.” That being said, this earns itself a perfect 5 rating for video quality. Arrow Video has truly outdone itself here, which has become a hallmark of their home video distribution.
4K UHD Blu-ray Screenshots
Video Quality Rating: 5 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Audio Quality
“Demolition Man” arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray with a new Dolby Atmos sound mix (with a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core) as well as DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo lossless sound. Those DTS-HD Master Audio mixes come with DTS 5.1 and DTS 2.0 Stereo core sound, for those incapable of decoding the sound format.
I decided to opt for the Dolby Atmos mix. As a result, everything I’ll be reviewing here in terms of audio will be for that. I did go as far as to sample watching the movie in both the 5.1 and 2.0 mixes and I’ve used that impression to help come to my overall rating, later in the review.
The first thing you’ll hear as the movie starts up is the music from the original score (by Elliot Goldenthal). Then, shortly thereafter, you hear the sounds of sirens. Gunfire follows. Then you hear the sound of a helicopter which fills the entire sound field. In this setting, the first scene with dialogue takes place. Dialogue is delivered here in a very distinct manner, from primarily the center channel.
Meanwhile, the height channel speakers are used for sound effects. Sounds like the helicopter and so forth are included. The height channel speakers are also used for some of the music. The rear channels also deliver a nice amount of sound effects, in a very realistic manner. The front left and right channel speakers are where the majority of the sound effects and music come from. There is a substantial amount of LFE here. It will leave you feeling the big opening action scene. You will also feel everything throughout the film via the subwoofer.
This Dolby Atmos mix is truly impressive in all ways. It skillfully utilizes the height channel speakers when necessary, and the rear channels are also effectively employed when required. Overall, it delivers an incredible listening experience. The action has never felt so intense as in this immersive mix. Explosions sound downright massive, and that’s just from the beginning of the film.
Both the 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo lossless sound mixes in DTS-HD Master Audio prove to be excellent. They do the film justice if you want to opt for them instead. All and all, “Demolition Man” on 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers an exceptional audio presentation, especially in Dolby Atmos. That being said, it earns itself a perfect 5 rating for audio quality.
Audio Quality Rating: 5 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Bonus Materials
Physical bonus materials included in this 4K UHD Blu-ray Limited Edition set include:
- Limited Edition Packaging Featuring Newly Commissioned Artwork by Laurie Greasley
- Double-Sided Fold-Out Poster Featuring Original and Newly Commission Artwork by Laurie Greasley
- 60-page Perfect Bound Collector’s Book Featuring New Writing by Film Critics Clem Bastow, William Bibbiani, Priscilla Page and Martyn Pedler
- 6 Postcard Sized Artcards
- ‘Three Seashells’ and ‘Edgar Friendly Graffiti’ Stickers
- Reversible Sleeve Featuring Original and Newly Commission Artwork by Laurie Greasley
Bonus materials included on the 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc are listed below.
- Audio Commentaries include:
- Audio Commentary by Director Marco Brambilla & Screenwriter Daniel Waters (2024)
- Audio Commentary by film critic Mike White (2024)
- Director Marco Brambilla & Producer Joel Silver
- NEW “Somewhere Over the Rambo“ (17 minutes, 1 second – HD). This is a visual essay by film scholar Josh Nelson, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2024.
- NEW “Demolition Design” (14 minutes, 14 seconds – HD). This is an interview with production designer David L. Snyder, filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2024.
- NEW “Cryo Action” (5 minutes, 53 seconds – HD). This is an interview with stunt co-ordinator Charles Percini, filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2024.
- NEW “Biggs‘ Body Shoppe” (5 minutes, 46 seconds – HD). This is an interview with special make-up effects artist Chris Biggs, filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2024.
- NEW “Tacos and Hockey Pucks” (9 minutes, 55 seconds – HD). This is an interview with body effects set co-ordinator Jeff Farley, filmed exclusively for Arrow Video in 2024.
- Theatrical Trailer (2 minutes, 6 seconds – HD) features stereo sound.
- Image Gallery (HD) has roughly 83 images.
The bonus materials here total up to around 56 minutes, just 4 minutes short of an hour. That’s pretty impressive considering that the majority of the extras are new. All of the new filmed extras were produced by Justin Beahm’s Reverend Entertainment. Plus, you get a total of three audio commentary tracks, two of which are new. The supplemental materials here are both informative and entertaining. True fans of the movie will certainly enjoy this limited edition box set, which includes both physical and digital extras.
Bonus Materials Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
click to view a 4K Screenshot
Closing Thoughts
“Demolition Man” from 1993 was one very fun film. I really enjoyed it when I first saw it, in my teens. It continues to be even more entertaining now when I watch it as an adult. Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes, as the protagonist and the antagonist, give both equally impressive performances. Also, Sandra Bullock’s performance in this film was remarkable. It propelled her to new heights. Her performance here really paved the way for her inclusion in many other films. In fact, it was just one year later that she was co-starring in another big film, “Speed” (1994).
The movie received somewhat favorable feedback from both critics and audiences. Still, if the online metrics of Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb are any hint, the reaction was slightly mixed. This movie had a reported budget of 57 million dollars. And it generated a worldwide box office return of 58 million, making a profit of 1 million dollars. This information comes from IMDb and Box Office Mojo. Despite not generating the highest profit margins, the movie has garnered a lasting appeal among its fans. This has been true on every home video format, from VHS to now 4K UHD Blu-ray.
In terms of video quality, this 4K restoration looks downright perfect in every way. I am a fan of this film. I had never imagined that it ever looking this good in 4K, but it damn sure does. The slight change of the color timing is one reason why this UHD presentation looks downright amazing. The brighter presentation is another reason. Also, the amount of film grain and detail contribute to this incredible 4K video presentation. It feels cinematic again here in my home theater.
In terms of audio quality, you get a new Dolby Atmos mix. It is perfect. You also get a lossless 5.1 surround and 2.0 Stereo mix as well, as options. You really can’t go wrong with picking either the Atmos or 5.1 mixes here, as they both are very impressive. The Atmos mix includes height channel speakers. These speakers are nicely used to deliver sound effects and music. Both the Atmos and 5.1 mixes come with a very nice amount of LFE.
The bonus materials here are impressive. You’ll get nearly an hour of typical extras, which are mostly newly created interviews and film discussions. Additionally, there are a total of three audio commentary tracks, with two of those being new.
Arrow Video has created a magnificent limited edition 4K UHD Blu-ray box set. I must truthfully say that it is overall impressive. This release delivers exceptional video and audio presentations, and it comes with a generous amount of extras. I’ll end by saying that I find this release to be very highly recommended.
In terms of 4K UHD Blu-ray release, this gets:
5 (out of 5) for video quality
5 (out of 5) for audio quality
4.5 (out of 5) for bonus materials
Overall Verdict:
Very Highly Recommended
Available As:
2024 4K UHD Blu-ray Limited Edition Release
Available at: Amazon
Commissions Earned
4K UHD Blu-ray Technical Specifications:
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Exact Runtime(s): 1:55:02 (Domestic “Taco Bell” version), 1:55:08 (International “Pizza Hut” version)
Audio Format(s): English Dolby Atmos (with a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core), English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (with a DTS 5.1 core), DTS-HD Maser Audio 2.0 Stereo (with a DTS 2.0 Stereo core)
Languages: English
Subtitles: English
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Disc Size: BD-100
Disc Use: 92.93GB total / 80GB or 80.5GB for the 2 versions of the film
Video Bitrate: 85.9 Mb/s