Westworld is over half a century old and yet still seems groundbreaking even all these years later. Arrow Video has restored and released this amazing adventure on 4K UltraHD for the first time ever!
Synopsis: Welcome to Delos, the futuristic resort where, for $1,000 a day, wealthy vacationers can live out their wildest fantasies in hyper-realistic theme parks. In the Old West zone, friends Peter (Richard Benjamin) and John (James Brolin) saddle up for adventure, unaware that their dream holiday is about to turn into a nightmare. When a malfunction sends the park's android hosts off script, the Gunslinger (Yul Brynner, in his iconic black-clad role) begins a relentless pursuit, obliterating the line between simulation and survival.
Most films that are over half a century old feel that way. But Crichton created a world that feels classic yet still futuristic, even for this generation. Plus, the story is an ominous one. The idea of man playing God and how technology could turn on us. It's eerie, exciting and a wonderful adventure. Richard Benjamin and James Brolin are great in this film. But of course, the standout is Yul Brynner who barely utters a word and yet his performance stays with you long after the end credits roll.
Arrow Video has restored this film in 4K from the original negative. The film has been transferred to 4K in 2160p UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible). There are several audio options to choose from. The original restored lossless 4-channel stereo, 2.0 stereo, and 1.0 mono audio options. Then there is the remixed 5.1 DTS-HD MA surround audio. Finally, there are English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
It has been a while since I watched Westworld, and seeing this film on 4k was an extreme pleasure. The detail of the film in 4k is mind-blowing. The colors pop off the screen. The picture is as sharp as a tack. It is hard to put into words how impressed I was with this restoration.
But a wonderful restoration is not all that Arrow Video did for this sci-fi western classic. Arrow Video added some great bonuses to this 4K set. And some of which I am so glad I had the opportunity to witness.
Bonus Materials
* Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and film historian Daniel Kremer
* Cowboy Dreams, a newly filmed conversation between actor Richard Benjamin and producer/screenwriter Larry Karaszewski
* At Home on the Range, a brand new video interview with actor James Brolin
* HollyWorld: Producing Westworld, a brand new video interview with producer Paul N. Lazarus III
* Sex, Death and Androids, a brand new appreciation of the film by author and film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
* On Location with Westworld, an archival behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film from 1973
* Beyond Westworld, the 48-minute pilot episode of the 1980 follow-up television series
* Theatrical trailer
* Image gallery
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Arik Roper
* Collectors’ perfect-bound booklet featuring new writing on the film by David Michael Brown, Priscilla Page, Paul Anthony Nelson, and Abbey Bender
* Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Arik Roper
* Six postcard-sized artcards
With Arrow Video adding new features like an audio commentary, interviews and featurettes. That is great, but for me, the standout would have to be the Beyond Westworld pilot. I never got a chance to see this. And while it is nowhere near the level of the film. It is a spectacular little bonus feature.
Final Verdict: A to F
Movie: B+
4K Quality: A
Bonus Features: A
4K Release: A
You can order your copy of Westworld on 4K at MVD Shop or Amazon