Modern society draws lines between right and wrong, good and evil, rage and redemption. A moment of self-absorption and a spark of anger will cause two men to cross them. As the battle of wills escalates, both lives are changed forever. Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) and Ben Affleck (Gone Girl) deliver gripping performances in this provocative “thinking person’s thriller” (New York Post) that exposes the best and worst in all of us. Written by Chap Taylor and Michael Tolkin (The Player), directed by Roger Michell (Notting Hill) and featuring Toni Collette (The Sixth Sense), Sydney Pollack (Eyes Wide Shut), Richard Jenkins (Step Brothers), Amanda Peet (Identity) and William Hurt (Gorky Park).

For thoughts on Changing Lanes, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/ThQZmup1JxI?si=QtaJZCzPm3N8Om55&t=1701]

Video Quality

Changing Lanes debuts on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Kino Classics with a great 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer that is derived from a 4K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative. This release does come with a Blu-Ray disc which has also been created from the same 4K master, which itself seems to be an improvement over the Blu-Ray first released by Paramount in 2009. Even if you are not 4K UHD capable, you may want to make an upgrade from that ancient master to have the new Blu-Ray disc, and then you will be ready with the 4K UHD disc if you upgrade. The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc offers stark improvements when compared to the accompanying Blu-Ray thanks to a superior handling of the material. This is a visually kinetic and dark film, and we are glad to have a transfer that represents it so well.

The natural film grain has been mostly preserved while always resolving naturally free of clumping and swarming. There are subtle indications of minor digital finessing, but things stay quite natural. The New York City locale is buzzing with texture and detail within the transfer which brings out new facets to the frame. The Dolby Vision brings the complexity out of the heavily metallic and reserved production design. Contrast and overall clarity are beyond reproach, especially in discrete details within the environment and the costumes. Black levels are improved with depth and detail in the darkest corners of the screen. Highlights hold tight as they avoid instances of blooming. With the 4K UHD release, the transfer looks better than ever with nothing in the way of softness or fluctuation. Kino Classics keeps up its high level of quality.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents the movie with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless track that captures this narrative to terrific effect. It proves to be notably complex while navigating this tense story teeming with unique sonic details. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear as it plays agreeably with competing elements. The track capably balances the layers of sound so nothing turns into a bog of noise.

The surround channels provide some significant texture to the city as each scene reveals facets that make the world feel immersive. The directionality is effective from the beginning as the city comes alive from all directions. The low end is consistently present with texture even though there are few overly action-oriented set pieces. The score and the soundtrack establish the appropriate tone which flows out with pleasing fidelity. This audio presentation more than gets the job done. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Director Roger Michell delivers a steady archival commentary track in which he recalls various aspects of the production including the development of different scenes, the themes of the material, the New York shooting locations, the visual aesthetic of and movement within the film, working with the performers, the creation of the score, and much more.

The Making of Changing Lanes: A 15-minute vintage featurette in which the cast and creative team discuss the motivations for making this story, the details about the characters and the performers who play them, the challenges of the production, the themes that are explored, and more.

The Writers’ Perspective: A seven-minute piece with Chap Taylor and Michael Tolkin in which they discuss the moral complexity of the film and different developments throughout the story.

Deleted/Extended Scenes: There are numerous unused scenes totaling nearly ten minutes provided in rough standard definition.

Trailers: There is a two-and-a-half-minute trailer provided for Changing Lanes. There are also trailers provided for The Manchurian Candidate (2004), The Last Castle, Eastern Promises, Suspect Zero, The Score, In Bruges, The Interpreter, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Hollywoodland.

Final Thoughts

Changing Lanes is a compelling thriller that keeps you hooked to the screen even though there are some dubious contrivances throughout. Our main issue is how overblown the reactions seem to be to what should not be such a heated issue, although asking characters to have a level-headed conversation is too much to ask for in a feature film. Both of the lead performances are solid even if Affleck seems to be in the period where he is still figuring out his strengths as a performer. It is not a classic, but it is decent popcorn fun. Kino Classics has given this one a 4K UHD Blu-Ray upgrade with a standout A/V presentation and some good legacy special features. If you love the performers or are intrigued by the premise, it should work well enough for you. Recommended

Changing Lanes is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.