‘Kindergarten Cop’ 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review – Comforting Action-Comedy Strikes A Fun Balance

Screen legend Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator, Predator, Total Recall) teaches a lesson in hilarity in this heartwarming action-comedy classic! Detective John Kimble (Schwarzenegger) is a veteran of the mean streets of Los Angeles, ready and able to tackle anything. But to trap an elusive criminal he is forced to face his most challenging assignment yet: going undercover as a kindergarten teacher. Now facing 23 screaming kids, he has to keep them under control without blowing his top and his cover. Once he gains the respect of his class, as well as the affections of a beautiful teacher (Penelope Ann Miller, The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag), Detective Kimble must prepare for a final confrontation with his prey in this gut-busting smash comedy directed by the great Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Twins). Featuring Pamela Reed (The Best of Times), Linda Hunt (Silverado), Richard Tyson (Three O’Clock High), Carroll Baker (The Carpetbaggers) and Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull).

For thoughts on Kindergarten Cop, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic: 

[youtube https://youtu.be/pPsN6xv-QFw?si=QRZw8R9xpRc-4q67&t=2515]

Video Quality

Kindergarten Cop debuts on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Kino Classics with a stunning 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer derived from a 4K scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative. This release does come with a Blu-Ray disc which is derived from the same 4K master, but I neither own nor have seen any previous version of the film which makes direct comparisons limited to what is in this package. That being said, chatter about the original 2014 Blu-Ray release from Universal is that it was abysmal with the ancient digital processes that ruined countless Blu-Ray discs from that era. Even if you are not 4K capable, it might be worth getting this release just for the remastered Blu-Ray which seemingly offers a night-and-day improvement over the old Blu-Ray. 

With the 4K UHD release, the transfer offers fans a viewing experience like never before with a virtually flawless presentation that embraces the natural intended look of the film. This release retains the lovely film grain of the source while always resolving naturally free of clumping and swarming. With this new transfer, you are exposed to so much texture and detail which brings out new facets of the clothing, production design, and other elements of the frame. Skin tones are natural, and the clarity of the transfer gives you a staggering amount of facial detail. Dolby Vision provides brilliant colors that saturate the frame. Black levels are deep and allow the image to show off a significant amount of depth and detail in any shadowy corners. Highlights are brighter with greater stability while avoiding instances of blooming. The precise display of contrast and overall clarity is never an issue, especially as you explore this rich world. Kino Classics has delivered an A+ release. 

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents the movie with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless track that ideally brings this story to life. Some factions typically implore labels to provide a new Dolby Atmos surround track in addition to the original audio, but this track is dynamite as is while maintaining its artistic integrity. Exchanges of dialogue emanate clearly and complement competing elements. The track balances the numerous layers of sound so nothing gets lost in a sonic swirl even in the noisy classroom. The surround channels are quite active as they deliver rich texture to the world with facets to make each environment stand out. The directionality of the sound is carefully executed throughout with no errant placement. The low end packs a punch when necessary for some dynamic texture. The score and soundtrack aid the mood of the story which radiates out with flawless fidelity. This audio presentation is a top-tier experience for fans. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided. 

Special Features

• Audio Commentaries: There are two excellent commentary tracks provided in which film historians discuss the release and legacy of the film, the cultural context that informed the film, the background of the performers, the output of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the thematic material that is atypical for many family films, and more that gives invaluable insight into the picture.  

• • Audio Commentary #1: Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson

• • Audio Commentary #2: Film Historian Samm Deighan

• Trailers: There is a two-minute trailer provided for Kindergarten Cop. There are also trailers provided for Face/Off, Hard Target, 2 Days In The Valley, Ronin, Stone Cold, Bird On A Wire, Out of Sight, The Usual Suspects, and Mystery Men. 

Final Thoughts

Kindergarten Cop is the type of ‘90s high-concept film that stars used to indulge in to show their range before streaming devalued the idea of a theatrical-quality comfort watch. There are some hilarious, memorable exchanges throughout, but it is also not a movie that can simply dismissed as a “kids movie” – there are too many elements that earned it its PG-13 for that. Arnold Schwarzenegger completely commits to both the comedic and action-oriented sides of the equation. It is not a movie that is pushing to be high art, but it is a terrific amount of fun. Kino Classics has given this one a 4K UHD Blu-Ray upgrade with a stellar A/V presentation and a couple of nifty commentary tracks. If you are a fan of the film, this release finally treats it well. Recommended 

Kindergarten Cop 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.