Three-time Academy Award ® winner* Oliver Stone (JFK, Platoon) delivers a powerful movie unlike any other! As fugitive serial killers Mickey and Mallory, Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis play two crazy, mixed-up kids that’d give a demon nightmares. The amazing supporting cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Tommy Lee Jones, Tom Sizemore, and Rodney Dangerfield, set the screen ablaze in this wild ride that will rattle your senses.
For thoughts on Natural Born Killers, please check out my piece on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Scream Factory presents Natural Born Killers with a tremendous 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a new 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative with Dolby Vision/HDR. This particular 4K UHD presentation applies to the Director’s Cut of the film which has been approved by Director Oliver Stone. Both cuts of the film are provided on Blu-Ray discs derived from the same new 4K master, meaning even those not 4K UHD capable will find this a notable improvement from the previous lackluster Blu-Ray from Warner Bros.
One thing you have to keep in mind when viewing this film is that it has a very distinct style which does not always allow for a mind-blowingly crisp 4K UHD image, but this transfer does allow it to be the best version itself. Any previous specks of damage or dirt have been eradicated during the remastering process. The level of detail and clarity will knock you sideways thanks to the presence of the glorious natural film grain which has thankfully not been scrubbed away. The grain resolves surprisingly well given the source aesthetic without ever feeling clumpy or swarming even during smoky or murky environments. We did not spot any jarring digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such nuisances.
Yet, as mentioned, the style of this movie does call for some less-than-sumptuous shots. Most notably, the early sitcom-esque video footage of Mallory’s home life looks appropriately artificial and low quality. There are many aesthetic flights of fancy throughout this fever dream of a film, and every offbeat element is treated with the care it deserves. These shots may look “rough”, but they are the most pleasing version of them that could be desired – this disc respects the artistic intention of Stone. Even during these moments, the texture on display in the grisly gore, the clothing, and within the production design are unbelievable. The practical effects present with impressive clarity, and you are liable to find previously unseen elements throughout the film thanks to the added clarity.
The Dolby Vision is implemented impeccably for increased color output that captures the palette’s depth and nuance. The film features some shadowy sequences such as the hut with the Native American, which reveals lovely detail in the dark corners. Things shine even brighter during the daytime scenes throughout the country. The new presentation features some hues in the lighting and landscapes that radiate off the screen with a welcome vibrancy. Lighting is used well to establish the mental state of the characters, and this disc handles every distinct environmental change with ease. Black levels are robust with virtually nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights are dialed in perfectly with no evidence of blooming. This presentation is true to the original look of the film, and it marks a top-tier effort from the team at Shout! Studios.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio track, both of which include the previously-replaced “Burn” by Nine Inch Nails near the end of the film. From the very opening sonic onslaught, the track provides an intensive soundscape that realizes the artistic intent with a fidelity that never falters. The environmental sounds such as gunshots or screaming victims are rendered well alongside everything else. The soundtrack has never sounded more powerful, and it is used impeccably to establish the unhinged tone of the story. There is never a moment where it comes close to overshadowing competing sounds, and it maintains a fine balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. There are not any significant instances of age-related wear and tear outside a couple of chaotic moments that are fleeting. Shout! Studios has knocked it out of the park, especially with the inclusion of the long-desired missing NIN song. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.
Special Features
Disc Two (Blu-Ray – Director’s Cut)
- Audio Commentary: Director/Co-writer Oliver Stone provides a gentle but informative commentary track in which he discusses the motivations behind various decisions, the aesthetic variances from moment to moment, the psychology of the characters, the reactions to the violence, the structure of the film, and much more. This track is also included on the 4K UHD disc.
- On Dawn’s Highway Bleeding – Editor Hank Corwin on Natural Born Killers: A new 12-minute interview with Corwin in which he reflects on how he became the lead editor of the film, the blessing placed on his testicles, learning on the job, the attempt to cut down the film for the MPAA, and much more.
- The Scream of the Butterfly – Producer Clayton Townsend on Natural Born Killers: A new 12-minute interview with Townsend in which he discusses his experiences with the project, the development of the style, the work of Oliver Stone, memories of the performers, and much more.
- A Bloody Pail of Nitro – Special Makeup Effects Artist Gordon J. Smith on Natural Born Killers: A new 11-minute interview with Smith in which he discusses working with Oliver Stone, what he learned from his experiences on this set, the lack of budget during some crucial scenes, and more.
- Wilderness of Pain – Cinematographer Robert Richardson on Natural Born Killers: A new 24-minute interview with Richardson in which he discusses his relationship with Oliver Stone, the personal issues that he was going through during this time, his initial thoughts about the script, the similarities and differences of working with various A-list filmmakers, the look of the film, and much more.
Disc Three (Blu-Ray – Theatrical Cut)
- Natural Born Killers – Method In The Madness: A 16-minute featurette in which the creative team discusses the creation of the film, how it was a reflection of this period in society, the style of the feature, how the film uses colors, and more.
- NBK Evolution – How Would It All Go Down Now? Documentary: A 22-minute piece that showcases the decay of culture that inspired the film, how the relationship the performers had with the film differed as a viewer, the reaction to the feature, how society has evolved since the movie, and more.
- Chaos Rising – The Storm Around Natural Born Killers Documentary: A 27-minute featurette in which the cast and creative team discuss the intentions of the film, what Oliver Stone saw in Woody Harrelson for this character, the stylized look of the characters, and more.
- Deleted Scenes: A 21-minute selection of unused footage is provided here in rough form which provides some interesting moments that were understandably cut for time. There is an option to watch these scenes with introductions by Oliver Stone.
- Alternate Ending with Introduction by Oliver Stone: A five-minute look at a different fate for the characters with insights from Stone.
- Theatrical Trailer: A two-minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Natural Born Killers is an unhinged American fable from Oliver Stone that captures the grisly apathy felt by a society that has been overstimulated. The journey is not always pleasant, but it is captivating in its depravity. Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis bring these characters to life flawlessly at every turn, and the ensemble that complements them is right in line with their talent. The unique style of the feature occasionally works against it, but by and large, it delivers an unforgettable experience. Shout! Studio has provided the film with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that boasts a terrific A/V presentation and an assortment of special features that are not to be missed. Even if you already own this one on Blu-Ray, you owe it to yourself to upgrade and see this film in the best presentation possible. Highly Recommended
Natural Born Killers (Collector’s Edition) is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Shout! Studios 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.