Screen legend Paul Newman (Twilight) delivers a brilliant performance as Sully, an out-of-work, hard-headed and hard-working construction worker with bad knees and a worse attitude. When the son he walked out on, Dylan Wash (Betsy’s Wedding), shows up with his grandson, Sully is forced to deal with emotions he’d prefer to forget. Sully’s overbearing landlord, Jessica Tandy (Driving Miss Daisy), in one of her last performances, and his ex-boss’ wife, Melanie Griffith (Paradise), are the women in his life that get to see a bit of his softer side. But it’s the new relationship with his grandson that really gets to him. This touching slice-of-life story garnered Academy Award nominations for Newman and writer/director Robert Benton (Kramer vs. Kramer, Places in the Heart), and features Bruce Willis (Billy Bathgate), Pruitt Taylor Vince (China Moon), Gene Saks (A Thousand Clowns), Josef Sommer (Still of the Night), Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master) and Philip Bosco (Angie).
For thoughts on Nobody’s Fool, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
[youtube https://youtu.be/Y08eFDia-wI?t=3695]
Video Quality
Nobody’s Fool debuts on 4K UHD Blu-Ray courtesy of Kino Classics with a terrific 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer that has been remastered by Paramount Pictures 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, and this disc is also making a debut on that format. It is always exciting to have a DVD upgrade jump straight to 4K UHD, as the difference in quality is especially astounding. Judging from a cursory glance at the Blu-Ray, you will find there are some notable improvements with the 4K UHD Blu-Ray. If you are not 4K capable yet, you can spend a few more dollars to future-proof and still have the Blu-Ray in the meantime.
While this might not be a traditional film to expect in 4K UHD, the transfer really wows as it gets as close to perfection as we might hope with practically nothing in the way of softness or fluctuation. The Dolby Vision provides very natural, deep colors throughout including the hues of the clothing, production design and lighting choices. Black levels are terrifically deep and allow the image to maintain a substantial amount of depth and detail in the darker environments. White levels are brighter with more stability while avoiding instances of blooming. This is especially helpful with the abundance of pure white snow. The natural film grain remains intact while always resolving naturally free of splotches and swarming. You are treated to so much texture and detail within the transfer which makes the world feel alive. Skin tones are flawless, and the clarity of the transfer gives you a rich amount of facial detail. Kino Classics allows the film to look the best it ever has.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents the movie with both a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless track that brings this world to life effectively. Both of these tracks are formidable while maintaining their artistic integrity. The surround channels provide some added texture to the world as each location reveals little sonic details that make them come alive. Directionality of the sound is rendered with precision throughout with no thoughtless placement. The low end rarely packs a punch, but it adds some nice texture when necessary. The score establishes an inviting mood which radiates out with pleasing fidelity. Dialogue comes through clearly and plays well with competing elements. This audio presentation should be a more than satisfying experience for fans. There are optional English subtitles provided.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Filmmaker/Film Historian Jim Hemphill delivers a very informative commentary track in which he discusses various aspects of the production including the development of different scenes, the brutal shooting conditions, the visual aesthetic of the film, the background of the various cast members, the work of director Robert Benton, how it compares to the source material and much more that makes for a decent listen.
- Interview with Writer Richard Russo: A 23-minute conversation with Russo in which he discusses the personal elements he put into his novel, how the character evolved in his books after being portrayed by Newman, how the adaptation came to be, memories from the production, the ways in which Newman added new dimensions to the character and more.
- Interview with Actress Catherine Dent: A 16-minute conversation with Dent in which she discusses this film as her debut feature, the intimidating nature of working with such legends, how Paul Newman behaved on set, being directed by Robert Benton, the arc of her character, the legacy of the film and more.
- Trailers: There is a minute-long trailer provided for Nobody’s Fool. There are also trailers provided for Twilight, Still Of The Night, Billy Bathgate and The Ice Harvest.
Final Thoughts
Nobody’s Fool is the type of quirky and emotionally involving star-driven drama we rarely get from a major studio in the modern era. There are some choices that will have you chuckling with incredulity, but by and large audiences will be taken by the naked honesty of the narrative. Paul Newman is really great as you would rightly expect him to be, but the remainder of the ensemble adds a specific flavor to this small town which you really appreciate. This is not a particularly championed movie from the ‘90s, but it is one that should be sought out for lovers of this type of abandoned studio filmmaking. Kino Classics has given this one a 4K UHD Blu-Ray upgrade with a stunning A/V presentation and some new special features. Recommended
Nobody’s Fool will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Blu-Ray on December 27, 2022.
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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.