Nicolas Cage is Frank Pierce, a paramedic on the brink of madness. Patricia Arquette is the daughter of a man Frank tried to save. Together, they’ll need to confront the ghosts of the past to discover redemption among the living. The powerhouse supporting cast includes John Goodman, Ving Rhames, and Tom Sizemore.

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Video Quality

Paramount presents Bringing Out the Dead with a fantastic 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer that not only serves as the 4K UHD debut of the film, but also the HD debut since the included Blu-Ray disc marks the first time it has been available. With as long as fans have been waiting, we are glad Paramount jumped straight to 4K UHD instead of making them wait longer for the ultimate release. The transfer has been newly remastered from the original camera negative and reviewed by director Martin Scorsese, cinematographer Robert Richardson, and editor Thelma Schoonmaker. Any potential specks of damage have been eradicated. Detail and clarity are tremendous along with the natural film grain which thankfully remains intact. We did not notice any signs that significant grain reduction has been applied, as you get a fine sheen that resolves well.

This grain allows the texture to come through in the clothing, the dingy environments, and the makeup effects. Facial details such as blood, cuts, and bruises present with stark clarity. The Dolby Vision/HDR makes a worthwhile difference, even though this is far from a colorful spectacle. The stylistic intention of the picture is well represented as each decaying setting is at its optimal appearance. Skin tones look natural, although Cage’s character narratively is supposed to look rundown. Color saturation otherwise does not dip in any meaningful way. Highlights offer robust stability without veering into blooming, except when stylistically intentional. Black levels maintain an exceptional amount of depth and detail in numerous darker environments. Paramount should be commended for giving this one such grand video quality.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a new Dolby Atmos track which handles the material pretty well. There do not seem to be any lingering instances of age-related wear and tear to this one. A highlight of the listening experience is the Elmer Bernstein score that permeates the room with great fidelity. The Atmos experience benefits this in a number of ways, especially when it comes to making the world feel more immersive. The environmental effects are vital to getting into the headspace of our protagonist, and the sound of rain, sirens, and other chaotic elements barrel through the speakers with force.

The height channels expand this one out naturally without leaning into distracting gimmicks. The track captures the precise sound design of the film with perfect execution. The environmental sounds are distinguished effectively alongside everything else. The low end response makes a decent showing, but certain moments do not feel as substantial as they should. All elements maintain a fine balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. Paramount has given this film a solid audio presentation that serves the movie well. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.

Special Features

Filmmaker Focus – Martin Scorsese on Bringing Out The Dead: A new 12-minute interview with the legendary filmmaker who discusses first being exposed to the story, what drew him to the narrative, the themes on display, the adaption of Paul Schrader, working with Nicolas Cage, the stylistic flourishes of Robert Richardson, the reception of the film, and much more.

A Rumination on Salvation – Nicolas Cage on Bringing Out The Dead: A new nearly 15-minute interview with the actor who discusses his admiration for Scorsese, memorable interactions with Paul Schrader, how the film functions as a flipside to Taxi Driver, his unique acting sensibilities, what he was going through personally during the shoot, and more.

Cemetery Streets – Screenwriter Paul Schrader on Bringing Out The Dead: A new six-minute interview with the screenwriter who discusses his approach to adapting the material, his research into EMS work, the tension between himself and Scorsese in their last collaboration, and more.

City of Ghosts – Cinematographer Robert Richardson on Bringing Out The Dead: A new nearly 10-minute interview with the cinematographer in which he discusses why this film was a perfect fit for his style, the unique lighting of the film, shooting the iconic snow scene in reverse, and more.

On Set with Patricia Arquette: A six-minute archival interview with the actress in which she discusses her character, how the city impacts the story, the dynamics between the characters, and more.

On Set with John Goodman: A nearly six-minute archival interview with the actor in which he discusses the ideas behind the title, working with Martin Scorsese, preparing for the role, and more

On Set with Ving Rhames: A three-minute archival interview with the actor in which he discusses his respect for Martin Scorsese, the place of Black characters on film, and more.

On Set with Tom Sizemore: A three-minute archival interview with the actor in which he discusses the themes of the story, the qualities of his character, and more.

On Set with Marc Anthony: A five-minute archival interview with the actor in which he discusses the intimidating nature of taking on this role, trying to find the truth of his character, and more.

Exclusive Cast and Crew Interviews: An 11-minute collection of archival insights from the cast and creative team in which they discuss the nature of the film, the spiritual crisis of the character, the real-life inspiration for the narrative, and more.