Critics and audiences worldwide hailed PULP FICTION as the star-studded movie that redefined cinema in the 20th century. Writer-director Quentin Tarantino delivers an unforgettable cast of characters— including a pair of low-rent hit men (John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson), a gangster’s wife (Uma Thurman), and a desperate prizefighter (Bruce Willis)—in a wildly entertaining and exhilarating adventure of violence and redemption.
For thoughts on Pulp Fiction, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Paramount Home Entertainment presents Pulp Fiction with a stunning 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer that easily annihilates any previous release of the film. The older Blu-Ray release from Lionsgate also included has never looked as good as it should, so it is exciting to see this one finally reach its potential. The Dolby Vision HDR really ups the ante, as it makes the color palette come alive while also finding all of the nuances within. The stylistic intention of Tarantino is rendered with precision as each setting looks more saturated and immediate than ever before. The interior of Jack Rabbit Slim’s is a particular treat, but other hues wow such as certain colors of cars, lighting choices or pieces of clothing. Skin tones look completely natural and detailed. White levels are more ambitious without veering into blooming. Black levels showcase a tremendous amount of depth and detail in darker environments.
There are thankfully no signs that any grain reduction has been applied, as you get a pretty lovely sheen that resolves well. The texture revealed in the very specific production design, within the costumes and in the makeup effects are much appreciated. Facial details such as bloody noses (or worse) and bruises present with unparalleled clarity. There is no damage to be found anywhere where this transfer is concerned. Detail and clarity is so improved that you will scarcely believe it. This film has never been treated with the most care in the HD age, so Paramount should be applauded for giving this one such a top tier presentation.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track which brings this layered story to life perfectly. The star of the show is Tarantino’s dialogue, and every word comes through with perfect precision so nothing ever gets stepped on with competing sounds. This is impressive considering there is a very complex soundscape which captures the nuanced sound design of the film with perfect fidelity. Environmental sounds are delineated effectively alongside everything else. The low end response is not knocking down walls, but it does pack a punch when it comes to gunfire and other healthy moments.
This track seems to be free of any majorly noticeable instances of age-related wear and tear to this one. The track features some engaging activity in the surround channels which makes the world feel three dimensional. The pivotal soundtrack is used perfectly to establish the tone of the story, and this track handles it without fail. There is never a moment where it threatens to overwhelm competing sounds, and it maintains a good balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. While not without its issues, Paramount has served this one well. There are optional English, Spanish and English SDH subtitles provided.
Special Features
This new release comes with an optional sleek new SteelBook that is quite fetching in person. The red glossy SteelBook features front artwork with Mia and Vincent dancing on a speedometer, and the rear features a burger, milkshake and juice box. The interior sports one panel each for Mia and Vincent doing the finger move over their eyes. Videos of the SteelBook can be found at the top of this review.
- Not The Usual Mindless Boring Getting To Know You Chit Chat: A 43-minute retrospective piece with many of the key talent including John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Eric Stoltz and Rosanna Arquette. In this piece they recount their first experiences with Tarantino, being cast in Pulp Fiction, the facets of their characters, memorable moments from the production, the premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the buzz surrounding the release of the film, its enduring legacy and more.
- Here Are Some Facts On The Fiction: A 21-minute roundtable featuring several critics, including Elvis Mitchell, Scott Foundas, Stephanie Zacharek, Tim Lucas and Andy Klein, discussing the film’s impact, their personal opinions on it as a work of art (positive and negative), their favorite moments and more.
- Enhanced Trivia Track: An option to watch the movie with a running text of trivia about the film.
- Pulp Fiction – The Facts: A 31-minute documentary mostly comprised of interviews around the turn of the century and on the set of the film in which creative figures like Tarantino, the producers, the special effects and various cast members discuss the background of the feature, the violence of the film, the development of the story, the reception of the film, and much more.
- Deleted Scenes: Five unused scenes and an introduction totaling 25 minutes in which Tarantino takes you through various scenes and why they were excised from the film. There are some good moments worth checking out for fans.
- Behind The Scenes Montages: Two behind-the-scenes videos totaling 11 minutes from the sequences at Jack Rabbit Slim’s and when Butch hits Marsellus.
- Production Design Featurette: A nearly seven-minute look at the unique aesthetic created for this film and how the vision lined up with what Tarantino wanted for this world.
- Siskel & Ebert “At The Movies” – The Tarantino Generation: A 16-minute vintage television piece in which the legendary critical duo explore the rapid ascent of Quentin Tarantino and his place in the entertainment landscape at that time.
- Independent Spirit Awards: A nearly 12-minute interview with Tarantino conducted by director Michael Moore from the Independent Spirit Awards with a drop-in from Samuel L. Jackson and producer Lawrence Bender.
- Cannes Film Festival – Palme D’Or Acceptance Speech: A nearly six-minute video in which Cannes jury president Clint Eastwood announces the win for the big prize followed by an excited acceptance speech from Tarantino.
- Charlie Rose Show: A 56-minute episode of the classic interview show featuring an extensive conversation with Tarantino that is not to be missed.
- Marketing Gallery
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- Theatrical Trailers: This disc includes the US Theatrical Trailer (2:35), UK Theatrical Trailer (1:04), French Theatrical Trailer (2:32), German Theatrical Trailer (2:34) and the Japanese Theatrical Trailer (2:17).
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- TV Spots: There are 13 TV Spots provided here.
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- Pulp Fiction Posters
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- Academy Award Campaign and Trade Ads
- Still Galleries: There are galleries provided for Behind The Scenes Photos, Special Photo Shoots, Production Stills, Location Scouting and Set Construction, Production Design and Logos, and Props & Memorabilia.
- Soundtrack Chapters: An option to jump to certain musical moments in the film.
Final Thoughts
Pulp Fiction is Tarantino coming to power and really proving himself to be an unstoppable creative force in modern culture. With just his second film, he created an American classic which stands tall among some of the best our country has ever delivered. Even if it is not my absolute favorite of his work, that says more about the high quality of his other work and nothing about any shortcomings here. The ensemble is used to perfection, and the ways in which this story flows into each chapter is a thing of beauty. Paramount Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray with a stunning A/V presentation and a fantastic array of legacy special features. If you are a fan of the film, this new release is a must-have. Highly Recommended
Pulp Fiction is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray in a Standard and SteelBook edition.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Paramount Home Entertainment 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.