Carrey stars as Truman Burbank, a man whose life is a nonstop TV show. Truman doesn’t realize that his quaint hometown is a giant studio set run by a visionary creator (Ed Harris), that folks living and working there are Hollywood actors, and that even his incessantly bubbly wife (Laura Linney) is a contract player. Gradually, Truman gets wise, and his response leaves viewers laughing, crying, and cheering like few films ever have.
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Video Quality
The Truman Show makes its hotly anticipated 4K UHD Blu-Ray debut with a terrific 2160p/Dolby Vision transfer that easily blows the previous release out of the water. The previous Paramount Blu-Ray release from about 15 years ago, also included in this release for the special features, has always been considered one of the weaker discs on the format with an ancient master, lifeless appearance and DNR for days to complete the highly processed look. The new disc has been fully remastered using scans of the original negative and has been approved by director Peter Weir. Thankfully, this new 4K UHD Blu-Ray retains the natural film grain which reveals so much pleasing texture and detail within the transfer. For the first time on home entertainment, you can clearly see specific facets of the uncanny production design and landscapes that enhance the “reality” of Seahaven.
The clarity of the transfer gives you a great amount of facial detail, and thanks to this the performers appear more textured and natural than ever before. You will likewise be struck by the amount of depth on display which makes the experience feel so much more immediate and real. The application of Dolby Vision to this presentation is a major benefit. This community delivers very deep, nuanced colors throughout which unlocks more of the natural splendor of the visual canvas. The picture maintains an excellent amount of detail in darker environments and nighttime scenes. Black levels exercise a much greater depth and control than the anemic looking Blu-Ray release. Highlights are much more robust and stable without veering into blooming. Nearly all print damage has been eliminated for a problem free viewing experience. This transfer is a godsend for fans of this classic.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray gets an upgrade to Dolby Atmos which never sounds less than full-bodied and lovely. Dialogue comes through clearly without any sound effects or the score overwhelming important information. The highly effective score has never sounded better as it swells throughout the room with unbelievable fidelity. Since this is not an action-packed extravaganza, the Dolby Atmos track is not being pushed to the limits, but it brings great complexity to the world. The height channels are never carrying the full weight of the mix, but they often complement the audio experience quite favorably. Even more mundane scenes utilize distinct sounds that permeate the surrounds to provide some ambient details. All of the sounds in the new mix seem considerately placed so that nothing ever feels incorrectly positioned. The subwoofer digs deep when the scene calls for it, but it is not the star of the show. Paramount has delivered a great audio upgrade for this title.
Special Features
- How’s It Going To End? The Making of The Truman Show: A two part 42-minute archival featurette which takes a look at the origins of the idea for the narrative, the ways in which it was developed over many drafts, the decision to cast Jim Carrey against type, the direction of Peter Weir, fleshing out the backstories of the ensemble, the location shooting and much more that is very worthwhile.
- Faux Finishing – The Visual Effects of The Truman Show: A 13-minute archival featurette which discusses creating some of the big special effects moments, the model work and more.
- Deleted Scenes: Four unused scenes totaling 13 minutes are provided here in unfinished standard definition.
- Photo Gallery: A collection of stills and behind-the-scenes photos from the production.
- Trailers: This disc provides the Teaser Trailer (1:54) and the Theatrical Trailer (2:35).
- TV Spots: There are two spots totaling one minute provided here.
Final Thoughts
The Truman Show is the type of creative storytelling we crave from cinema. This journey is highly emotional and genuinely rewarding no matter how many times you have experienced it. Jim Carrey gives one of his most complex performances, handily proving he was more than just a goofball who could contort his face and do silly voices. The craft put into bringing this reality to life is at times astounding, especially considering the feat of production design, costumes, cinematography and more, all pulled together into a rewarding package by Peter Weir. This is pure movie magic. Paramount Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray which offers an A+ audio/visual presentation and its original legacy special features. If you are a fan of this one in the slightest, throw away your old ugly disc and get this one immediately. Highly Recommended
The Truman Show will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital on July 4, 2023.
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.