Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, Janine Turner and Ralph Waite star in this high-altitude avalanche of action: a non-stop adventure peak with suspense and capped with heart-quaking terror. For Rocky Mountain Rescue, the mission is almost routine: locate five climbers. With the woman he loves (Turner) and his best friend (Rooker), Gabe Walker (Stallone) braves the icy peaks only to discover that the distress call is really a trap set by merciless international terrorist Eric Qualen (Lithgow). Now millions of dollars and their own lives hang in the balance. Against explosive firepower, bitter cold, and dizzying heights, Walker must outwit Qualen in a deadly game of hide-and-seek.
For thoughts on Cliffhanger, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
The new 30th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Cliffhanger offers a stellar uptick in quality over the accompanying Blu-Ray from 2010 which looks a bit dated in comparison. The film was already released on 4K UHD Blu-Ray five years ago, but I have not had the pleasure of checking out that release. From my understanding, that release is known for being almost blindingly bright in its highlights with touches of DNR, but otherwise it is a solid presentation for the film. The only noticeable difference on the video side of things with this new release is the inclusion of Dolby Vision, which can potentially tidy up encode issues in addition to providing more depth to the colors and more stable contrast.
This 4K UHD disc offers a pretty good amount of natural film grain which resolves evenly and never fluctuates to create a swarming effect or anything of the sort. Unfortunately, the existing DNR that has been applied at distinct points throughout the presentation is still present, but by and large this release appears to retain its filmic qualities. The DNR does rob the picture of its natural texture when it does pop up, but it is miles away from a disaster like many titles seem to suffer. Throughout the majority of the film you are given great texture and detail within the landscapes and clothing thanks to this transfer. Skin tones look natural and consistent, and the clarity of the transfer gives you a formidable amount of subtle detail including some scrapes and facial hair on some of the cast members.
The handling of the contrast and color is a welcome development thanks to the implementation of Dolby Vision. As previously mentioned, the highlights were known to get extremely hot on the previous release, and it is fair to say that the white levels are still a force to be reckoned with. That being said, they appear to be dialed in for an experience that is a bit more nuanced and complex in terms of brightness. You do not really get into clipping or blooming territory with this new handling of the material. This translates to the natural, deep colors throughout, especially in elements of the costumes. Black levels are strong and allow the picture to provide a notable amount of depth and detail in darker environments. There is not much in the way of print damage or other such blemishes that would ruin the look of this title. While this is likely not a night and day difference from the previous release, this appears to be a nice refinement of the material.
Audio Quality
The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc brings back the previous Dolby Atmos track as well as the original DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track for the purists. The Atmos track is a monster which gives the kinetic soundscape a deeply immersive quality which enhances the viewing experience. The environmental effects are out in full force such as the sounds of wind cutting across the mountain, rocks tumbling or helicopters flying all around. The sounds up above really bring a lot to the experience with the audio placement allowing you to feel like a part of the action. Directionality is precise and never presents an issue when it comes to realizing the atmospheric effects. The low end effects from the subwoofer dig deep when the moment calls for it, especially during a pivotal explosion heading into the third act.
Dialogue radiates out clearly in the center channel, but activity extends into the surrounds, rears and overhead speakers when it comes to the score and environmental sounds to make the adventure feel more robust and dynamic. The score from Trevor Jones settles you into the experience with a momentous orchestral sound that keeps its fidelity. For those who choose to go with the original stereo track, you will be treated to an equally impressive presentation which captures the original artistic intent. There are no egregious flaws that would hamper your enjoyment of this one. Sony should be proud of their work here. The range of subtitle options Sony provides on this disc is unlikely to displease anyone.
Special Features
Sony has provided Cliffhanger with a sleek new SteelBook featuring artwork that is truly lovely in person. The front artwork is a depiction of Gabe hanging from a cliff with a helicopter in the background, and the rear features Gabe running from a helicopter across a mountaintop. The interior sports a photo of Gabe taunting the helicopter with the sack on money. Video of the SteelBook can be found at the top of this review.
4K UHD Blu-Ray
- Deleted Scenes: This disc provides 18 unused scenes totaling ten minutes which are mostly made up of little snippets that were cut out. These are new to this release and provide a fun extra value for longtime fans.
Blu-Ray
- Audio Commentary #1: Director Renny Harlin and Actor Sylvester Stallone provide a pretty flat but informative commentary track recorded separately in which they discuss the development of the film, the practical nature of some of the stunts, the shooting locations, the challenges during the production and more.
- Audio Commentary #2: The “Technical Crew” provides a commentary track including Editor Frank Urioste, Co-Visual Effects Supervisors Neil Krepela and John Bruno, and Production Designer John Vallone. These talented craftspeople basically take you to film school as the dig into the details of how this film came together from scene to scene.
- A Personal Introduction From Renny Harlin: A five-minute piece in which the director gives you the details on how this film came together, working with Stallone, working with the performers, the challenges during the shoot and more.
- Deleted Scenes: Two unused scenes are included with an introduction from Harlin totaling eight minutes. These scenes are in an unfinished form with discussions about what they would have been in their finished form including a major leap and an ice climb.
- Stallone On The Edge – The Making Of Cliffhanger: A 20-minute archival featurette which covers some of the same ground as the commentary tracks including an overview of the plot and characters, discussions of the dangerous stunts, the shooting locations, the direction of Renny Harlin and more.
- Special Effects: Two scenes totaling nearly eight minutes are analyzed to show the special effects work that went into making these scenes come to life.
- Storyboard Comparisons: Three scenes are examined totaling 12 minutes which shows how finished scenes compare to how they were imagined with storyboards.
- Original Theatrical Trailer: The two-minute trailer is provided with an optional introduction from Harlin about how it came together.
Final Thoughts
Cliffhanger is a prime example of an action movie executed with care and precision. The movie is not attempting to reinvent the wheel, but it knows how to establish stakes and execute set pieces with the best of them. The tension is palpable from the opening moments to the last, and Stallone makes for a capable leading man alongside a worthy ensemble. This movie is the definition of weekend fun. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a mighty A/V presentation and some great new and archival special features. Fans of the film will be delighted to have this one in a can’t-miss package. Highly Recommended
Cliffhanger 30th Anniversary Edition is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures 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.