DVD Corner

Rain Man 4K UHD Review

“Rain Man” remains an important and emotional film 35 years later.

“Rain Man” is a 1998 drama that revolves around collectible dealer Charlie Babbitt who is in a rut. He’s in desperate need of money for his business, he is quarreling with his girlfriend Susanna, and he receives news that his father has passed away. Charlie travels to Cincinnati for the funeral and learns that he has inherited his father’s car, but not the 3 million dollar estate which is going to an initially unknown trustee. Upon investigating who this trustee is, Charlie discovers that it’s Raymond- the autistic savant brother he never knew he had who resides at the Wallbrook institute. Hoping to get half the money, Charlie essentially kidnaps Raymond and hopes to bargain, but that plan backfires. Instead, he decides to head on the road with Raymond to L.A. where he will engage in a  custody battle. Along the way, Charlie learns more about his past and begins to bond with Raymond.

Director Barry Levinson had quite a run of films in the 80’s with “Diner,” “Good Morning Vietnam,” and arguably his most celebrated film “Rain Man.” Written by Ronald Bass and Bill Morrow (who based Raymond on autistic people he knew), “Rain Man” works for two primary reasons. First of all, the film was monumental in raising awareness and increasing research for Autism and eliminating stereotypes and stigmas surrounding it. That positive effect alone cements its place in cinema history. 

Secondly, it is the performances of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman that make “Rain Man” so rewarding. The story itself is a little wishy washy with the whole Charlie financial situation and Charlie essentially kidnapping his brother elements feeling a bit too forced. Character wise though, Cruise and Hoffman make the growing bond between the brothers work wonders. Should Raymond have been played by an actual autistic person? Probably, but Hoffman (who based his own performance on real autistic people) gives an unforgettable Oscar winning performance nonetheless. Tom Cruise doesn’t get the credit he deserves here as Charlie as he’s always overshadowed by Hoffman. He guides the narrative, he sells the connection between Raymond and Charlie, and he’s the heart and soul of the movie. Valeria Golino (who really should have had a much bigger career) also gives a very soulful and tender performance. 

Even when the story is a bit too convenient for its own good, Morrow and Bass make up for it with perfect dialogue. It’s the type of movie that you hear quoted all the time whether it be “K-Mart Sucks” or “I’m an excellent driver.”

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p In Dolby Vision. How does it look? The 4K disc contains a 2023 4K restoration with a 16-bit scan of the original camera negative. The image clarity is noticeably sharper particularly with exterior shots.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is adequate but it certainly will not wow anyone.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy with a new HD restoration.
* 3 commentary tracks. One by director Barry Levinson, one by writer Barry Morrow and one by writer Ronald Bass
* Original theatrical trailer.
* Extras On The Blu-ray- Deleted scene, “The Journey Of Rain Man” featurette and the inisghtful “Lifting The Fog: A Look At The Mysteries Of Autism” featurette.

June 7, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 80's Movies, autism, Dustin Hoffman, Rain Man 4K UHD Review, Tom Cruise