DVD Corner

Stand By Me 4K UHD Steelbook Review

“Stand By Me” is one of the best Stephen King adaptations.  

Based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” 1986’s “Stand By Me” is told through the framework of an adult Gordie (a writer) who looks back on a childhood event in the 50’s. The primary story revolves around 4 kid friends (Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern) who learn about a dead body of a missing boy. The 4 decide to journey to find it together with the hopes of becoming local celebrities essentially. Throughout their adventure, the kids encounter close calls with a train, a gang led by Ace, leeches, and even work through some personal problems.

Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon, “Stand By Me” remains not only one of the best Stephen King adaptations, but one of the best coming-of-age films. It’s a poignant tale about friendship, nostalgia, and life and death that is only strengthened by strong characters that actually have genuine, authentic banter, jokes, and dialogue (even if some of it is not PC).

Of course, it takes a great cast to make great characters come to life. Luckily, this movie is stacked with talent that includes River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Dreyfuss, and John Cusack. River Phoenix (who truly could have been one of the great actors) steals the movie as Chris. Wil Wheaton was never better as Gordie. Really, everyone here is on point.

If I had one knock on the movie, it would be the gross pie-eating contest/barf sequence. It’s a bit too much to say the least. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K disc maintains the grain, provides sharper colors and highlights shooting location backdrops more.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos track does wonders here. The title track has never sounded better. 

Extras:
* 8 deleted and alternate scenes (on the 4K only).
* Picture-In-Picture commentary by Rob Reiner, Wil Wheaton and Corey Feldman.
* Solo commentary by Rob Reiner.
* “Walking The Tracks: The Summer Of Stand By Me”- Stephen King and the cast/crew talk about various aspects of the film from the casting to the themes.
* “Stand By Me” music video.
* Sony trailers.

December 4, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Coming-Of-Age Movie, Corey Feldman, River Phoenix, Stand By Me 4K Steelbook Review, Stephen King, Wil Wheaton