DVD Corner

A Simple Plan 4K UHD Review

“A Simple Plan” is one of Sam Raimi’s best films. 

Based on the novel by Scott B. Smith (who also wrote the screenplay), 1998’s “A Simple Plan” is a simple, but layered neo-noir. Hank (the main character of the story) makes an honest living in a small town to make ends meet. He works at a feed and grain mill, is married to a librarian (Sarah) and has a child on the way. While out with his dorky redneck brother (Jacob) and Jacob’s friend Lou, the 3 get in a small car accident due to a fox crossing the road. While looking for the fox, the 3 discover a crashed airplane containing a bag of 4.4 million dollars. After much deliberation, the 3 decide to keep the money unless someone comes searching for it. It is a decision everyone soon regrets as their greed, secrets, and trust issues tear them apart and even lead to murder, a police investigation, and an alleged FBI agent searching for the plane.

26 years later “A Simple Plan” remains a deeply underrated neo-noir. It’s an ominous and ultimately tragic morality yarn about trust, family, secrets, guilt, and greed. Seeing how these simple folk’s lives spiral out of control becomes downright devastating leading to an “all for naught” ending that makes the whole ordeal even more gut wrenching. 

Sam Raimi may be most well known for the Evil Dead and Spider-Man trilogies, but the director shows real range here with a very human crime story. It’s a shame Raimi doesn’t tell more stories outside of the horror and sci-fi genres like this as he’s clearly capable of exploring other genres.

The cast is excellent across the board. People often forget just how much of an extraordinary run Billy Bob Thornton had from 1996 to 2004. His performance as the lonely and simple Jacob is among his best work. It even went on to spawn a line of “Billy Bob Teeth” which were popular for a number of years. The late Bill Paxton also gave one of his finest performances as Harry whose entire life is upended by finding money. Bridget Fonda also shines as the calculating Sarah.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? This is a nice subtle 4K upgrade. The snowy exteriors look particularly noteworthy here.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA and 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is a tad bit soft but satisfactory (especially when it comes to Danny Elfman’s haunting score).

Extras:
* 2 commentary tracks. One by Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme and the other by Patrizia von Bradenstein and Justin Beahm
* Theatrical trailer
* On-Set Interviews with Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, Sam Raimi and James J. Jacks.
* Vintage 7 minute behind the scenes raw footage.
* “Of Ice And Men With Alar Kivilo”- A newly recorded interview with the cinematographer.
* “Standing Her Ground With Becky Ann Baker”- A new interview with the actress who played Nancy.
* “Dead Of Winter With Chelcie Ross”- Another new interview. This one is with the actor who played Sheriff Carl.

November 19, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 90's Movie, A Simple Plan 4K UHD Review, Arrow Video, Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, Neo-Noir, Sam Raimi